What number verse is Exodus 26:35 in the Bible?

Exodus 26:35 is the 2,271st verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Exodus 26:35 sits at position 2,271.

26:3426:34 26:3626:36

Exodus 26:35

“The Veil and Internal Arrangement”· Exodus 26:31–35Read in context

King James Version

And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt set ^H7760 the table ^H7979 without ^H2351 the vail ^H6532, and the candlestick ^H4501 over against ^H5227 the table ^H7979 on the side ^H6763 of the tabernacle ^H4908 toward the south ^H8486: and thou shalt put ^H5414 the table ^H7979 on the north ^H6828 side ^H6763.

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Complete Jewish Bible

"You are to put the table outside the curtain and the menorah opposite the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south; put the table on the north side.

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Berean Standard Bible

And place the table outside the veil on the north side of the tabernacle, and put the lampstand opposite the table, on the south side.

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American Standard Version

And thou shalt set the table without the veil, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.

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World English Bible Messianic

You shall set the table outside the veil, and the lamp stand over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and you shall put the table on the north side.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And thou shalt set the Table without the vaile, and the Candlesticke ouer against the Table on the Southside of the Tabernacle, and thou shalt set the Table on the Northside.

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Young's Literal Translation

`And thou hast set the table at the outside of the vail, and the candlestick over-against the table on the side of the tabernacle southward, and the table thou dost put on the north side.

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Translation

Cross-References

Exodus 40:24
And he putteth the candlestick in the tent of meeting, over-against the table, on the side of the tabernacle southward,
Exodus 40:22
And he putteth the table in the tent of meeting, on the side of the tabernacle northward, at the outside of the vail,
Hebrews 9:2
for a tabernacle was prepared, the first, in which was both the lamp-stand, and the table, and the bread of the presence--which is called `Holy;'
Exodus 25:31
`And thou hast made a candlestick of pure gold, of beaten work is the candlestick made; its base, and its branch, its calyxes, its knops, and its flowers are of the same;
Exodus 25:37
and thou hast made its seven lamps, and one hath caused its lights to go up, and it hath given light over-against its front.
Hebrews 9:8
the Holy Spirit this evidencing that not yet hath been manifested the way of the holy places , the first tabernacle having yet a standing;
Hebrews 9:9
which is a simile in regard to the present time, in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, which are not able, in regard to conscience, to make perfect him who is serving,

Study this verse

Summary

Exodus 26:35 provides precise divine instructions for the arrangement of the Table of Showbread and the Golden Candlestick within the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. These meticulous details underscore God's demand for order, holiness, and intentionality in worship, revealing His character as a God of perfect design who desires to dwell among His people while maintaining His absolute sanctity. The specific placement of these sacred furnishings was not arbitrary but profoundly symbolic, pointing to God's provision and illumination for Israel, and ultimately foreshadowing the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Context

Literary Context

This verse is deeply embedded within a larger, highly detailed section of Exodus (chapters 25-31) where God provides Moses with comprehensive blueprints for the construction of the Tabernacle, its sacred furnishings, and the priestly garments. Specifically, Exodus 26 focuses on the structure of the Tabernacle itself, including the curtains, frames, and the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Verse 35 follows instructions for the veil's placement (vv. 31-34) and precedes the command to bring the Ark of the Covenant into the Most Holy Place (v. 34), establishing the foundational structure before detailing the internal arrangements of the Holy Place. This chamber would house the Table of Showbread, the Golden Candlestick (Menorah), and later, the Altar of Incense (Exodus 30:6). This sequence emphasizes that the Tabernacle's structure was meticulously designed to accommodate these specific items and their associated priestly rituals, ensuring every element contributed to the overall divine purpose.

Historical & Cultural Context

The Tabernacle served as a portable sanctuary, representing God's tangible presence among the Israelites during their wilderness journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, temples were often considered the dwelling places of deities, but Israel's Tabernacle was unique in its divine origin and meticulous specifications, demonstrating God's active involvement in every aspect of their worship and national life. The Holy Place, the outer chamber of the Tabernacle, was accessible only to the priests, who performed daily rituals involving the showbread and the menorah. The "vail" (or curtain) mentioned in the verse was a critical barrier, symbolizing the profound separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, and preventing direct access to the Most Holy Place where the Ark of the Covenant (God's earthly throne) resided. This arrangement highlighted both God's desire for relationship with His people and His unapproachable holiness, setting the stage for a system of mediation through the priesthood and sacrificial atonement.

Key Themes

The meticulous instructions in Exodus 26, including the specific placement of the furnishings in verse 35, contribute to several key themes throughout the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of God's Presence and Dwelling Among His People. The Tabernacle itself is the physical manifestation of God's covenant promise to dwell with Israel (Exodus 25:8). Related to this is the theme of Holiness and Separation, where God's absolute purity necessitates specific protocols and physical barriers, like the veil, to protect sinful humanity from His consuming holiness. The detailed design also underscores Divine Order and Authority, emphasizing that worship must be conducted precisely according to God's revealed will, not human invention. Finally, the furnishings themselves, such as the Table of Showbread and the Candlestick, symbolize God's Provision and Illumination, pointing to His faithfulness in sustaining and guiding His people throughout their journey, a theme echoed in passages like Deuteronomy 8:3.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

Vail pôreketh' H6532

This term refers to a "separatrix" or "sacred screen," specifically the thick, ornate curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies). More than a mere divider, its function was to symbolize the profound barrier between God's manifest, holy presence and humanity's sinfulness, dictating limited access to His immediate presence and emphasizing His transcendence and absolute holiness.

Candlestick mᵉnôwrâh' H4501

This denotes a "chandelier" or "candlestick," referring to the iconic seven-branched lampstand crafted from pure gold. It was the sole source of light within the Holy Place, illuminating the sacred space where the priests ministered. The Menorah symbolized God's light, truth, and spiritual illumination for His people, serving as a constant reminder of His guiding and revealing presence in their midst.

Table shulchân' H7979

This word refers to a "table (as spread out)" and by implication, "a meal." In this context, it designates the Table of Showbread, made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. It held twelve loaves of unleavened bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing God's constant provision for His people and their perpetual fellowship with Him. Its placement was crucial for the daily priestly service of replacing the bread.

Verse Breakdown

"And thou shalt set the table without the vail"

This initial instruction establishes the general location of the Table of Showbread. "Without the vail" specifies that the table was to be placed in the Holy Place, the outer chamber, rather than in the Most Holy Place. This means it was accessible to the priests for their daily duties, such as replacing the showbread, emphasizing its role in the regular worship and sustenance of the covenant community. It highlights the distinction between the sacred and the most sacred spaces.

"and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south"

This clause provides the precise placement of the Golden Candlestick (Menorah). It was to be positioned "over against the table," meaning opposite it, creating a visual and functional balance within the Holy Place. The specific direction "toward the south" (or "south side") ensured a deliberate and symmetrical layout, with the Menorah providing light to the entire chamber, including the Table of Showbread, emphasizing its role in illuminating the sacred space and the objects within it.

"and thou shalt put the table on the north side"

This final clause reiterates and specifies the exact location of the Table of Showbread. While the first phrase gave its general placement ("without the vail"), this clarifies its precise orientation within the Holy Place, placing it on the "north side." This repetition underscores the divine emphasis on exactitude and order in the Tabernacle's arrangement, ensuring that every element was positioned according to God's perfect design, leaving no room for human error or deviation in the sacred space.

Literary Devices

Exodus 26:35 is rich in Precision and Detailing, characteristic of the entire Tabernacle instructions found in Exodus. Every measurement, material, and placement is meticulously specified, reflecting God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for holiness in worship. The repetition of the table's placement ("without the vail" and "on the north side") serves as a form of Emphasis, ensuring no ambiguity in the divine command and highlighting the critical importance of exact adherence to God's blueprint for His dwelling place. Furthermore, the entire verse, like the Tabernacle itself, functions as profound Symbolism, where physical objects and their precise arrangement convey deep spiritual truths about God's character, His relationship with His people, and the path to His presence. The Menorah symbolizes divine light, the Table of Showbread divine provision, and their ordered placement speaks to the beauty, functionality, and sacredness of God's dwelling.

Theological and Thematic Connections

The precise instructions for the Tabernacle's furnishings in Exodus 26:35 highlight several profound theological truths. Firstly, God is a God of order, not chaos, and His divine will extends to the minutest details of worship and life. This meticulousness underscores His holiness and His expectation that His people approach Him with reverence and according to His prescribed ways. Secondly, the placement of the Table of Showbread and the Menorah in the Holy Place speaks to God's ongoing provision and illumination for His people. The bread symbolized sustained life and fellowship, while the light represented divine truth and guidance. These elements were essential for the priests' daily ministry, underscoring God's desire to sustain and guide His covenant community. The very structure of the Tabernacle, with its distinct chambers and the veil, also powerfully communicated the reality of humanity's separation from a holy God due to sin, while simultaneously pointing to a divinely ordained means of access.

Leviticus 24:5-9 Numbers 8:1-4 Hebrews 9:1-5

Reflection and Application

Exodus 26:35, with its seemingly mundane details, offers profound insights for our spiritual lives today. It reminds us that God cares about the details of our worship and our lives. While we no longer have a physical Tabernacle, the principle of intentionality and reverence in approaching God remains. Just as the showbread represented God's provision and the menorah His light, we are called to recognize God as the source of all sustenance and truth in our lives. This verse encourages us to consider how we order our spiritual lives, ensuring that our practices and priorities reflect a deep reverence for God's holiness and a reliance on His provision and guidance. It challenges us to seek His light in a dark world and to trust in His faithfulness to sustain us, remembering that every aspect of our lives can be an act of worship when aligned with His divine order and purpose.

Questions for Reflection

How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's design inform your understanding of His character and His expectations for your life?
In what ways do you recognize God as the "bread" that sustains you and the "light" that guides you in your daily walk?
What "details" in your spiritual discipline or daily routine might God be calling you to approach with greater intentionality and reverence?

FAQ

Why were the instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings so incredibly detailed?

The meticulous detail in the Tabernacle instructions, as seen in Exodus 26 and surrounding chapters, served several critical purposes. Firstly, it underscored God's absolute holiness and His demand for precision in approaching Him. Every detail was divinely ordained, leaving no room for human improvisation, thereby emphasizing that worship must be according to God's terms, not humanity's. Secondly, the precision ensured uniformity and order, reflecting God's character as a God of perfect design and not chaos. Thirdly, every element and its placement was profoundly symbolic, pointing to deeper spiritual truths about God's nature, His plan of salvation, and the future coming of the Messiah. The specific arrangement of the Table and Candlestick, for instance, visually represented God's provision and illumination, preparing the people's understanding for the ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Exodus 26:35, with its precise placement of the Table of Showbread and the Golden Candlestick, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Table of Showbread, symbolizing God's constant provision and fellowship, points directly to Jesus as the Bread of Life. He declared, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger" (John 6:35), providing spiritual sustenance and eternal life that the physical showbread could only foreshadow. Similarly, the Golden Candlestick, the sole source of light in the Holy Place, vividly prefigures Christ as the Light of the World. Jesus proclaimed, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12), illuminating the path to truth and salvation. Furthermore, the "vail" that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, symbolizing humanity's separation from God due to sin, was dramatically torn from top to bottom at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51), signifying that through His perfect sacrifice, direct and unhindered access to God's presence is now available to all believers (Hebrews 10:19-20). Thus, the meticulous design of the Tabernacle and its furnishings in Exodus 26:35 ultimately serves as a powerful prophetic blueprint, beautifully revealing the person and redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Public-domain commentary

Matthew Henry

From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 26:31–37.

1662–1714 · 7 verses

Passage under commentExodus 26:31–37

31¶ 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:

32And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver.

33And 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.

34And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy place.

35And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.

36And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.

37And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, and their hooks shall be of gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.

Two veils are here ordered to be made, 1. One for a partition between the holy place and the most holy, which not only forbade any to enter, but forbade them so much as to look into the holiest of all, Exo 26:31, Exo 26:33. Under that dispensation, divine grace was veiled, but now we behold it with open face, Co2 3:18. The apostle tells us (Heb 9:8, Heb 9:9) what was the meaning of this veil; it intimated that the ceremonial law could not make the comers thereunto perfect, nor would the observance of it bring men to heaven; the way into the holiest of all was not made manifest while the first tabernacle was standing; life and immortality lay concealed till they were brought to light by the gospel, which was therefore signified by the rending of this veil at the death of Christ, Mat 27:51. We have not boldness to enter into the holiest, in all acts of devotion, by the blood of Jesus, yet such as obliges us to a holy reverence and a humble sense of our distance. 2. Another veil was for the outer door of the tabernacle, Exo 26:36, Exo 26:37. Through this first veil the priests went in every day to minister in the holy place, but not the people, Heb 9:6. This veil, which was all the defence the tabernacle had against thieves and robbers, might easily be broken through, for it could be neither locked nor barred, and the abundance of wealth in the tabernacle, one would think, might be a temptation; but by leaving it thus exposed, (1.) The priests and Levites would be so much the more obliged to keep a strict watch upon it, and, (2.) God would show his care of his church on earth, though it is weak and defenceless, and continually exposed. A curtain shall be (if God please to make it so) as strong a defence to his house as gates of brass and bars of iron.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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