Exodus 40:37

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Exodus 40:37 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

If the cloud was not lifted, they would not set out until the day it was taken up.

King James Version KJV

But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.

American Standard Version ASV

but if the cloud was not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But while the cloud was there, they made no move till it was taken up.

Free Bible Version FBV

If the cloud did not rise, they wouldn't set out until it did.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But if the cloude ascended not, then they iourneyed not till the day that it ascended.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and if the cloud go not up then they journey not, until the day of its going up:

World English Bible WEB

but if the cloud wasn’t taken up, then they didn’t travel until the day that it was taken up.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But if the cloud was not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.

Translation for Translators T4T

If the cloud did not rise, they stayed where they were and did not go on until the cloud rose.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 40:37

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 40:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/אִם לֹ֥א יֵעָלֶ֖ה הֶ/עָנָ֑ן וְ/לֹ֣א יִסְע֔וּ עַד י֖וֹם הֵעָלֹתֽ/וֹ

וְ/אִם ʼim H518 if Conj | Conj

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יֵעָלֶ֖ה ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

הֶ/עָנָ֑ן ʻânân H6051 cloud Art | N-ms

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יִסְע֔וּ nâçaʻ H5265 to set out V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

י֖וֹם yôwm H3117 day N-ms

הֵעָלֹתֽ/וֹ ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend V-Niphal-Inf-a | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 40:37

וְ/אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj | Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יֵעָלֶ֖ה ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

הֶ/עָנָ֑ן ʻânân H6051 "cloud" Art | N-ms

This Hebrew word means a cloud or cloudy, and is used to describe the cloud that God uses to appear to his people. It appears in the Bible to describe God's presence, and is translated as cloud in the KJV.

Definition: 1) cloud, cloudy, cloud-mass 1a) cloud-mass (of theophanic cloud) 1b) cloud Aramaic equivalent: a.nan (עֲנָן "cloud" H6050)

Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: cloud(-y). See also: Genesis 9:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalms 78:14.

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יִסְע֔וּ nâçaʻ H5265 "to set out" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

In the Bible, this word means to set out or start a journey, like the Israelites departing from Egypt, or to remove something, as in pulling up tent pins.

Definition: 1) to pull out, pull up, set out, journey, remove, set forward, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pull out or up 1a2) to set out, depart 1a3) to journey, march 1a4) to set forth (of wind) 1b) (Niphal) to be pulled up, be removed, be plucked up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to set out, lead out, cause to spring up 1c2) to remove, quarry

Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: cause to blow, bring, get, (make to) go (away, forth, forward, onward, out), (take) journey, march, remove, set aside (forward), [idiom] still, be on his (go their) way. See also: Genesis 11:2; Numbers 33:9; Psalms 78:26.

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

י֖וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

הֵעָלֹתֽ/וֹ ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" V-Niphal-Inf-a | Suff

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Study Notes — Exodus 40:37

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 40:37 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 40:37
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 40:37
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 40:37
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 40:37
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 40:37
Sermons on Exodus 40:37

Context — The Cloud and the Glory

35Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 36Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey.

37If the cloud was not lifted, they would not set out until the day it was taken up.

38For the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel through all their journeys.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 9:19–22	Even when the cloud lingered over the tabernacle for many days, the Israelites kept the LORD’s charge and did not set out. Sometimes the cloud remained over the tabernacle for only a few days, and they would camp at the LORD’s command and set out at the LORD’s command. Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they would set out. Whether it was by day or by night, when the cloud was taken up, they would set out. Whether the cloud lingered for two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud remained over the tabernacle; but when it was lifted, they would set out.
2	Psalms 31:15	My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.

Exodus 40:37 Summary

This verse, Exodus 40:37, reminds us that the Israelites only moved forward when God gave them the signal, which was the cloud lifting. They waited for God's guidance and timing, just like we should in our own lives. By trusting in God's presence and leading, as seen in Exodus 40:36, we can learn to wait on His timing and not rush ahead with our own plans. This principle is also reflected in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are encouraged to trust in the LORD with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Israelites wait for the cloud to lift before setting out on their journey?

The Israelites waited for the cloud to lift because it was a sign of God's presence and guidance, as seen in Exodus 40:36, and they wanted to ensure they were following His leading, just as the Psalmist wrote in Psalms 32:8, 'I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.'

What happened if the cloud did not lift?

If the cloud did not lift, the Israelites would not set out until the day it was taken up, indicating their dependence on God's guidance and timing, as stated in Exodus 40:37, and reflecting the principle found in Proverbs 3:5-6, 'Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.'

How did the cloud relate to the tabernacle and God's glory?

The cloud settling on the tabernacle, as mentioned in Exodus 40:35, signified God's glory and presence, emphasizing the importance of waiting for His leading, as also seen in Exodus 24:16, where the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai.

What can we learn from the Israelites' experience with the cloud about our own relationship with God?

The Israelites' experience teaches us to wait on God's timing and guidance, just as they did, and to trust in His presence and leading, as encouraged in Isaiah 30:21, 'Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”'

Reflection Questions

How do I discern God's guidance in my own life, and what signs or indicators do I look for to know He is leading me?
In what ways can I, like the Israelites, learn to wait on God's timing and not rush ahead with my own plans or agenda?
What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's presence and leading, just as the Israelites trusted in the cloud's guidance?
How can I cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God, recognizing that His ways and timing are not always my own, as expressed in Isaiah 55:9, 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'
What role does patience and trust play in my walk with God, and how can I develop these qualities in my own life, as encouraged in Psalms 37:7, 'Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.'

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 40:37

But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not,.... Even if it continued so two days, or a month, or a year, as very probably it sometimes did; which will in some measure account for the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 40:37

But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 40:37

(36-38) The cloud was henceforth, in a peculiar way, attached to the Tabernacle. As a cloud it rested upon it by day; as a pillar of fire by night. Only in one case was it removed, viz., when it was the Divine will that Israel should march. (See Numbers 9:15-22.)

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 40:37

34–38. The cloud (see on Exodus 13:21-22) now takes up its abode on the Tent of Meeting (cf. Numbers 9:15 P), and the glory (see on Exodus 16:10) of Jehovah fills the Dwelling (vv. 34 f.). Ever afterwards, through the period of the Israelites’ journeyings, the cloud, while they were stationary, remains upon the Tent of Meeting, with fire shining in it by night, its being lifted up from it being a signal that they are to break up camp, and move on (vv. 36–38). the glory of Jehovah filled the Dwelling] cf. Exodus 29:43.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 40:37

THE ORDER TO SET UP THE , Exodus 40:1-16. The formality of this command to erect the sanctuary involves an incidental repetition of what has already been described.

Sermons on Exodus 40:37

	Sermon	Description
	Waiting Is Hard by Charles E. Cowman	Charles E. Cowman preaches about the supreme test of obedience faced by the children of Israel when the cloud of God tarried, signifying the need to wait patiently for the Lord's g
	(1 Samuel) How to Not Fight Back by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David playing the harp for King Saul. He highlights the stark contrast between David's submission to God and Saul's violent natur
	Studies in Esther-01 Esther1-2 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Esther from the Bible. He starts by highlighting how God was displeased with the behavior of men who were given over to wine and
	Reminiscing by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of self-assertiveness and the need to pay attention to one's reading. However, the main focus of the sermon is on the message
	The Great Tribulation by Denis Lyle	Denis Lyle preaches on the Great Tribulation as described in Daniel 12, highlighting the special period of trouble that Israel will face, with a focus on the hope and protection pr
	I. to Lady Kenmure, at a Time of Illness and Spiritual Depression by Samuel Rutherford	Samuel Rutherford addresses Lady Jane Campbell, a woman of remarkable ability and Christian devotion, who faced many personal tragedies, including the loss of children and her husb
	My Times in God's Hand by Octavius Winslow	Octavius Winslow emphasizes that our times are securely held in God's hand, providing comfort in both prosperity and adversity. He reflects on the importance of recognizing God's s