Exodus 40:38

Authorized King James Version

For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּי֩

H3588

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

עֲנַ֨ן

H6051

For the cloud

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

יְהוָ֤ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

עַֽל

H5921

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

הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙

H4908

was upon 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

יוֹמָ֔ם

H3119

by day

daily

וְאֵ֕שׁ

H784

and fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לַ֖יְלָה

H3915

was on it by night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

#10

בּ֑וֹ

#11

לְעֵינֵ֥י

H5869

in the sight

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#12

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

בֵּֽית

H1004

of all the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#14

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#15

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

מַסְעֵיהֶֽם׃

H4550

throughout all their journeys

a departure (from striking the tents), i.e., march (not necessarily a single day's travel); by implication, a station (or point of departure)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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