Preface: Moses oversee the Tabernacle being set up. God fills the Tabernacle with His Shekinah Glory after it is all assembled. God continues to lead Israel, but the cloud (of water vapor or of fire) is over the Tabernacle, but when it moves, then Israel is to move.

The Bible Summary of Exodus 40 (in 140 characters or less): Moses set up the tabernacle and brought the ark into it, as the LORD had commanded. Then the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

There are many chapter commentaries on the book of Exodus. This will be the most extensive examination of Exodus 40, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text. Every attempt has been made to make this both a complete and self-contained study. Therefore, all references, vocabulary, and related concepts should be found within this extensive study. Easy access links to more in-depth studies of some vocabulary words, concepts and doctrines are also provided.

Outline of Chapter 40:

Introduction

         vv.     1–15         God's instructions to Moses concerning the erecting of the Tabernacle

         vv.    16–33         Moses assembles and raises the Tabernacle according to God’s instructions

         vv.    34–38         God's glory fills the Tabernacle

Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Quotations

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Exodus 40 (by various commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Exodus 40 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Exodus 40

         Introduction         The Prequel of Exodus 40

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Principals of Exodus 40

         Introduction         The Places of Exodus 40

         Introduction         Map of the Exodus Journey (a graphic)

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         Timeline for Exodus 40

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Exodus 40

         Introduction         Outlines of Exodus 40 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Exodus 40 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction         The Big Picture (Exodus 35–40)

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions (for Exodus 40)

         Introduction 

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         v.       2              The Physical Description of the Tabernacle

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         v.       3              Çâkak^e (a word study)

         v.       3              The Ark of the Covenant

         v.       4              The Table of Show-Bread

         v.       5              The Golden Altar of Incense

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         v.       6              The Brazen Altar

         v.       7              The Brazen Laver

         v.       8              The Outer Court

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         v.      13              A Full Description of the Garments of the Priesthood

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         v.      19              The Tabernacle (a cutaway graphic)

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         v.      32              Priest at the Bronze Laver (a graphic)

         v.      33              The Tabernacle and Courtyard (a graphic)

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         v.      35              The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle (a graphic)

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         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Exodus 40 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Exodus 40

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Exodus 40

         Summary            How the Articles of Furniture Are Arranged (a graphic)

         Summary            Shmoop Summary of Exodus 40

         Summary            Edersheim Summarizes Exodus 40

         Summary 

         Addendum          Josephus’ History of this Time Period

         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Exodus 40

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Exodus 40

         Addendum          Word Cloud from a Reasonably Literal Paraphrase of Exodus 40

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Exodus 40

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An Introduction to Exodus 40

I ntroduction: Exodus 40 is the final chapter of Exodus. In it, God instructs Moses as to the assemblage of the tabernacle (recall that the Hebrews would be traveling through the desert during this time and it would be taken down and set up several times throughout the next thirty-nine years). The remainder of the chapter will be the first time that the Hebrews, under the direction of Moses, erect the tabernacle. Once it is completed, God's glory fills it.

In the first half of Exodus 40, the Tabernacle and its furniture are all set up. This may seem repetitious, as we have studied: (1) God’s instructions for building the Tabernacle and its furniture and (2) the actual building of the Tabernacle and the furniture. However, the Tabernacle was not assembled at this point in Israel’s history. In this chapter, it is actually assembled, with the various pieces of furniture placed inside.

The are four articles of furniture inside of the Tabernacle: the Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand and the Incense Altar, all of which are set up in the main part of the tent (where the priests and Levites serve). The 4^th piece of furniture is placed within the Holy of Holies, a compartment at the back of the Tabernacle, with a veil between the two rooms. Only the High Priest went back into that room and only once a year.

Outside of the Tabernacle, but within the courtyard, there are 2 pieces of furniture: the deep basin and the Altar of Burnt Offering (sometimes called the Brazen Altar).

All of these articles of furniture speak of Jesus Christ, of His sacrifice on the cross, and of our way of salvation through the cross.

You will notice in this chapter that God tells Moses exactly what to do with everything; how to set it up and where everything goes. Again, this is something that we would expect to read if written close to the time that God spoke these words. Had this book been written hundreds of years later, little thought would have been given to where things go or that God told Moses to set everything up. That would have been simply accepted as having been done; or, covered in a singles verse: And then God told Moses to set everything up and to begin offering up sacrifices.

As I have pointed out many times in the past, had these books of Moses been written hundreds of years after the fact by unknown authors, then the repetitive nature of the last half of Exodus would make little sense. However, this makes perfect sense to have the instructions, followed by the assembly of the component parts of the Tabernacle, followed by the assembly of the Tabernacle and all of its furniture. If all of this is written about when everything is occurring, then we would expect the slight repetition which we have.

As in the most recent previous chapters, I tried not to add too much additional commentary, as this material has already been covered. At the same time, I did not want to leave out many details, so that this chapter could stand on its own with necessarily referencing other previous chapters.

We need to know where this chapter takes place.
The Places of Exodus 40
Place	Description
Mount Sinai Map of the Exodus Journey (a graphic); from Precept Austin (a good resource); accessed June 27, 2020.

Timeline for Exodus

As I have done previously, since this chapters is what God is saying to Moses, I will begin and end the chapter with quotation marks. I will not insert a new set of quotation marks for each new paragraph.

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God's Instructions to Moses Concerning the Erecting of the Tabernacle

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       Note: I compare the Hebrew text to English translations of the Latin, Syriac (= Aramaic) and Greek texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation; George Lamsa’s translation, and Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton’s translation as revised and edited by Paul W. Esposito, respectively. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.). I often use the text of the Complete Apostles’ Bible instead of Brenton’s translation, because it updates the English text.

The Septuagint was the earliest known translation of a book (circa 200 b.c.). Since this translation was made before the textual criticism had been developed into a science and because different books appear to be translated by different men, the Greek translation can sometimes be very uneven.

When there are serious disparities between my translation and Brenton’s (or the text of the Complete Apostles’ Bible), I look at the Greek text of the Septuagint (the LXX) to see if a substantive difference actually exists (and I reflect these changes in the English rendering of the Greek text). I use the Greek LXX with Strong’s numbers and morphology available for e-sword. The only problem with this resource (which is a problem for similar resources) is, there is no way to further explore Greek verbs which are not found in the New Testament. Although I usually quote the Complete Apostles’ Bible here, I have begun to make changes in the translation when their translation conflicts with the Greek and note what those changes are.

The Masoretic text is the Hebrew text with all of the vowels (vowel points) inserted (the original Hebrew text lacked vowels). We take the Masoretic text to be the text closest to the original. However, differences between the Masoretic text and the Greek, Latin and Syriac are worth noting and, once in a great while, represent a more accurate text possessed by those other ancient translators.

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The comparisons which I do are primarily between the English translations which are taken from the ancient tongues. For the most part, the variances are so minor that I rarely investigate them any further than that.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Bracketed portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls are words, letters and phrases lost in the scroll due to various types of damage. Underlined words or phrases are those in the Dead Sea Scrolls but not in the Masoretic text.

I will only list the translation from the Dead Sea Scrolls if it exists and if it is different from the Masoretic text.

The Targum of Onkelos is actually the Pentateuchal Targumim, which are The Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan Ben Uzziel. On the Pentateuch With The Fragments of the Jerusalem Targum From the Chaldee by J. W. Etheridge, M.A. From http://www.becomingjewish.org/texts/targum/onkelos_Exodus.html and first published in 1862.

Occasionally, there is an obvious error in the English translation, and I correct those without additional mention or footnoting. For instance, the online version of the Targum of Onkelos which I use has gorund in Ex. 4:9; I simply corrected the text. This may occur once or twice in a chapter.

I attempt to include translations which are different in their vocabulary and phrasing. On many occasions, I may include a translation which is not substantially different than another listed translation.

Most of the translations can be found here.

Ancient texts:

Masoretic Text (Hebrew)        And so spoke Y^ehowah unto Moses, to say, “In a day of the new moon, the first, in the first to the new moon, you will raise up a Tabernacle of a Tent of Assembly. And you have place there an Ark of the Testimony and you have fenced in over the Ark with a veil. And you have brought in the table and you have arranged his arrangement. And you have brought in the lampstand and you have caused to ascend her lamps.

Dead Sea Scrolls                   .

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: The first month, the first day of the month, thou shalt set up the tabernacle of the testimony, And shalt put the ark in it, and shalt let down the veil before it: And thou shalt bring in the table, and set upon it the things that are commanded according to the rite. The candlestick shall stand with its lamps,...

Aramaic ESV of Peshitta        Mar-Yah spoke to Mosha, saying, "On the first day of the first month you shall raise up the Tabernacle of the Tabernacle. You shall put the ark of the testimony in it, and you shall screen the ark with the veil. You shall bring in the table, and set in order the things that are on it. You shall bring in the menorah, and light its lamps.

Lamsa’s Peshitta (Syriac)     And LORD JEHOVAH said to Moshe, “In the first day of the first month erect the Time Tabernacle. And set there the Ark of the Testimony and cover the Ark with the curtain. And bring in the table and set up the curtains and bring the lamp stand and light its lamps.

Samaritan Pentateuch           And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the veil. And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. (Vv. 2–5)

Updated Brenton (Greek)       And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, On the first day of the first month, at the new moon, you shall set up the tabernacle of witness, and you shall place in it the ark of the testimony, and shall cover the ark with the veil, and you shall bring in the table and shall set forth that which is to be set forth on it; and you shall bring in the lampstand and place its lamps on it. [At this point, the Greek Bible is in synch with the Hebrew manuscripts.]

Significant differences: 

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             And the Lord said to Moses, On the first day of the first month you are to put up the House of the Tent of meeting.  And inside it put the ark of the law, hanging the veil before it.  And put the table inside, placing all the things on it in order; and put in the support for the lights, and let its lights be burning.

Easy English                          Moses puts up the tabernacle

Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘On the first day of the first month, put up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting. Put the Covenant Box in the tabernacle and hide it behind the special curtain. Bring in the special table and put the dishes on it. Then bring in the lampstand. Fix its lamps on it.

Easy-to-Read Version–2002  .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  Then the LORD said to Moses, "On the first day of the first month, set up the Holy Tent, that is, the Meeting Tent. Put the Box of the Agreement in the Holy Tent. Cover the Box with the curtain. Then bring in the table. Put the things on the table that should be there. Then put the lampstand in the Tent. Put the lamps on the lampstand in the right places.

God’s Word™                         Then the LORD said to Moses, "Set up the tent (the tent of meeting) on the first day of the first month of the year. Place the ark containing the words of my promise inside it, and hang the canopy over the ark. Bring in the table, and arrange everything on it. Bring in the lamp stand, and set up the lamps.

Good News Bible (TEV)         The LORD said to Moses, "On the first day of the first month set up the Tent of the LORD's presence. Place in it the Covenant Box containing the Ten Commandments and put the curtain in front of it. Bring in the table and place the equipment on it. Also bring in the lampstand and set up the lamps on it.

The Message                         “Moses Finished the Work”

God spoke to Moses: “On the first day of the first month, set up The Dwelling, the Tent of Meeting. Place the Chest of The Testimony in it and screen the Chest with the curtain.

“Bring in the Table and set it, arranging its Lampstand and lamps.

NIRV                                      Moses Sets Up the Holy Tent

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Set up the holy tent, the tent of meeting. Set it up on the first day of the first month. Place in it the ark where the tablets of the covenant law are kept. Hide the ark with the curtain. Bring in the table for the holy bread. Arrange the loaves of bread on it. Then bring in the lampstand. Set up its lamps.

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible             Exodus 40

Moses assembles the tent worship center

Setting up the worship center

The LORD told Moses, “I want you to set up the tent worship center on the first day of the new year. [1] Put the box [2] holding the Ten Commandments in the tent, in a separate room shielded behind a curtain. Then bring in the table and set up everything that goes with it. Set up the lampstand, with the lamps mounted on it.

¹40:2 This was sometime in March or April. The Israelites followed a lunar calendar, based on the cycles of the moon. The writer earlier called the first month of the new year Abib (Exodus 34:18), an older name of the month that became known as Nisan (March-April). In fact, the month is called Nisan in Exodus 12:2, where the feast of Passover is first discussed. Following a lunar calendar, every month starts at the first tiny crescent after the new moon. A new moon is when the moon is hidden behind earth’s shadow for one day. The sun, moon, and earth are aligned, with earth in the middle. Nisan is when Jews celebrate one of their most revered holidays: Passover. The month falls around Eastertime. Jesus went to Jerusalem to observe Passover when he was arrested and crucified.

²40:3 Better known as the Ark of the Covenant, Israel’s most sacred relic, kept in the Most Sacred Room in the tent worship center.

Contemporary English V.       The LORD said to Moses: Set up my tent on the first day of the year and put the chest with the Ten Commandments behind the inside curtain of the tent. Bring in the table and set on it those things that are made for it. Also bring in the lampstand and attach the lamps to it.

The Living Bible                     The Lord now said to Moses, “Put together the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month. In it place the Ark containing the Ten Commandments; and install the veil to enclose the Ark within the Holy of Holies. Then bring in the table and place the utensils on it, and bring in the lampstand and light the lamps.

New Berkeley Version           .

New Life Version                    Putting Up the Meeting Tent and Setting It Apart

The Lord said to Moses, “Set up the holy tent, the meeting tent, on the first day of the first month. Put the special box of the Law there. And hang the curtain in front of it. Bring in the table and set its objects on it. Bring in the lamp-stand and light its lamps.

New Living Translation           The Tabernacle Completed

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Set up the Tabernacle [Hebrew the Tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting; also in 40:6, 29.] on the first day of the new year. [Hebrew the first day of the first month. This day of the ancient Hebrew lunar calendar occurred in March or April.] Place the Ark of the Covenant [Or Ark of the Testimony; also in 40:5, 21.] inside, and install the inner curtain to enclose the Ark within the Most Holy Place. Then bring in the table, and arrange the utensils on it. And bring in the lampstand, and set up the lamps.

Unfolding Bible (simplified)    Then Yahweh said to Moses, "Next year, on the first day of the first month, tell the people to set up the sacred tent.  Put inside it the sacred chest that contains the stone slabs on which are engraved the Ten Commandments, and hang its curtain in front of it.  Bring the table into the sacred tent, and place on it all the things that they made for it. Then bring in the lampstand and set the lamps in it. [Notice that the UST adds the words, next year.]

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          Then the Lord told Moses:

‘On the first day of the first month (the New Moon), you must assemble the Tent of Proofs and put the Chest of Proofs inside it, behind the veil.

Then carry in the table and lay [the bread] upon it.

Also, bring in the lampstand and mount the lamps on it.

Beck’s American Translation .

Common English Bible           Moses sets up the dwelling

The Lord spoke to Moses: Set up the meeting tent dwelling on the first day of the first month. [March–April, Abib] Place the chest containing the covenant inside the dwelling. Hide the chest from view with the veil. Bring in the table and arrange its items. Bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       And now the Lord said to Moses, When the first day of the first month comes, set up the tabernacle that is to bear record of me, and put the ark in it, and screen the ark with the veil. Then bring in the table, and set out due offerings there; the lamp-stand, too, must be in its place, with lamps on it, and the golden altar upon which incense is burnt, there before the ark that bears record of me.

A portion of v. 5 is included for context.

Translation for Translators                                           They set up the Sacred Tent

Then Yahweh said to Moses/me, “On the first day of the first month next year, tell the people to set up the Sacred Tent. Put inside it the sacred chest that contains the stone slabs on which are engraved the Ten Commandments, and hang the curtain in front of it. Bring the table into the Sacred Tent, and place on it all the things that are to be used with it. Bring in the lampstand and fasten the lamps to it.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Ferrar-Fenton Bible                Command to Erect the Tent.

Then the EVER-LIVING spoke to Moses, saying:—"To-morrow is the first month. Upon the first of the month you shall set up the tent of the Hall of Assembly, and place there the Ark of Witnesses, and cover the ark with the veil. Then you shall bring the table, and arrange its appliances, and bring the Golden Lamp, and set up its reflectors; and place the golden altar of incense before the Ark of the Witnesses, and fix the skreen of the doors to the tabernacle. V. 5 is included for context.

International Standard V        The Lord’s Instructions for Setting up the Tent

The Lord spoke to Moses: “On the first day of the first month you are to set up the tent of the Tent of Meeting. You are to put the Ark of the Testimony there, and screen off the ark with the curtain. You are to bring in the table and properly arrange what goes on it. [Lit. arrange its arrangement] Then you are to bring in the lamp stand and set up its lamps.

Lexham English Bible            Completion of the Tabernacle

And Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, “On the first day of the month, you will set up the tabernacle of the tent of assembly. And you will put there the ark of the testimony, and you will cover over the ark with the curtain. [Or “veil the ark with the curtain”] And you will bring the table, and you will arrange its setting, and you will bring the lampstand, and you will set up its lamps.

Unfolding Bible Literal Text    Then Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, "On the first day of the first month of the new year you must set up the tabernacle, the tent of meeting.  You must place the ark of the testimony in it, and you must shield the ark with the curtain.  You must bring in the table and set in order the things that belong on it. Then you must bring in the lampstand and set up the lamps.

Urim-Thummim Version         YHWH spoke to Moses saying, On the 1st day of the 1st month will you set up the Tabernacle of the Tent at the Appointed Place. You will place in it the Ark of the Testimony and cover the Ark with the veil. You will bring in the table and set in order the things that are to be set in order on it and you will bring in the lamp stand and light the lamps.

Wikipedia Bible Project          And Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying: On the day of the first month, on the first of the month, raise the dwelling of the tent of events. And you put there the crate of the testimony, and you sheltered the crate with the cover. And you brought the table, and you set its settings, and you brought the menorah, and you lit up its lamps.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)  The sanctuary erected and consecrated

Yahweh spoke to Moses and said, “On the first day of the first month you are to erect the Holy Tent, the Tent of Meeting, and place the Ark of the Covenant in it, screening it with the veil. Bring in the lampstand, too, and set up its lamps.

The Heritage Bible                          And Jehovah spoke to Moses, saying,

On the first day of the first new moon you shall raise up the tabernacle of the tent of appointed meeting.

And you shall put there the ark of the testimony, and entwine the ark with the veil.

And you shall bring in the table, and arranging, you shall arrange everything; and you shall bring in the lampstand, and light its lamps.

New American Bible(2011)    Setting Up the Tabernacle.

Then the LORD said to Moses: ^a On the first day of the first month* you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting.^b Put the ark of the covenant in it, and screen off the ark with the veil.^c Bring in the table and set it. Then bring in the menorah and set up the lamps on it.

* [40:2] On the first day of the first month: almost a year after the departure of the Israelites from Egypt. Cf. v. 17.

a. [40:2–8] Ex 40:16–33.

b. [40:2] Ex 26:30.

c. [40:3–8] Ex 26:33–37.

The Catholic Bible                  God Commands Moses To Consecrate the Tabernacle and the Priests. Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said to him, “On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle, the meeting tent. Put the Ark of Testimony inside, and in front of the Ark hang the veil. Bring in the table and arrange its accessories. Then bring in the lampstand and put on its lamps.

NRSV (Anglicized Cath. Ed.) The Tabernacle Erected and Its Equipment Installed

The Lord spoke to Moses: On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. You shall put in it the ark of the covenant,[a] and you shall screen the ark with the curtain. You shall bring in the table, and arrange its setting; and you shall bring in the lampstand, and set up its lamps.

Revised English Bible–1989   THE LORD said to Moses: On the first day of the first month you are to set up the Tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting. Put the Ark of the Testimony in it and screen the Ark with the curtain. Bring in the table and lay it; then bring in the lampstand and mount its lamps.

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           (RY: vii, LY: v) Adonai said to Moshe, “On the first day of the first month, you are to set up the tabernacle, the tent of meeting. Put in it the ark for the testimony, and conceal the ark with the curtain. Bring in the table, and arrange its display. Bring in the menorah, and light its lamps.

Hebraic Roots Bible               And YAHWEH spoke to Moses, saying, On the first day of the month, on the first of the month, you shall raise up the tent of the tabernacle of the congregation. And you shall put there the ark of testimony. And you shall cover the ark with the veil. And you shall bring in the table and set in order its arrangement. And you shall bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps.

Kaplan Translation                 [155. Orders for Erecting the Tabernacle]

God spoke to Moses, saying:

On the first day of the first month,”' you shall erect the Communion Tent Tabernacle. Place the Ark of Testimony there, and shield the ark with the cloth partition. Bring in the table and set it up, and bring in the menorah and light its lamps. The Kaplan Translation, particularly in Exodus through Deuteronomy, takes note of historic rabbinic opinions.

40:1 On the first day ... 1 Nissan, almost a year after the Exodus. See 40:17.

The Scriptures 1998              And יהוה spoke to Mosheh, saying, “On the first day of the first month, you are to raise up the Dwelling Place of the Tent of Meeting, and shall put in it the ark of the Witness, and screen the ark with the veil.

“And you shall bring in the table and arrange what belongs on it, and bring in the lampstand and light its lamps.

The Scriptures–2009              And יהוה spoke to Mosheh, saying, “On the first day of the first new moon, you are to raise up the Dwelling Place of the Tent of Appointment, and shall put in it the ark of the Witness, and screen the ark with the veil. 

“And you shall bring in the table and arrange what belongs on it, and bring in the lampstand and light its lamps.

Tree of Life Version                Then Adonai spoke to Moses saying, “On the first day of the first month, you will set up the Tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting. You are to put the Ark of the Testimony there, and screen off the Ark with the curtain. Then bring in the table, and set in order the bread that is on it. Bring in the menorah and light its lamps.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Alpha & Omega Bible                      AND JESUS SPOKE TO MOSES, SAYING, “ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE FIRST MONTH, AT THE NEW MOON, YOU SHALL SET UP THE TABERNACLE OF WITNESS, AND YOU SHALL PLACE IN IT THE ARK OF THE TESTIMONY, AND SHALL COVER THE ARK WITH THE VEIL, AND YOU SHALL BRING IN THE TABLE AND SHALL SET FORTH THAT WHICH IS TO BE SET FORTH ON IT; AND YOU SHALL BRING IN THE LAMPSTAND AND PLACE ITS LAMPS ON IT.

Awful Scroll Bible                   Sustains To Become was to speak to Moses, to the intent:

On the first day of the first moon month, you was to erect the dwelling place, even the tent of the appointed place.

Even is you to have placed there the ark of the testimony, and is to have screened the ark with the veil.

You is to have brought in the table, and is to have set in order a setting in order of it. You is to have brought in the lampstand, and is to have stirred up its lamps.

Concordant Literal Version    Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying.

On the first day of the month, in month one, you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of appointment.

You will place there the coffer of the testimony and screen off the coffer with the curtain.

You will bring the table and arrange its array and bring the lampstand and set up its lamps.

exeGeses companion Bible   ERECTION OF THE TABERNACLE

And Yah Veh words to Mosheh, saying,

On the first day of the month, on the first month,

raise the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation:

and put therein the ark of the witness

and cover the ark with the veil:

and bring in the table and arrange its arrangement;

and bring in the menorah

and holocaust its lamps.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           And Hashem spoke unto Moshe, saying,

On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the Mishkan Ohel Mo'ed.

And thou shalt place therein the Aron HaEdut, and thou shalt cover so as to screen the Aron with the Parochet.

And thou shalt bring in the Shulchan, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the Menorah, and kindle the Nerot thereof..

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                The Tabernacle Erected

Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “On the first day of the first month (Abib) you shall set up the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting [of God with you]. You shall place the ark of the Testimony there, and you shall screen off the ark [from the Holy Place of God’s Presence] with the veil (partition curtain). You shall bring in the table [for the bread] and arrange its setting; you shall bring in the lampstand and mount and light its lamps.

The Expanded Bible              Setting Up the Holy Tent

Then the Lord said to Moses: “On the first day of the first month, set up the ·Holy Tent [Tabernacle], which is the Meeting Tent. Put the Ark of the ·Agreement [Covenant; Treaty; L Testimony; 25:10] in it and ·hang the curtain in front of the Ark [^L screen the Ark with a curtain]. Bring in the table [25:23–30] and arrange ·everything on the table that should be there [^L its setting]. Then bring in the ·lampstand [^L Menorah; 25:31–40] and set up its lamps.

Kretzmann’s Commentary    Verses 1-16

The Tabernacle Set Up

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the Tabernacle of the Tent of the Congregation. This was on the first of Nisan, or Abib, at the beginning of the second year after the children of Israel had left Egypt. The Tabernacle was to be in readiness for the first anniversary of the Passover Festival.

And thou shalt put therein the Ark of the Testimony, where the Decalog, the testimony of the Lord to the people, was deposited, and cover the ark with the veil, hide it from the eyes of the people by the heavy curtain which screened the Most Holy Place.

And thou shalt bring in the table of showbread, and set in order the things, literally, arrange the order, that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof.

The Voice                               Then the Eternal One instructed Moses.

Eternal One: When the first day of the first month arrives, erect the sanctuary of the congregation tent. Place the covenant chest in there—as a witness to our agreement—and screen it from sight with the veil. Move the table into place and arrange the utensils on it. Then move the lampstand into place and set up all its lamps.

Bible Translations with Many Footnotes:

The Complete Tanach           The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: "On the day of the first month, on the first of the month, you shall set up the Mishkan of the Tent of Meeting. There you shall place the Ark of the Testimony, and you shall spread the dividing curtain toward the ark.

You shall bring in the table and set its arrangement; you shall bring in the menorah and kindle its lamps.

NET Bible®                             Setting Up the Sanctuary

¹ Then the Lord spoke to Moses:² “On the first day of the first month you are to set up³ the tabernacle, the tent of meeting. You are to place the ark of the testimony in it and shield the ark with the special curtain. You are to bring in the table and set out the things that belong on it;⁴ then you are to bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps.

^1sn All of Exod 39:32-40:38 could be taken as a unit. The first section (39:32-43) shows that the Israelites had carefully and accurately completed the preparation and brought everything they had made to Moses: The work of the Lord builds on the faithful obedience of the people. In the second section are the instruction and the implementation (40:1-33): The work of the Lord progresses through the unifying of the work. The last part (40:34-38) may take the most attention: When the work was completed, the glory filled the tabernacle: By his glorious presence, the Lord blesses and directs his people in their worship.

^2tn Heb “and Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying.”

^3tn Heb “you will raise,” an imperfect of instruction.

^4tn Heb “and you will set in order its setting” or “arrange its arrangement.” See 25:29-30 for items that belonged on the table.

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. § 42. By express Divine Command the Holy Habitation is at length set upˎ and is filled with Yahweh’s Glory; yet not so as to deprive Israel of the Guiding Pillar of Cloud and Fire by Day and Night in all their Journeyings.

Then spake Yahwehˎ unto Mosesˎ saying— <On the first day of the month, in the first month> shalt thou rear the habitationˎ of the tent of meeting; and thou shalt put therein, the ark of the testimony,—and shalt screen the arkˎ with the veil^o; and thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order what is to be arranged thereupon,—and thou shalt bring in the lampstand, and mount^p the lamps thereof;...

^o Some cod. (w. Sam.and Jon.): “screen the ark and the propitiatory”—G.n.

^p “Put on”—Kalisch.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

Berean Study Bible                Then the LORD said to Moses,  “On the first day of the first month you are to set up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting.  Put the Ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil.  Then bring in the table and set out its arrangement; bring in the lampstand as well, and set up its lamps.

Brenner’s Mechanical Trans....and "YHWH ^{He Is}" spoke to "Mosheh ^{Plucked out}" saying, in the first new moon , (on) the (first) day of the new moon, you will make the dwelling of the tent of the appointed place rise, and you will place the box of the evidence there, and you will fence around the box (with) the tent curtain, and you will [bring] the table, and you will arrange his arrangement, and you will [bring] the lampstand, and you will [bring up] her lamps,...

Charles Thomson OT            Then the Lord spoke to Moses saying, On the first day of the first month it being then new moon, thou shalt rear up the tabernacle of the testimony and place therein the ark of the testimony and cover it with the veil. Then thou shalt carry in the table and set in order the service thereof. And thou shalt carry in the candlestick and place on it the lamps:...

Context Group Version          And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying, On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. And you shall put in it the ark of the testimony, and you shall screen the ark with the veil. And you shall bring in the table, and set in order the things that are on it; and you shall bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps.

Literal Standard Version        And YHWH speaks to Moses, saying, “On the first day of the month, in the first month, you raise up the Dwelling Place of the Tent of Meeting, and have set the Ark of the Testimony [in] there, and have covered over the Ark with the veil, and have brought in the table, and set its arrangement in order, and have brought in the lampstand, and caused its lamps to go up.

Modern Literal Version 2020  And Jehovah spoke to Moses, saying, On the first day of the first month you will raise up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. And you will put the ark of the testimony in it and you will screen the ark with the veil. And you will bring in the table and arrange the things that are upon it and you will bring in the lamp-stand and light the lamps of it.

New King James Version       The Tabernacle Erected and Arranged

Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. You shall put in it the ark of the Testimony, and partition [screen] off the ark with the veil. You shall bring in the table and arrange the things that are to be set in order on it; and you shall bring in the lampstand and [blight [set up] its lamps.

Young’s Updated LT             And Jehovah speaks unto Moses, saying, “On the first day of the month, in the first month, you will raise up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and have set there the ark of the testimony, and have covered over the ark with the vail, and hast brought in the table, and set its arrangement in order, and hast brought in the candlestick, and caused its lamps to go up.

The gist of this passage:     God describes when and how Moses will set up the Tabernacle and its furniture.

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