The hangings of the court, his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, his cords, and his pins, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation,

EXODUS 39:40KJV
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Exodus 39:40 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:40 mean?

Exodus 39:40 lists the specific parts and equipment used for the outer courtyard of the tabernacle, including the hangings, pillars, bases, gate curtain, ropes, pegs, and all the tools needed for the service of the tent where the Israelites gathered. This verse is part of a detailed inventory showing that everything God commanded for the tabernacle was made and prepared.

In context, Exodus 39 is a record of the Israelites completing the construction of the tabernacle under Moses’ supervision, following God’s instructions exactly. The verse highlights the care and completeness with which the people prepared every item needed for worship, emphasizing obedience and attention to detail in their relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:40

  • The word for "hangings" (קְלָעִים, qela‘im) refers to the woven curtains that formed the walls of the courtyard, marking off sacred space and providing a sense of enclosure.
  • "Pillars" (עַמּוּדִים, ‘ammudim) were the vertical supports for the hangings, showing the practical structure needed to hold the courtyard together.
  • "Sockets" (אַדְנֵי, adnei) were the bases or foundations for the pillars, emphasizing the stability and permanence of the structure.
  • "Vessels" (כְּלֵי, kelē) refers to all the tools and utensils used in the service of the tabernacle, highlighting the practical preparations for worship.

Why Exodus 39:40 matters

  • This verse helps clear up that the tabernacle was not just a tent but a carefully planned complex with many specific parts, each with a purpose.
  • By listing every item, the text stresses the Israelites’ thoroughness and faithfulness in following God’s instructions, which is a major theme in this section of Exodus.
  • The verse connects to the larger narrative by showing that the preparations for worship were complete, setting the stage for God’s presence to dwell among the people.

Where else these words appear

“cords” Hebrew H4340 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 35:18 The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords,
  • Numbers 3:37 And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords.
  • Psalms 21:12 Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them.

“pins” Hebrew H3489 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 27:19 All the vessels of the tabernacle in all the service thereof, and all the pins thereof, and all the pins of the court, shall be of brass.
  • Deuteronomy 23:13 And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:
  • Isaiah 22:23 And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house.

“hangings” Hebrew H7050 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 27:9 And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:
  • Exodus 38:12 And for the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.
  • 1 Samuel 17:40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

“hanging” Hebrew H4539 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 26:36 And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.
  • Exodus 39:34 And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,
  • Numbers 3:26 And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.