Exodus 39:42 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:42 mean?

Exodus 39:42 states that the Israelites completed all the work for the tabernacle exactly as the LORD had commanded Moses. The verse highlights the careful obedience of the people in following every instruction given to Moses by God.

In this verse, the focus is on the Israelites’ role in building the tabernacle, the sacred tent where God would dwell among them. Moses had received detailed instructions from God, and here, the people are shown as faithfully carrying out those commands without deviation. This verse comes near the end of a long section describing the construction, emphasizing that everything was done just as God wanted.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:42

• LORD (יְהוָה / YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, used here to stress that the commands came directly from God, not from Moses or any human authority.
• Commanded (צָוָה / tsavah): This word means to order or instruct. Its use here underlines that the work was not done on human initiative, but in response to God’s specific directions.
• Made (עָשָׂה / asah): This verb means to make, do, or accomplish. It points to the actual carrying out of the work, not just planning or intending.
• Work (עֲבֹדָה / avodah): This word often means service or labor, and in this context, it refers to the skilled and dedicated effort put into building the tabernacle.

Why Exodus 39:42 matters

• The verse clears up any idea that the Israelites improvised or changed God’s instructions; it stresses their exact obedience.
• It connects to the larger narrative by showing the fulfillment of God’s commands, which is a major theme in the last chapters of Exodus.
• This verse sets up the inspection and approval by Moses in the next verse, highlighting the importance of faithfulness in carrying out sacred tasks.