Exodus 27:21
New International Version
In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the LORD from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come.

New Living Translation
The lampstand will stand in the Tabernacle, in front of the inner curtain that shields the Ark of the Covenant. Aaron and his sons must keep the lamps burning in the LORD’s presence all night. This is a permanent law for the people of Israel, and it must be observed from generation to generation.

English Standard Version
In the tent of meeting, outside the veil that is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening to morning before the LORD. It shall be a statute forever to be observed throughout their generations by the people of Israel.

Berean Standard Bible
In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites for the generations to come.

King James Bible
In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

New King James Version
In the tabernacle of meeting, outside the veil which is before the Testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening until morning before the LORD. It shall be a statute forever to their generations on behalf of the children of Israel.

New American Standard Bible
In the tent of meeting, outside the veil which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before the LORD; it shall be a permanent statute throughout their generations for the sons of Israel.

NASB 1995
“In the tent of meeting, outside the veil which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before the LORD; it shall be a perpetual statute throughout their generations for the sons of Israel.

NASB 1977
“In the tent of meeting, outside the veil which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before the LORD; it shall be a perpetual statute throughout their generations for the sons of Israel.

Legacy Standard Bible
In the tent of meeting, outside the veil which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before Yahweh; it shall be a perpetual statute throughout their generations for the sons of Israel.

Amplified Bible
In the Tent of Meeting [of God with His people], outside the veil which is in front of the [ark of the] Testimony [and sets it apart], Aaron [the high priest] and his sons shall keep the lamp burning from evening to morning before the LORD. It shall be a perpetual statute [to be observed] throughout their generations on behalf of the Israelites.

Christian Standard Bible
In the tent of meeting outside the curtain that is in front of the testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamp from evening until morning before the LORD. This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites throughout their generations.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In the tent of meeting outside the veil that is in front of the testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamp from evening until morning before the LORD. This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites throughout their generations.”

American Standard Version
In the tent of meeting, without the veil which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before Jehovah: it shall be a statute for ever throughout their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

Contemporary English Version
in front of the curtain that separates the holy place from the most holy place, where the sacred chest is kept. Aaron and his sons are responsible for keeping the lamp burning every night in the sacred tent. The Israelites must always obey this command.

English Revised Version
In the tent of meeting, without the veil which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute for ever throughout their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In the tent of meeting outside the canopy where the words of my promise are, Aaron and his descendants must keep the lamps lit in the LORD's presence from evening until morning. This is a permanent law among the Israelites for generations to come."

Good News Translation
Aaron and his sons are to set up the lamp in the Tent of my presence outside the curtain which is in front of the Covenant Box. There in my presence it is to burn from evening until morning. This command is to be kept forever by the Israelites and their descendants.

International Standard Version
In the Tent of Meeting, outside the curtain that is before the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to maintain the lamp stand from evening until morning in the LORD's presence. It is to be a perpetual ordinance from generation to generation among the Israelis."

Majority Standard Bible
In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites for the generations to come.

NET Bible
In the tent of meeting outside the curtain that is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons are to arrange it from evening to morning before the LORD. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for generations to come.

New Heart English Bible
In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute forever throughout their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

Webster's Bible Translation
In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: It shall be a statute for ever to their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

World English Bible
In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil which is before the covenant, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before Yahweh: it shall be a statute forever throughout their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
In the Tent of Meeting, at the outside of the veil, which [is] over the Testimony, Aaron—his sons also—arrange it from evening until morning before YHWH. [It is] a continuous statute for their generations, from the sons of Israel.”

Young's Literal Translation
in the tent of meeting, at the outside of the vail, which is over the testimony, doth Aaron -- his sons also -- arrange it from evening till morning before Jehovah -- a statute age-during to their generations, from the sons of Israel.

Smith's Literal Translation
In the tent of appointment from without the vail, which is over the testimony, Aaron shall arrange it, and his sons, from evening to morning, before Jehovah: a law forever for their generations for the sons of Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
In the tabernacle of the testimony without the veil that hangs before the testimony. And Aaron and his sons shall order it, that it may give light before the Lord until the morning. It shall be a perpetual observance throughout their successions among the children of Israel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
in the tabernacle of the testimony, outside of the veil that enshrouds the testimony. And Aaron and his sons shall arrange it, so that it may give light in the presence of the Lord, until morning. This shall be a perpetual observance among the sons of Israel, throughout their successions.”

New American Bible
From evening to morning Aaron and his sons shall maintain them before the LORD in the tent of meeting, outside the veil which hangs in front of the covenant. This shall be a perpetual statute for the Israelites throughout their generations.

New Revised Standard Version
In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that is before the covenant, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening to morning before the LORD. It shall be a perpetual ordinance to be observed throughout their generations by the Israelites.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
In the tabernacle of the congregation outside the veil which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall set them in order burning from evening to morning before the LORD; it shall be a statute for ever to your generations from the children of Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
In the Time Tabernacle outside of the covering that is upon the Testimony, and Ahron and his sons will set them in order from evening and unto the morning before LORD JEHOVAH: the law to eternity for your generations from the presence of the children of Israel.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
In the tent of meeting, without the veil which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall set it in order, to burn from evening to morning before the LORD; it shall be a statute for ever throughout their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
in the tabernacle of the testimony, without the veil that is before the ark of the covenant, shall Aaron and his sons burn it from evening until morning, before the Lord: it is a perpetual ordinance throughout your generations of the children of Israel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Oil for the Lamps
20And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. 21In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites for the generations to come.

Cross References
Leviticus 24:2-4
“Command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. / Outside the veil of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, Aaron is to tend the lamps continually before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the generations to come. / He shall tend the lamps on the pure gold lampstand before the LORD continually.

Exodus 25:31-40
Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. / Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. / There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extend from the lampstand. ...

Numbers 8:1-4
Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Speak to Aaron and tell him: ‘When you set up the seven lamps, they are to light the area in front of the lampstand.’” / And Aaron did so; he set up the lamps facing toward the front of the lampstand, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. ...

1 Samuel 3:3
Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was located.

2 Chronicles 13:11
Every morning and every evening they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the LORD. They set out the rows of showbread on the ceremonially clean table, and every evening they light the lamps of the gold lampstand. We are carrying out the requirements of the LORD our God, while you have forsaken Him.

2 Chronicles 29:11
Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.”

1 Kings 7:48-50
Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of the LORD: the golden altar; the golden table on which was placed the Bread of the Presence; / the lampstands of pure gold in front of the inner sanctuary, five on the right side and five on the left; the gold flowers, lamps, and tongs; / the pure gold basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, ladles, and censers; and the gold hinges for the doors of the inner temple (that is, the Most Holy Place) as well as for the doors of the main hall of the temple.

1 Chronicles 9:32
Some of their Kohathite relatives were responsible for preparing the rows of the showbread every Sabbath.

1 Chronicles 23:30-32
They were also to stand every morning to give thanks and praise to the LORD, and likewise in the evening. / Whenever burnt offerings were presented to the LORD on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts, they were to serve regularly before the LORD in the numbers prescribed for them. / So the Levites were to carry out the responsibilities for the Tent of Meeting and the Holy Place, and, under their brothers the descendants of Aaron, the service of the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 2:4
Behold, I am about to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God to dedicate to Him for burning fragrant incense before Him, for displaying the showbread continuously, and for making burnt offerings every morning and evening as well as on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts of the LORD our God. This is ordained for Israel forever.

2 Chronicles 4:20
the lampstands of pure gold and their lamps, to burn in front of the inner sanctuary as prescribed;

Hebrews 9:2
A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place.

Revelation 1:12-13
Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, / and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest.

Revelation 1:20
This is the mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.


Treasury of Scripture

In the tabernacle of the congregation without the veil, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute for ever to their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

the tabernacle of the congregation

Exodus 29:10,44
And thou shalt cause a bullock to be brought before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the bullock…

Leviticus 3:8
And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons shall sprinkle the blood thereof round about upon the altar.

Numbers 8:9
And thou shalt bring the Levites before the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt gather the whole assembly of the children of Israel together:

without the vail

Exodus 26:31-33
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: …

Exodus 40:3
And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail.

testimony

Exodus 16:34
As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.

Exodus 25:16,21
And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee…

Aaron

Exodus 30:8
And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations.

1 Samuel 3:3
And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;

2 Chronicles 13:11
And they burn unto the LORD every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense: the shewbread also set they in order upon the pure table; and the candlestick of gold with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of the LORD our God; but ye have forsaken him.

evening

Genesis 1:5,8
And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day…

Leviticus 24:3
Without the vail of the testimony, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall Aaron order it from the evening unto the morning before the LORD continually: it shall be a statute for ever in your generations.

Psalm 134:1
A Song of degrees. Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.

a statute for ever

Exodus 28:43
And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.

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Aaron Behalf Burn Children Congregation Evening Forever Generations Israel Meeting Morning Order Outside Statute Tabernacle Tent Testimony Throughout Vail Veil
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Aaron Behalf Burn Children Congregation Evening Forever Generations Israel Meeting Morning Order Outside Statute Tabernacle Tent Testimony Throughout Vail Veil
Exodus 27
1. The altar of burnt offering, with the vessels thereof
9. The court of the tabernacle enclosed with hangings and pillars
18. The measure of the court, and the furniture of brass
20. The oil for the lamp














In the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting" refers to the sacred space where God would meet with Moses and the Israelites. In Hebrew, it is "Ohel Moed," which signifies a place of divine appointment. This tent was a precursor to the Temple and symbolized God's presence among His people. It was a place of communion and revelation, reminding us of the importance of setting aside sacred spaces in our lives for meeting with God.

outside the veil
The "veil" was a significant barrier within the tabernacle, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. In Hebrew, "paroketh" denotes a curtain or screen. This veil represented the separation between God and humanity due to sin, a separation that would later be symbolically torn at Christ's crucifixion, granting believers direct access to God.

that is in front of the Testimony
The "Testimony" refers to the tablets of the Ten Commandments housed within the Ark of the Covenant. In Hebrew, "eduth" means witness or testimony, signifying God's covenant and law given to His people. This highlights the centrality of God's Word and commandments in the life of the Israelites and serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of God's promises.

Aaron and his sons
Aaron, the brother of Moses, was appointed as the first high priest, and his sons were to serve as priests. This priestly lineage was established by God to mediate between Him and the Israelites. The role of Aaron and his sons underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and the responsibility of guiding others in worship and obedience to God.

are to tend the lamps
The lamps refer to the golden lampstand, or menorah, which was to be kept burning continually. In Hebrew, "ya'arokh" means to arrange or set in order. The tending of the lamps symbolizes the light of God's presence and truth, which should be maintained and upheld by His people. It serves as a metaphor for the believer's duty to shine God's light in a dark world.

from evening until morning
This phrase indicates the continuous nature of the priestly duty, emphasizing vigilance and dedication. The Hebrew concept of "erev" (evening) and "boker" (morning) marks the passage of time and the constancy of God's presence. It reminds believers of the need for persistent devotion and the assurance that God's light never fades.

before the LORD
The phrase "before the LORD" signifies performing duties in the presence of God, with reverence and accountability. In Hebrew, "panim" means face, indicating a direct encounter with God. This highlights the importance of living and serving with an awareness of God's omnipresence and the desire to honor Him in all things.

This is to be a permanent statute
The term "permanent statute" in Hebrew is "chukkat olam," meaning an everlasting ordinance. This underscores the enduring nature of God's commands and the timeless principles of worship and service. It calls believers to uphold God's statutes faithfully, recognizing their eternal significance.

for the Israelites throughout their generations
This phrase emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and the Israelites, extending His commands to future generations. It highlights the importance of passing down faith and obedience to subsequent generations, ensuring that the knowledge and worship of God endure through time.

(21) In the tabernacle of the congregation.--Heb., in the tent of meeting--i.e., the place where God met the earthly ruler of His people. (See Exodus 25:22.)

Before the testimony--i.e., in front of the Ark which contained "the Testimony," or "Two Tables." (See Note on Exodus 16:34.)

Aaron and his sons.--The priestly character of Aaron and his descendants, laid down in the next chapter, is here anticipated.

From evening to morning.--See the second Note on Exodus 27:20.

Verse 21. The tabernacle of the congregation. Rather, "the tent of meeting" - the tent where God would meet the earthly ruler of the people (Exodus 25:22), and give him commands and directions - not the place of meeting for the people themselves, who might in no case go beyond the entrance to the structure. The testimony - i,e., the ark which contained the "testimony," or two tables of stone written with the finger of God. Aaron and his sons. Compare Exodus 24:1. The intention to confer the priesthood on the descendants of Aaron, first openly revealed in the next chapter (vers. 1-43), is tacitly assumed from time to time in the earlier narrative. Shall order it from evening to morning. See the comment on ver. 20. It is difficult to assign these words any distinct meaning unless we accept the view, that the lamp burnt during the night only. It shall be a statute for ever. This expression is not at all common. In Exodus it occurs only here and in four other places. In Leviticus it is met with some six or seven times. The portions of the law thus characterised must be regarded as of special importance. (See the homiletics on this verse.)



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
In the Tent
בְּאֹ֣הֶל (bə·’ō·hel)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 168: A tent

of Meeting,
מוֹעֵד֩ (mō·w·‘êḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4150: Appointed time, place, or meeting

outside
מִח֨וּץ (mi·ḥūṣ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2351: Separate by a, wall, outside, outdoors

the veil
לַפָּרֹ֜כֶת (lap·pā·rō·ḵeṯ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6532: A separatrix, screen

that
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

is in front of
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the Testimony,
הָעֵדֻ֗ת (hā·‘ê·ḏuṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5715: Testimony

Aaron
אַהֲרֹ֧ן (’a·hă·rōn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses

and his sons
וּבָנָ֛יו (ū·ḇā·nāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

are to tend
יַעֲרֹךְ֩ (ya·‘ă·rōḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6186: To set in a, row, arrange, put in order

the lamps
אֹת֨וֹ (’ō·ṯōw)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

before
לִפְנֵ֣י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the LORD
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

from evening
מֵעֶ֥רֶב (mê·‘e·reḇ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6153: Evening

until
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

morning.
בֹּ֖קֶר (bō·qer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning

This is to be a perpetual
עוֹלָם֙ (‘ō·w·lām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5769: Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always

statute
חֻקַּ֤ת (ḥuq·qaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2708: Something prescribed, an enactment, statute

for the Israelites
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

throughout
מֵאֵ֖ת (mê·’êṯ)
Preposition-m
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

their generations.
לְדֹ֣רֹתָ֔ם (lə·ḏō·rō·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1755: A revolution of time, an age, generation, a dwelling


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OT Law: Exodus 27:21 In the Tent of Meeting outside (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 27:20
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