King James Version
What Does Exodus 25:6 Mean?
“Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,”
Context
4
And blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine linen, and goats' hair, fine: or, silk
5
And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,
6
Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,
7
Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
8
And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(6) **Oil for the light.**—It is assumed that the “sanctuary,” which is to be built (Exodus 25:8), will need to be lighted. Oil therefore is to be provided for the lighting. Later on (Exodus 27:20) it is laid down that the oil must be “pure olive oil beaten.”
**Spices for anointing oil.**—Rather, *for the anointing oil. *Here, again, there is an assumption that anointing oil will be needed, and that spices will be a necessary ingredient in such oil. We find afterwards that the Tabernacle itself, all its vessels, and the priests appointed to serve in it, had to be consecrated by anointing (Exodus 29:7; Exodus 29:36; Exodus 30:26-30). The particular spices to be mixed with the “anointing oil” are enumerated in Exodus 30:23-24.
**And for sweet incense.**—Rather, *for the sweet incense—the *incense, *i.e., *which would have to be burnt. (See Exodus 30:1-8; and for the composition of the incense, Exodus 30:34.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Exodus 25:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Exodus 25:6
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge