King James Version

What Does Exodus 40:29 Mean?

Exodus 40:29 in the King James Version says “And he put the altar of burnt offering by the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation, and offered upon i...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 40:29 · KJV

Context

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.

31

And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat:

Read Exodus 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bronze altar's placement 'by the door of the tabernacle' ensures that sacrifice precedes all worship. The phrase 'burnt the burnt offering and the meat offering' (וַיַּעַל עָלָיו אֶת־הָעֹלָה, vaya'al alav et-haOlah, caused to ascend upon it the burnt offering) emphasizes upward motion—sacrifice ascends to God. The burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah, that which ascends) symbolizes complete consecration; the meat offering (מִנְחָה, minchah, grain offering) represents thanksgiving. The 7th 'as the LORD commanded Moses' approaches covenant perfection (seven = complete). Christ's sacrifice, once offered, satisfies completely (Hebrews 10:10, 12, 14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The burnt offering, entirely consumed by fire (Leviticus 1), symbolized complete dedication to God—nothing held back. The grain offering (Leviticus 2) accompanied it, representing gratitude and fellowship. The bronze altar's size (7.5 feet square, 4.5 feet high) enabled multiple simultaneous offerings during festivals.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the bronze altar's position (first/before entry) teach that atonement is worship's foundation?
  2. What does Christ's once-for-all sacrifice replacing continual offerings reveal about His sufficient atonement?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְאֵת֙1 of 19
H853

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

מִזְבַּ֣ח2 of 19

“the altar”

H4196

an altar

הָֽעֹלָה֙3 of 19

“of burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

שָׂ֕ם4 of 19

“And he put”

H7760

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

פֶּ֖תַח5 of 19

“by the door”

H6607

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

מִשְׁכַּ֣ן6 of 19

“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

אֹֽהֶל7 of 19

“of the tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֑ד8 of 19

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

וַיַּ֣עַל9 of 19

“and offered”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עָלָ֗יו10 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֶת11 of 19
H853

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

הָֽעֹלָה֙12 of 19

“of burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וְאֶת13 of 19
H853

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

הַמִּנְחָ֔ה14 of 19

“and the meat offering”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר15 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֥ה16 of 19

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֖ה17 of 19

“as the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת18 of 19
H853

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

מֹשֶֽׁה׃19 of 19

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

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 40:29 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 40:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 40:6Hebrews 13:5-6Exodus 38:1-7Exodus 27:1-8Romans 3:24-26Hebrews 13:10

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