And you shall set the table uses a different word for set, but it means “to place,” the same as in verse 34. The table is described in 25.23. It will be helpful to make it explicit that this table was for the sacred bread; for example, “Put the table for the bread dedicated to the LORD outside the Most Holy Place.” Outside the veil means “outside the Most Holy Place” (Good News Translation) but within the larger room called the Holy Place (see verse 33). However, it is possible to give the precise location by saying “outside the curtain” (so also Contemporary English Version).

The lampstand is described in 25.31. The south side of the tabernacle refers to the inside wall on the right, as one faces east. (For the geographical orientation, see the remarks before verse 15.) Opposite the table means directly across from the table. And you shall put the table here uses the other word meaning “to place.” On the north side refers to the left side of the tabernacle as one faces the east.

In some cultures it is more natural to think in terms of right and left from the perspective of one standing at the entrance to the tabernacle and looking in, that is, toward the west. In this case the placement of the lampstand will be on the left (south side), and the table will be on the right (north side). Contemporary English Version follows this orientation. The distinction between north and south, however, will be readily understood in many cultures.

An alternative translation model for this verse is:

• Put the table for the sacred bread outside the inner curtain but inside the north wall of the tabernacle on the right. Put the lampstand across from the table and against the south wall on the left.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .