King James Version

What Does Exodus 40:4 Mean?

Exodus 40:4 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. the things: Heb. the order thereof”

Exodus 40:4 · KJV

Context

2

On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.

3

And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail.

4

And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. the things: Heb. the order thereof

5

And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle.

6

And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.

Read Exodus 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The table and showbread 'set in order' (וְעָרַכְתָּ אֶת־עֶרְכּוֹ, ve'arakhta et-erkho, arrange its arrangement) plus the candlestick with lamps 'set up' (וְהַעֲלִיתָ, veha'alita, cause to ascend/light) establish worship order. The Hebrew עָרַךְ (arakh, to arrange) emphasizes pattern and sequence—God's worship follows design, not improvisation. The bread (provision) and light (illumination) symbolize Christ who feeds (John 6:35) and illuminates (John 8:12) His people. The command's precision teaches that New Testament worship, though not ceremonially bound, still requires biblical order (1 Corinthians 14:40).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The table stood on the north side of the Holy Place, the lampstand on the south (Exodus 26:35), creating symmetrical design. The showbread's weekly replacement and lamps' daily tending established rhythms of priestly service. This ordered approach to worship contrasted with pagan religions' chaotic, ecstatic practices.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'set in order' worship challenge contemporary casual or chaotic approaches to corporate worship?
  2. What does the table and lampstand providing nourishment and light teach about the church's sustaining ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְהֵֽבֵאתָ֙1 of 12

“And thou shalt bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 12
H853

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

הַשֻּׁלְחָ֔ן3 of 12

“in the table”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

וְעָֽרַכְתָּ֖4 of 12

“and set in order”

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

אֶת5 of 12
H853

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

עֶרְכּ֑וֹ6 of 12

“the things that are to be set in order”

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

וְהֵֽבֵאתָ֙7 of 12

“And thou shalt bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת8 of 12
H853

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

הַמְּנֹרָ֔ה9 of 12

“in the candlestick”

H4501

a chandelier

וְהַֽעֲלֵיתָ֖10 of 12

“and light”

H5927

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

אֶת11 of 12
H853

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

נֵֽרֹתֶֽיהָ׃12 of 12

“the lamps”

H5216

a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)

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 40:4 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 40:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 24:8Exodus 25:23-39Exodus 40:22-25Exodus 37:10-24Exodus 26:35-36Leviticus 24:5-6

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 40 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Exodus 40 with CommentaryAll Exodus ChaptersComplete Exodus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes