Exodus 40:21
And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the vail of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבֵ֣א
And he brought
H935
וַיָּבֵ֣א
And he brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 18
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמִּשְׁכָּן֒
into the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּן֒
into the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
5 of 18
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
וַיָּ֗שֶׂם
and set up
H7760
וַיָּ֗שֶׂם
and set up
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
6 of 18
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיָּ֕סֶךְ
and covered
H5526
וַיָּ֕סֶךְ
and covered
Strong's:
H5526
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, to entwine as a screen; by implication, to fence in, cover over, (figuratively) protect
עַ֖ל
H5921
עַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
16 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Exodus 26:33And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.Exodus 40:3And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail.Exodus 35:12The ark, and the staves thereof, with the mercy seat, and the vail of the covering,
Historical Context
The veil, elaborately woven with cherubim (Exodus 26:31), was thick enough to prevent accidental viewing of the ark. Its durability meant the high priest's body torn when dragged through if God struck him dead—hence Rabbinic tradition (unbiblical) of a rope tied to his ankle. The veil's function taught that casual approach to God meant death.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the veil's thick barrier teach the gravity of sin separating humanity from God?
- What does Christ's torn veil-body providing permanent access reveal about His sufficient sacrifice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The veil (פָּרֹכֶת, parokhet) screening the ark creates the Most Holy Place (קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים, qodesh haQodashim, Holy of Holies), separating God's immediate presence from sinful humanity. The verb סָכַךְ (sakhakh, covered/screened) emphasizes protective barrier—sin cannot approach holiness without mediation. Only the high priest entered, once yearly with blood (Leviticus 16), prefiguring Christ's entry 'once for all' (Hebrews 9:12, ἐφάπαξ). The veil's tearing at Christ's death (Matthew 27:51) opened permanent access through His torn body (Hebrews 10:19-20).