Exodus 40:34
Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְכַ֥ס
covered
H3680
וַיְכַ֥ס
covered
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
הֶֽעָנָ֖ן
Then a cloud
H6051
הֶֽעָנָ֖ן
Then a cloud
Strong's:
H6051
Word #:
2 of 10
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
וּכְב֣וֹד
and the glory
H3519
וּכְב֣וֹד
and the glory
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מָלֵ֖א
filled
H4390
מָלֵ֖א
filled
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
8 of 10
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Revelation 15:8And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.2 Chronicles 7:2And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house.Exodus 14:24And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,Exodus 29:43And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory.Exodus 33:9And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses.Leviticus 16:2And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.Revelation 21:3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.Isaiah 6:4And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.2 Chronicles 5:13It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;Haggai 2:7And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.
Historical Context
The glory cloud's descent crowned nearly one year at Sinai (Exodus 19:1 to 40:17). This visible divine presence, guiding Israel's travels (v. 36-38), demonstrated God fulfilling covenant promises—He would be their God, dwelling among them (Exodus 6:7; 29:45). The cloud's covering and glory's filling were simultaneous, showing external and internal divine presence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's glory filling the tabernacle fulfill His Exodus purpose to dwell among His redeemed people?
- What does the progression—Sinai theophany, tabernacle glory, Solomon's temple, Christ's incarnation, Pentecost—reveal about God's dwelling purpose?
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Analysis & Commentary
THE CLIMAX: 'Then a cloud covered the tent...and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle' (וַיְכַס הֶעָנָן...וּכְבוֹד יְהוָה מָלֵא, vayekhas he'anan...ukhevod YHWH male). The cloud (עָנָן, anan) manifests divine presence (Exodus 13:21-22; 19:9; 24:15-18); the glory (כָּבוֹד, kavod, weighty, glorious presence) indicates God's full dwelling. The verb מָלֵא (male, filled) means filled completely—every space indwelt. This fulfills God's Exodus purpose: deliver Israel to dwell among them (Exodus 29:45-46). The glory's filling parallels Solomon's temple (1 Kings 8:10-11), Christ's incarnation (John 1:14, ἐσκήνωσεν, tabernacled), and Pentecost (Acts 2:2-4).