Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Place the ark of the covenant law in it and shield the ark with the curtain. New Living Translation Place the Ark of the Covenant inside, and install the inner curtain to enclose the Ark within the Most Holy Place. English Standard Version And you shall put in it the ark of the testimony, and you shall screen the ark with the veil. Berean Standard Bible Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil. King James Bible And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. New King James Version You shall put in it the ark of the Testimony, and partition off the ark with the veil. New American Standard Bible You shall place the ark of the testimony there, and you shall screen off the ark with the veil. NASB 1995 “You shall place the ark of the testimony there, and you shall screen the ark with the veil. NASB 1977 “And you shall place the ark of the testimony there, and you shall screen the ark with the veil. Legacy Standard Bible You shall place the ark of the testimony there, and you shall screen the ark with the veil. Amplified Bible 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). Christian Standard Bible Put the ark of the testimony there and screen off the ark with the curtain. Holman Christian Standard Bible Put the ark of the testimony there and screen off the ark with the veil. American Standard Version And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and thou shalt screen the ark with the veil. Contemporary English Version and put the chest with the Ten Commandments behind the inside curtain. English Revised Version And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and thou shalt screen the ark with the veil. GOD'S WORD® Translation Place the ark containing the words of my promise inside it, and hang the canopy over the ark. Good News Translation Place in it the Covenant Box containing the Ten Commandments and put the curtain in front of it. International Standard Version You are to put the Ark of the Testimony there, and screen off the ark with the curtain. NET Bible You are to place the ark of the testimony in it and shield the ark with the special curtain. New Heart English Bible You shall put the ark of the testimony in it, and you shall veil the ark with the curtain. Webster's Bible Translation And thou shalt put in it the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BiblePut the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil. World English Bible You shall put the ark of the covenant in it, and you shall screen the ark with the veil. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand have set the Ark of the Testimony [in] there, and have covered over the Ark with the veil, Young's Literal Translation and hast set there the ark of the testimony, and hast covered over the ark with the vail, Smith's Literal Translation And put there the ark of the testimony, and cover over the ark with the vail. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd shalt put the ark in it, and shalt let down the veil before it: Catholic Public Domain Version and you shall place the ark in it, and you shall release the veil before it. New American Bible Put the ark of the covenant in it, and screen off the ark with the veil. New Revised Standard Version You shall put in it the ark of the covenant, and you shall screen the ark with the curtain. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd you shall put in it the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the veil. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And set there the Ark of the Testimony and cover the Ark with the curtain. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and thou shalt screen the ark with the veil. Brenton Septuagint Translation and thou shalt place in it the ark of the testimony, and shalt cover the ark with the veil, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Setting Up the Tabernacle…2“On the first day of the first month you are to set up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting. 3Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil. 4Then bring in the table and set out its arrangement; bring in the lampstand as well, and set up its lamps.… Cross References Hebrews 9:2-5 A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. / Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, / containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. ... Exodus 25:21-22 Set the mercy seat atop the ark and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark. / And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites. Leviticus 16:2 And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat. 1 Kings 8:6-8 Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim. / For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and overshadowed the ark and its poles. / The poles extended far enough that their ends were visible from the Holy Place in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are there to this day. 2 Chronicles 5:7-9 Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim. / For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and overshadowed the ark and its poles. / The poles of the ark extended far enough that their ends were visible from in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are there to this day. Numbers 4:5-6 Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the veil of the curtain, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it. / They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles. 1 Samuel 4:4 So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. Psalm 80:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” A Psalm of Asaph. Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth Psalm 99:1 The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake! Isaiah 37:16 “O LORD of Hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. Revelation 11:19 Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm. Matthew 27:51 At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, and the rocks were split. Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. Luke 23:45 The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Hebrews 6:19-20 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, / where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. Treasury of Scripture And you shall put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the veil. Exodus 40:20,21 And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark: … Exodus 25:10,22 And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof… Exodus 26:31,33,34 And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made: … Jump to Previous Ark Cover Covered Curtain Hanging Inside Law Screen Shield Testimony Therein Vail VeilJump to Next Ark Cover Covered Curtain Hanging Inside Law Screen Shield Testimony Therein Vail VeilExodus 40 1. The tabernacle is commanded to be reared, anointed, and consecrated13. Aaron and his sons to be sanctified 16. Moses performs all things accordingly 34. A cloud covers the tabernacle Put the ark of the Testimony in it The "ark of the Testimony" refers to the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, which were the core of God's covenant with Israel. The Ark symbolized God's presence and His covenant with His people. It was constructed according to specific instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25:10-22). The Ark was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, signifying its holiness and the divine presence. The term "Testimony" underscores the Ark's role as a witness to the covenant between God and Israel. Placing the Ark in the Tabernacle's Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) was crucial, as it was the focal point of God's dwelling among His people. The Ark prefigures Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God's presence and the fulfillment of the Law. and screen off the ark with the veil Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to guide them through the wilderness. Moses is responsible for setting up the Tabernacle as instructed by God. 2. The Ark of the Testimony A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel. It represents God's presence and His law. 3. The Tabernacle A portable sanctuary used by the Israelites as a place of worship during their journey in the wilderness. It was the dwelling place of God among His people. 4. The Veil A curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) in the Tabernacle. It symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin. 5. The Israelites The chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were on their journey to the Promised Land. Teaching Points The Presence of GodThe Ark of the Testimony signifies God's presence among His people. As believers, we are called to recognize and honor God's presence in our lives through worship and obedience. The Separation of Sin The veil represents the separation caused by sin. In Christ, this separation is removed, and we are invited into a direct relationship with God. The Importance of Obedience Moses' careful adherence to God's instructions for setting up the Tabernacle teaches us the importance of obedience to God's Word in our own lives. The Covenant Relationship The Ark as the holder of the Ten Commandments reminds us of the covenant relationship we have with God, which calls for faithfulness and commitment. The Role of Worship The Tabernacle was central to Israel's worship. Similarly, worship should be central in our lives, reflecting our reverence and love for God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 40:3?2. How does Exodus 40:3 emphasize the importance of following God's specific instructions? 3. What does "place the ark of the Testimony" reveal about God's presence among us? 4. How does Exodus 40:3 connect to the New Testament understanding of God's dwelling? 5. In what ways can we ensure God's presence is central in our lives today? 6. How can we apply the principle of obedience from Exodus 40:3 in daily life? 7. What is the significance of the Ark of the Testimony in Exodus 40:3? 8. How does Exodus 40:3 relate to the concept of God's presence among His people? 9. Why was the veil important in the context of Exodus 40:3? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 40? 11. What did the Ark of the Covenant contain? 12. Exodus 40:20-21 - How feasible is it that the ark and its contents remained intact through harsh wilderness conditions without any recorded damage? 13. How can Psalm 78:24's mention of manna as 'bread from heaven' be reconciled with scientific or archaeological data? 14. 2 Chronicles 5:10 - Why does this verse say only the tablets were in the Ark when Hebrews 9:4 mentions additional items, creating a seeming contradiction? What Does Exodus 40:3 Mean Put the ark of the Testimony in it“Put the ark of the Testimony in it” (Exodus 40:3). • God directs Moses to place the Ark, the physical chest that holds “the Testimony”—the stone tablets of the covenant—inside the newly erected Tabernacle (Exodus 25:16; Deuteronomy 10:1-2). • The Ark sits at the heart of Israel’s worship because it represents God’s throne on earth; above it, between the cherubim, the LORD promises to meet with His people (Exodus 25:22). • By positioning the Ark first, the LORD emphasizes that a relationship with Him is anchored in His revealed Word and covenant faithfulness (Psalm 132:8; Hebrews 9:4). • The instruction is concrete and historical, showing that God’s presence is not abstract but tangibly centered in the covenant community. and screen off the ark “and screen off the ark” (Exodus 40:3). • After placement, the Ark must be separated from ordinary view. Exodus 26:33 previously specified that the veil “will divide for you between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place.” • This screening highlights God’s holiness. Only the high priest may approach the Ark, and only once a year, underscoring the serious gap sin creates between humanity and a holy God (Leviticus 16:2; Hebrews 9:7). • The barrier also serves to protect Israel: unmediated exposure to God’s glory could bring judgment (1 Samuel 6:19). • Yet, even while veiled, the Ark’s presence anchors every act of worship in the sanctuary, reminding the people that true life flows from God’s holy presence just beyond the curtain (Numbers 7:89; Psalm 80:1). with the veil “with the veil” (Exodus 40:3). • The veil is a richly embroidered curtain hung on four golden pillars (Exodus 26:31-32). Its fabric imagery of cherubim visually recalls Eden, signaling that re-entry to God’s immediate presence remains guarded (Genesis 3:24). • The veil serves as both boundary and promise. While it limits access, it also anticipates a future opening when perfect atonement is made. That hope is fulfilled when “the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” at Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:19-20). • For believers, the torn veil means that through Christ’s blood, we now “draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22), experiencing the fellowship the Ark long foreshadowed. summary Exodus 40:3 records God’s precise, literal directions to Moses: place the Ark at the center of the Tabernacle and shield it with the veil. The command underscores three truths: God dwells among His people on the basis of His covenant Word; His holiness requires a protective separation; and the veil, while barring entry, points forward to the day when Christ would open the way into God’s presence for all who believe. (3) Thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony.--The most precious of the objects which the tabernacle was to contain was to be placed in it; first. Then immediately it was to be covered up with the vail.Verse 3. - The first thing to be placed within the tabernacle was the ark of the testimony, as containing the foundation of the covenant between God and Israel, and being the special token of God's presence with his people. See the comment on Exodus 25:10. The "two tables" were placed within the ark before it was brought into the tabernacle (vers. 20, 21). Cover the ark with the veil - i.e., "hang up the veil in front of the ark, so as to cover or conceal it."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Putוְשַׂמְתָּ֣ (wə·śam·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set the Ark אֲר֣וֹן (’ă·rō·wn) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 727: A chest, ark of the Testimony הָעֵד֑וּת (hā·‘ê·ḏūṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5715: Testimony in it שָׁ֔ם (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither and screen וְסַכֹּתָ֥ (wə·sak·kō·ṯā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5526: To entwine as a, screen, to fence in, cover over, protect off עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the ark הָאָרֹ֖ן (hā·’ā·rōn) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 727: A chest, ark with the veil. הַפָּרֹֽכֶת׃ (hap·pā·rō·ḵeṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 6532: A separatrix, screen Links Exodus 40:3 NIVExodus 40:3 NLT Exodus 40:3 ESV Exodus 40:3 NASB Exodus 40:3 KJV Exodus 40:3 BibleApps.com Exodus 40:3 Biblia Paralela Exodus 40:3 Chinese Bible Exodus 40:3 French Bible Exodus 40:3 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 40:3 You shall put the ark (Exo. Ex) |