And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work.

EXODUS 40:33KJV
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Exodus 40:33 (KJV)

What does Exodus 40:33 mean?

Exodus 40:33 describes how Moses completed the construction of the tabernacle by setting up the outer courtyard, arranging the altar, and hanging the curtain at the entrance. This verse marks the final step in building the tabernacle, showing that Moses finished all the work as God had commanded.

In this scene, Moses is leading the Israelites in the wilderness, following God’s detailed instructions for building a portable sanctuary—the tabernacle. The verse highlights the completion of the entire project, with Moses personally overseeing the setup of the courtyard and its entrance. This moment signals that everything is now ready for worship and for God’s presence to dwell among the people.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 40:33

  • The word for "court" (חָצֵר, ḥatser) refers to the open area surrounding the tabernacle and altar, marking the sacred space set apart from the rest of the camp.
  • "Hanging" (מָסָךְ, masakh) means a screen or curtain, in this case the fabric covering the entrance to the courtyard, which provided both privacy and a sense of reverence.
  • "Finished" (כָּלָה, kalah) carries the sense of bringing something to completion or fulfillment, emphasizing that Moses did not leave any part of the work undone.

Why Exodus 40:33 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Moses completed every detail of God’s instructions, not just the main structure but also the surrounding courtyard and entrance.
  • Exodus 40:33 connects to the larger narrative by showing the transition from building to worship; after this, God’s presence visibly fills the tabernacle.
  • The verse underscores Moses’ obedience and thoroughness, highlighting that the tabernacle was not a human invention but a faithful response to God’s command.

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?

“work” Hebrew H4399 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Numbers 29:1 And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:13 So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.