Exodus 40 8

Exodus 40:8 kjv

And thou shalt set up the court round about, and hang up the hanging at the court gate.

Exodus 40:8 nkjv

You shall set up the court all around, and hang up the screen at the court gate.

Exodus 40:8 niv

Set up the courtyard around it and put the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard.

Exodus 40:8 esv

And you shall set up the court all around, and hang up the screen for the gate of the court.

Exodus 40:8 nlt

Then set up the courtyard around the outside of the tent, and hang the curtain for the courtyard entrance.

Exodus 40 verses

Exodus 40 8 Meaning

Exodus 40:8 describes the final instruction for assembling the Tabernacle complex: setting up the outer court structure and hanging its entrance screen. This completed the physical arrangement for the Israelites to encounter the Holy God according to His divine design, signifying the establishment of a sacred, yet accessible, space for worship and fellowship. It demarcated a holy precinct, allowing for organized gathering while strictly controlling entry to the holiest parts.

Exodus 40 8 Context

Exodus 40 concludes the book of Exodus, providing the climax to the Tabernacle narrative. Following detailed instructions for its construction (Exo 25-31) and the report of its careful fabrication (Exo 35-39), this chapter describes Moses' faithful execution of God's commands to set up each component. Verse 8 is part of the final phase of assembly, bringing the entire complex together—the Tent of Meeting, its furnishings, and the encompassing outer court—all in preparation for the filling of the Tabernacle with God's glory. Historically, this event signifies the very first dwelling place of God among His people on earth, a mobile sanctuary signifying His portable presence during their wilderness journey.

Exodus 40 8 Word analysis

• And you shall set up (וְהַקֵּמְתָּ – v’haqemta): From the root קום (qum), meaning "to rise," "to stand," or "to establish." The Hiphil conjugation with the vav conjunctive (indicating a sequential action) implies a directive to cause to stand, to establish firmly, or erect. This isn't just a temporary placement but a proper, divinely ordained erection according to the precise plan. It reflects authority and obedience in constructing God's dwelling.
• the court (אֶת-הֶחָצֵר – et-heḥatzér): "The court," explicitly the outer enclosure. The definite article "he-" (ה) specifies this particular, unique court, understood to be the primary assembly area for the Israelites. This space was defined by linen hangings on pillars, marking a consecrated area surrounding the Tabernacle tent itself, distinct from the inner Holy Place and Most Holy Place. It symbolized the bounds of divine holiness and accessibility.
• all around (סָבִיב – saviv): Meaning "round about," "surrounding," or "on every side." This adverb emphasizes the complete enclosure provided by the court structure. It creates a clear boundary, separating the holy dwelling from the profane camp, underscoring the ordered and segregated nature of God's dwelling and the precise path for approach.
• and hang up (וְהִקְמֵתָּ – v'hiqmétâ): Identical to "and you shall set up," indicating the action of firmly establishing or raising up. Here, applied to the "screen," it implies not merely hanging but ensuring it is properly affixed and positioned to function as a gate. The repetition emphasizes the diligent, systematic completion.
• the screen (אֶת-מָסָךְ – et-masach): A "curtain" or "veil," specifically the elaborate entrance hanging for the court gate. Unlike the linen hangings around the court, this screen was colorful and decorative, signifying the sole and divinely appointed entrance into the court. It symbolized restricted but divinely sanctioned access, providing both a boundary and the only way in.
• for the gate (שַׁעַר – sha'ar): "Gate" or "entrance." This word denotes the singular, designated point of access to the outer court. There was only one gate for entry into the sacred complex, emphasizing the uniqueness and specificity of the path to God.

Words-group analysis:

• set up the court all around: This phrase highlights the enclosure of the entire Tabernacle area, establishing the boundary between sacred and common space. It reinforces the holiness of God's presence, accessible only within defined, consecrated parameters.
• hang up the screen for the gate of the court: This points to the controlled access point. The screen, distinct from the surrounding linen walls, was the specific entry, signaling that access to God's dwelling was not indiscriminate but ordained and specific, foreshadowing Christ as the exclusive "gate" or "way."

Exodus 40 8 Bonus section

The precise measurements and instructions for the court (detailed in Exod 27 and 38) underscore God's nature as a God of order, not chaos. The uniform height of the court hangings (5 cubits or approximately 7.5 feet) obscured the interior of the Tabernacle tent from public view, adding to its sacred mystery and limiting casual access, enhancing reverence. This outer court also served a vital practical function, containing the Bronze Altar and the Bronze Laver, the initial points of approach for cleansing and sacrifice, ensuring that all who entered to worship first encountered the means of atonement and purification before drawing closer to the Divine Presence. This entire structure was portable, emphasizing God's readiness to journey with His people, even in the wilderness, establishing His presence not as fixed to a particular land, but with His chosen community.

Exodus 40 8 Commentary

Exodus 40:8 culminates the physical construction of God's dwelling, establishing the final boundary—the outer court—and its single entrance point. This instruction signifies the completion of the Tabernacle as a visible testimony of God's presence among His people, reinforcing principles of order, holiness, and divinely appointed access. The court, accessible to all clean Israelites, provided a buffer, maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle proper while still allowing the community to gather within a hallowed space for worship and offering sacrifices. The distinct gate, guarded by the colorful screen, communicated that entry was neither universal nor automatic, but by God's provision. This orderly setup contrasted sharply with pagan worship, where sacred spaces were often open or less defined, highlighting YHWH's absolute sovereignty and the specific manner by which He chooses to be approached. The precise obedience to these detailed commands, reiterated throughout the Tabernacle narrative, underscored the gravity of sacred worship and prefigured the ultimate access granted through Christ's atoning work, opening a "new and living way" into God's presence, transcending the former boundaries of the Tabernacle's gates and veils.