Exodus 40:28 (KJV)

What does Exodus 40:28 mean?

Exodus 40:28 describes how Moses set up a curtain, called the “hanging,” at the entrance to the tabernacle, marking off the holy space inside. This curtain acted as a barrier, separating the inside of the tabernacle from the outside area.

In this part of Exodus, Moses is following God’s instructions to assemble the tabernacle, which was a special tent where the Israelites worshiped during their journey in the wilderness. The verse highlights a specific step: putting up the entrance curtain, which was an important feature for keeping the tabernacle set apart as a sacred place.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 40:28

• The word for “hanging” is פָּרֹכֶת (parokhet), often understood as a special curtain or screen. In this verse, it refers to the fabric barrier at the tabernacle’s entrance, not the inner veil.
• The word for “door” is פֶּתַח (petach), meaning an opening or entrance. This shows that the curtain was not just decorative but marked the actual entryway.
• The word for “tabernacle” is מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan), meaning “dwelling place.” This emphasizes that the tabernacle was seen as the place where God’s presence dwelled among the people.

Why Exodus 40:28 matters

• Exodus 40:28 clarifies that the tabernacle was carefully set apart, with boundaries marked by curtains, to show respect for God’s presence.
• This verse connects to the larger instructions about how the tabernacle was to be assembled, showing Moses’ careful obedience to every detail God gave.
• Understanding the use of the “hanging” at the entrance helps explain how the tabernacle functioned as both accessible for worship and protected as a holy space.