And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle.

EXODUS 40:28KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“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?