King James Version

What Does Exodus 40:5 Mean?

Exodus 40:5 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 40:5 · KJV


Context

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.

7

And thou shalt set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and shalt put water therein.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The golden incense altar 'before the ark' (לִפְנֵי אֲרוֹן, lifnei aron) positioned prayer closest to God's presence (though separated by the veil). The 'hanging for the door' (מָסַךְ הַפֶּתַח, masakh haPetach, screen of entrance) separated the Holy Place from the courtyard, creating graduated holiness—courtyard, Holy Place, Most Holy Place. This teaches that approaching God involves increasing consecration. The incense altar's position teaches that prayer brings believers nearest to God. Christ, our Intercessor (Hebrews 7:25), stands perpetually 'before the ark,' pleading our case.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The incense altar stood directly before the veil (Exodus 30:6), closer to the ark than any other furniture. When the high priest burned incense, its fragrant smoke filled the Holy Place and penetrated the veil into the Most Holy Place. The door's hanging screened the Holy Place from common view.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the incense altar's position (closest to God's presence) teach about prayer's supreme importance?
  2. How do graduated holiness zones illustrate the believer's progressive sanctification?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְנָֽתַתָּ֞ה1 of 13

And thou shalt set

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת2 of 13
H853

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

מִזְבַּ֤ח3 of 13

the altar

H4196

an altar

הַזָּהָב֙4 of 13

of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

לִקְטֹ֔רֶת5 of 13

for the incense

H7004

a fumigation

לִפְנֵ֖י6 of 13

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֲר֣וֹן7 of 13

the ark

H727

a box

הָֽעֵדֻ֑ת8 of 13

of the testimony

H5715

testimony

וְשַׂמְתָּ֛9 of 13

and put

H7760

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

אֶת10 of 13
H853

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

מָסַ֥ךְ11 of 13

the hanging

H4539

a cover, i.e., veil

הַפֶּ֖תַח12 of 13

of the door

H6607

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

לַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃13 of 13

to 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 40:5 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 40:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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