And he spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as the LORD commanded Moses.

EXODUS 40:19KJV
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Exodus 40:19 (KJV)

What does Exodus 40:19 mean?

Exodus 40:19 describes Moses setting up the tent over the tabernacle and placing its covering on top, following exactly what the LORD had instructed him to do. This verse shows Moses carefully assembling the sacred structure just as God had commanded.

In this scene, Moses is leading the Israelites in building the tabernacle, which will serve as the central place of worship during their journey through the wilderness. The verse highlights the detailed obedience to God’s instructions, with Moses spreading the tent (the outer layer) over the tabernacle (the main structure) and adding the covering above it, showing the care and precision involved in setting up this holy place.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 40:19

  • The word "abroad" is פָּרַשׂ (parash), which means to spread out or stretch. This emphasizes the action of carefully laying out the tent fabric over the structure.
  • "Tent" is אֹהֶל (ohel), referring to the outer layer or covering of the tabernacle, distinct from the inner sanctuary.
  • "Tabernacle" is מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan), meaning dwelling place, which refers to the main sanctuary where God's presence would reside.
  • "Covering" is מִכְסֶה (mikseh), which points to the protective outermost layer, often made of animal skins, placed above the tent for added protection.

Why Exodus 40:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Moses did not improvise but followed God’s instructions exactly, highlighting the importance of obedience in worship.
  • The detailed mention of each layer—the tent, the tabernacle, and the covering—shows the care and reverence given to God’s dwelling place among the people.
  • By describing the assembly step by step, Exodus 40:19 connects to the larger theme of God’s presence with Israel and the significance of the tabernacle as a carefully prepared meeting place between God and His people.

Where else these words appear

“covering” Hebrew H4372 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 8:13 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.
  • Exodus 36:19 And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that.
  • Numbers 4:10 And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put it upon a bar.

“abroad” Hebrew H6566 · used in 66 verses

  • Exodus 9:29 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S.
  • 2 Kings 19:14 And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.
  • Isaiah 33:23 Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.

“tabernacle” Hebrew H4908 · used in 129 verses

  • Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
  • Exodus 40:17 And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.
  • Numbers 16:9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?

“above” Hebrew H4605 · used in 134 verses

  • Genesis 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
  • Numbers 4:35 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation:
  • 2 Chronicles 16:12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.