Exodus 26:33

KJV

And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy [place] and the most holy.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt hang up {H5414} the vail {H6532} under the taches {H7165}, that thou mayest bring {H935} in thither within {H1004} the vail {H6532} the ark {H727} of the testimony {H5715}: and the vail {H6532} shall divide {H914} unto you between the holy {H6944} place and the most {H6944} holy {H6944}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hang the curtain below the fasteners. Then bring the ark for the testimony inside the curtain; the curtain will be the divider for you between the Holy Place and the Especially Holy Place.

Berean Standard Bible

And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt hang up the veil under the clasps, and shalt bring in thither within the veil the ark of the testimony: and the veil shall separate unto you between the holy place and the most holy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 26:33 meticulously describes the placement and purpose of the veil within the Tabernacle, a critical component in the divine blueprint for Israel's portable sanctuary. This thick, ornate curtain served as a sacred barrier, precisely dividing the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Testimony resided. Its function was to underscore the absolute holiness of God and to regulate access to His immediate presence, symbolizing the profound spiritual separation between a holy God and sinful humanity under the Old Covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 26:33 is situated within a comprehensive block of divine instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, spanning from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle and Ark") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Bezalel and Oholiab Appointed"). Specifically, [Exodus 26](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - The Tabernacle and Its Curtains") details the precise architectural elements of the sanctuary itself, including its frames, sockets, coverings, and the internal curtains. The veil, described here, is the culminating interior division, establishing the most sacred space. Its placement is not arbitrary but is integral to the overall design, ensuring that the Ark of the Testimony—the very symbol of God's covenant presence—is properly sequestered in the Most Holy Place, emphasizing its unparalleled sanctity and the regulated approach to the divine. This verse, therefore, is a vital piece in the elaborate mosaic of God's dwelling among His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of these instructions, the Israelites were a nomadic people recently delivered from slavery in Egypt, journeying through the wilderness. God's command to build the Tabernacle (see [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Dwelling Among Israel")) provided a tangible, portable dwelling place for His presence among them, establishing a system of worship and atonement. In the ancient Near East, temples were common, but the Israelite Tabernacle stood apart due to its singular focus on one holy God and the meticulous, divinely ordained separation of sacred space. The veil itself was not merely a decorative curtain; [Exodus 26:31](/exodus/26-31 "Exodus 26:31 - Description of the Veil") describes it as being made of fine twined linen, blue, purple, and scarlet material, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. This rich, heavy fabric served as a substantial barrier, visually and physically reinforcing the concept of God's transcendent holiness and the limited access sinful humanity had to His unmediated presence. The very existence of such a barrier highlighted the unbridgeable chasm that sin created between humanity and a perfectly holy God, a chasm that would require a divine solution.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vail (Hebrew, _parokhet'_):** This specific term refers to the thick, ornate curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It was distinct from other curtains or hangings, signifying its unique and profound function as a barrier to God's immediate presence. Its construction with cherubim underscored its sacred, divinely appointed purpose.
* **Ark of the testimony (Hebrew, _'aron ha'edut'_):** This refers to the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments (the "testimony" or "witness"). It was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's covenant presence, His law, and His throne. Its placement behind the veil emphasized its supreme holiness and the sacredness of God's dwelling.
* **Most holy (Hebrew, _qodesh haqqodashim'_):** Literally "Holy of Holies," this term designates the innermost and most sacred chamber of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). It was the exclusive dwelling place of God's manifest presence (the Shekinah glory), accessible only to the High Priest, and then only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The superlative nature of the Hebrew phrase emphasizes the unparalleled sanctity of this space.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches":** This clause provides a precise architectural instruction for the veil's installation. "Taches" refers to the clasps or hooks that connected the various curtains of the Tabernacle's roof. This detail ensures the veil is securely and correctly positioned, forming a complete and impenetrable barrier that is integral to the structure.
* **"that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony":** This specifies the primary reason for the veil's placement: to enclose and consecrate the Ark of the Testimony. The Ark, representing God's very presence and covenant, required the highest degree of protection and separation from common access, underscoring its unparalleled sanctity and the reverence due to God.
* **"and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy [place] and the most holy":** This final clause explicitly states the veil's ultimate function: to create a clear, physical, and symbolic division. The "holy place" (the outer chamber where priests performed daily service) was distinct from the "most holy" (the inner sanctum). This division graphically illustrated the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, and the limited, highly regulated access to His immediate presence under the Old Covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 26:33 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the veil itself serving as a powerful symbol of divine separation, God's absolute holiness, and the barrier that human sin erects between humanity and God. The "Ark of the Testimony" likewise functions as a symbol of God's covenant presence and His throne. The verse also utilizes **Antithesis** or **Contrast** by explicitly distinguishing between the "holy place" and the "most holy," highlighting the graduated levels of sanctity within the Tabernacle and the strict hierarchy of access. The imperative language ("thou shalt hang," "thou mayest bring") throughout the Tabernacle instructions, including this verse, exemplifies **Divine Prescription**, underscoring God's meticulous design and absolute authority in establishing the means by which humanity could approach Him. Finally, the verse employs a form of **Metonymy**, where the "ark of the testimony" stands in for God's very presence and covenant relationship with Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 26:33 profoundly establishes the theme of divine separation and the unapproachable holiness of God. The veil, a physical barrier, served as a tangible representation of the spiritual chasm between a perfectly holy God and sinful humanity. It underscored that direct, unmediated access to God's immediate presence was impossible under the Old Covenant, except for the High Priest, and then only under specific, highly regulated conditions once a year. This separation was not arbitrary but a necessary consequence of God's purity in the face of human sin, teaching Israel the gravity of sin and the immense cost of atonement. The Tabernacle, with its veil, therefore, was a constant visual sermon on God's transcendence and the need for a divinely provided solution to the problem of sin and separation.

* [Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - High Priest's Restricted Access to the Most Holy Place")
* [Hebrews 9:8](/hebrews/9-8 "Hebrews 9:8 - The Holy Spirit Signifying Limited Access")
* [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Sin Separates from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed instructions for the veil in Exodus 26:33, while seemingly ancient architectural specifics, carry profound implications for believers today. What was once a thick, impenetrable barrier, limiting access to God's immediate presence to only one man, once a year, has been miraculously removed through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This verse reminds us of the immense privilege we now possess: direct, bold, and unhindered access to the very throne of God. We no longer need an earthly priest or a physical structure to mediate our relationship with the Father, for Christ Himself is our High Priest and the "new and living way" into the true Holy of Holies. This truth should inspire profound gratitude, confidence, and a deeper sense of intimacy in our prayer lives and worship. It calls us to live lives worthy of such a great privilege, recognizing that while the barrier of sin has been removed, the holiness of God remains, inviting us to approach Him with reverence and awe, yet also with the joyful assurance of His welcoming embrace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical function of the veil in the Tabernacle deepen your appreciation for the access to God you now have through Christ?**
* **In what ways does the concept of God's holiness, symbolized by the veil, influence your approach to worship and daily living?**
* **How can you more consistently and boldly "draw near to the throne of grace" in your personal prayer life, knowing the veil has been torn?**

### FAQ
**What was the "vail" made of?**

Answer: The "vail" (or curtain) was made of fine twined linen, and embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet material. It was skillfully woven with cherubim, indicating its divine significance and sacred purpose. This detailed description is found in [Exodus 26:31](/exodus/26-31 "Exodus 26:31 - Description of the Veil").

**Who was allowed to go behind the veil?**

Answer: Only the High Priest was permitted to enter behind the veil into the Most Holy Place, and then only once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). He would enter with the blood of sacrifices to make atonement for his own sins and the sins of the people. This strict regulation is detailed in [Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - High Priest's Access to the Most Holy Place") and the surrounding verses of [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement").

**What was the "ark of the testimony" that was placed behind the veil?**

Answer: The "ark of the testimony" is another name for the Ark of the Covenant. It was a sacred, gold-covered wooden chest that contained the two tablets of stone inscribed with the Ten Commandments (the "testimony"), a pot of manna, and Aaron's rod that budded. It served as the most sacred object in the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's covenant presence, His law, and His throne among His people. Instructions for its construction are found in [Exodus 25:10-22](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10-22 - Instructions for the Ark of the Covenant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 26:33, with its description of the veil dividing the sacred spaces, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The physical barrier of the veil, symbolizing the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, was dramatically and supernaturally torn in two from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus' death on the cross (as recorded in [Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn"), [Mark 15:38](/mark/15-38 "Mark 15:38 - The Temple Veil Torn"), and [Luke 23:45](/luke/23-45 "Luke 23:45 - The Temple Veil Torn")). This miraculous event signified that the way into God's presence, once restricted, was now opened for all who believe. The book of Hebrews powerfully expounds on this fulfillment, explaining that Christ, through His own blood, entered the true heavenly sanctuary, not a man-made one, as our great High Priest (see [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest of Good Things to Come") and [Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Entry into the Heavenly Sanctuary")). His body is metaphorically likened to the veil, through which believers now have "boldness to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh" ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Bold Access Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, the ancient veil points forward to Christ, who, by His perfect sacrifice, removed the barrier of sin and opened direct, intimate communion with God, inviting us to "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace" ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Drawing Near to the Throne of Grace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 9:2

For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein [was] the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.

Hebrews 9:3

And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;

Leviticus 16:2

And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy [place] within the vail before the mercy seat, which [is] upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.

Exodus 40:21

And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the vail of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Exodus 25:16

And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.

2 Chronicles 5:7

And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, to the oracle of the house, into the most holy [place, even] under the wings of the cherubims:

2 Chronicles 5:10

[There was] nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put [therein] at Horeb, when the LORD made [a covenant] with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt.