King James Version

What Does Exodus 40:28 Mean?

Exodus 40:28 in the King James Version says “And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle.

Exodus 40:28 · KJV


Context

26

And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the vail:

27

And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses.

28

And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle.

29

And he put the altar of burnt offering by the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation, and offered upon it the burnt offering and the meat offering; as the LORD commanded Moses.

30

And he set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and put water there, to wash withal.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The hanging (מָסָךְ, masakh, screen/curtain) at the tabernacle door separates the Holy Place from the courtyard, creating graduated holiness—courtyard (accessible to Israel), Holy Place (priests only), Most Holy Place (high priest alone, yearly). This progression teaches that approaching God involves increasing consecration. The door's hanging screened interior ministry from common view, teaching that some aspects of communion with God are private, not public display. Christ, the door (John 10:9), provides access while maintaining appropriate reverence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The tabernacle door's hanging, embroidered like priestly garments (blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, Exodus 26:36), marked transition from outer courtyard to holy interior. Five pillars supported this screen (Exodus 26:37), contrasting with four pillars for the inner veil—possibly symbolizing human/earthly (5) versus divine/complete (4) spheres.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do graduated holiness zones illustrate that intimacy with God deepens through progressive consecration?
  2. What does Christ as the door providing access yet maintaining reverence teach about proper worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַיָּ֛שֶׂם1 of 5

And he set up

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אֶת2 of 5
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מָסַ֥ךְ3 of 5

the hanging

H4539

a cover, i.e., veil

הַפֶּ֖תַח4 of 5

at the door

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

לַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃5 of 5

of the tabernacle

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 40:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 40:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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