King James Version

What Does Exodus 40:6 Mean?

Exodus 40:6 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 40:6 · KJV


Context

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.

8

And thou shalt set up the court round about, and hang up the hanging at the court gate.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bronze altar of burnt offering 'before the door' (לִפְנֵי פֶּתַח, lifnei petach) establishes sacrifice as prerequisite for entry. Before accessing the Holy Place (prayer, fellowship, service), worshippers must pass the bronze altar (atonement). This sequence teaches the gospel order: justification precedes sanctification, forgiveness precedes fellowship, blood before blessing. The altar's bronze material, enduring fire's heat, symbolizes judgment borne. Christ, our sacrifice (Hebrews 9:26; 10:10), satisfied divine wrath, enabling access.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The bronze altar dominated the courtyard, its size (7.5 feet square, 4.5 feet high) and central position ensuring no one could ignore it. The continual burnt offering (morning and evening) meant smoke and aroma constantly ascended, visually teaching that atonement was Israel's perpetual need.

Reflection Questions

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְנָ֣תַתָּ֔ה1 of 9

And thou shalt set

H5414

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

אֵ֖ת2 of 9
H853

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

מִזְבַּ֣ח3 of 9

the altar

H4196

an altar

הָֽעֹלָ֑ה4 of 9

of the burnt offering

H5930

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

לִפְנֵ֕י5 of 9

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

פֶּ֖תַח6 of 9

the door

H6607

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

מִשְׁכַּ֥ן7 of 9

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

אֹֽהֶל8 of 9

of the tent

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵֽד׃9 of 9

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


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 40:6 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 40:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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