tabernacle (noun)

The Hebrew, Ge’ez, and Greek that is translated as “tabernacle” in English is translated in San Blas Kuna as “house of prayer that can be carried.” (Source: Ronald Ross)

In Bandi it is translated as “holy sitting place.” The “sitting place for the Bandi is where you live.” Therefore the tabernacle is the place where God lived. (Source: Becky Grossmann in this newsletter )

In Vidunda it is translated as “God’s tent” (source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext) and in Tibetan as gur mchog (གུར་​མཆོག) or “perfect tent” (source: gSungrab website )

In American Sign Language it is translated with with a sign for “tent” combined with a sign referring to the outer court surrounding the tent (see Exodus 27:9 and following). (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Tabernacle” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

See also tabernacle (verb) / dwell, festival of Tabernacles and ark of the covenant.

complete verse (Exodus 40:17)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Exodus 40:17:

  • Kupsabiny: “The Tent was raised on the first day of the first month in the second year since they came from Egypt.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “In this way the Tent of Meeting was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Then the Tent was-set-up on-the first day of-the first month. That-was the second year since they came-out of Egipto.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Bariai: “One year after the Israel people left Isip, in that year’s month which goes first, on the day which goes first in that month, they erected God’s shelter.” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
  • Opo: “On day of beginning for month one on second year, they erect Dwelling-Tent-of-God.” (Source: Opo Back Translation)
  • English: “On the first day of the first month of the next year (OR, second year after they/we left Egypt), the people set up the Sacred Tent.” (Source: Translation for Translators)