Exodus 40:35

Authorized King James Version

And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָכֹ֣ל

H3201

was not able

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

מֹשֶׁ֗ה

H4872

And Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לָבוֹא֙

H935

to enter

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֹ֣הֶל

H168

into the tent

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֔ד

H4150

of the congregation

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁכַ֥ן

H7931

abode

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

#10

עָלָ֖יו

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

הֶֽעָנָ֑ן

H6051

because the cloud

a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud

#12

וּכְב֣וֹד

H3519

thereon and the glory

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

#13

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#14

מָלֵ֖א

H4390

filled

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

#15

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃

H4908

the tabernacle

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing glory contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 40 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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