Tabernacle
מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan)
A dwelling place — God's portable tent of meeting among His people.
Mishkan is the Hebrew word for tabernacle, meaning 'dwelling place.' It was the portable sanctuary where God's glory dwelt among Israel during their wilderness journey — foreshadowing Christ who 'tabernacled' among us.
"And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them." — Exodus 25:8 (KJV)
Key Verses
John 1:14
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory.)”Read in context
Revelation 21:3
“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H4908 — Tabernacle (מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan) appears.
Open Strong's H4908Etymology and Original Meaning
Mishkan comes from shakan, meaning 'to dwell' or 'to settle.' It is the same root that gives us Shekinah — God's dwelling presence. The tabernacle was not merely a religious building but God's home — the place where the Creator chose to live among His creatures. Its very name declares God's desire: He wants to be near His people.
Design and Purpose
God gave Moses detailed instructions for the tabernacle (Exodus 25-31). Every material, measurement, and furnishing was prescribed. The ark of the covenant in the Holy of Holies was where God's presence visibly dwelt. The tabernacle taught Israel that approaching God required sacrifice (the altar), cleansing (the laver), illumination (the lampstand), and mediation (the priesthood).
Christ the Tabernacle
John 1:14 says the Word 'dwelt' (eskēnōsen — literally 'tabernacled') among us. Jesus is the true mishkan — God dwelling not in a tent but in human flesh. His body is the meeting place between God and humanity. Everything the tabernacle symbolized — sacrifice, priestly mediation, divine presence — finds its fulfillment in Christ.
The Final Tabernacle
Revelation 21:3 announces the ultimate fulfillment: 'The tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them.' In the new creation, the barrier between God and humanity is permanently removed. No temple, no curtain, no restricted access — God Himself dwells fully, openly, and permanently with His redeemed people. The tabernacle's purpose is eternally realized.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tabernacle in the Bible?
The tabernacle (mishkan) was God's portable dwelling place among Israel — a tent of meeting where His glory resided. It foreshadowed Christ, who 'tabernacled' in human flesh, and the final dwelling of God with humanity (Revelation 21:3).
How does the tabernacle point to Jesus?
Every element of the tabernacle foreshadows Christ: the altar (His sacrifice), the veil (His flesh), the mercy seat (His atonement), the lampstand (His light), and the bread of the presence (Bread of Life). Jesus is God's true dwelling among humanity.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Tabernacle"?
Exodus 25:8 — "And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them" (KJV). It also appears in John 1:14, Revelation 21:3.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Tabernacle" matter?
Mishkan comes from shakan, meaning 'to dwell' or 'to settle.' It is the same root that gives us Shekinah — God's dwelling presence. English uses one word, "Tabernacle", where the Hebrew מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan) carries the fuller sense: a dwelling place — god's portable tent of meeting among his people.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Tabernacle (מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan))
A dwelling place — God's portable tent of meeting among His people.
Strong's H4908 — Tabernacle
מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan) • A dwelling place — God's portable tent of meeting among His people.
Tabernacle (מִשְׁכָּן (Mishkan))
God's portable dwelling place among His people in the wilderness
Strong's H168 — Tent
אֹהֶל (ohel) • A temporary dwelling — the portable home of pilgrims, patriarchs, and God's meeting place.
The Tabernacle Bible Quiz
The tent of meeting — God's dwelling place among Israel and a shadow of heavenly
Hebrews 13:5 — Meaning & Devotional
Contentment
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