King James Version

What Does Exodus 27:20 Mean?

Exodus 27:20 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the la...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. to burn: Heb. to ascend up”

Exodus 27:20 · KJV

Context

18

The length of the court shall be an hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty every where, and the height five cubits of fine twined linen, and their sockets of brass. fifty: Heb. fifty by fifty

19

All the vessels of the tabernacle in all the service thereof, and all the pins thereof, and all the pins of the court, shall be of brass.

20

And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. to burn: Heb. to ascend up

21

In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

Read Exodus 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Pure beaten olive oil for the lampstand's light—the oil must be the finest quality, extracted by beating/crushing (not pressing), and olive oil (symbol of the Spirit). The command for perpetual light ('burn always') means the priesthood must never let it extinguish. Christ, anointed by the Spirit without measure (John 3:34), is the perpetual light. His light never dims, never needs rekindling. Our lives, as lamps, require continuous supply of the Spirit's oil.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Beaten oil (כָּתִית, katit) was produced by crushing olives in a mortar, yielding the purest oil. This premium oil burned cleanest and brightest, appropriate for the sacred lampstand. Ordinary pressed oil sufficed for common use, but God's light required the best.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'beaten' oil represent the Spirit's work through suffering and crushing?
  2. What enables Christ's light to burn perpetually while ours requires daily refilling?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְאַתָּ֞ה1 of 15
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תְּצַוֶּ֣ה׀2 of 15

“And thou shalt command”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת3 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנֵ֣י4 of 15

“the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל5 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְיִקְח֨וּ6 of 15

“that they bring”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֵלֶ֜יךָ7 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שֶׁ֣מֶן8 of 15

“oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

זַ֥יִת9 of 15

“olive”

H2132

an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry

זָ֛ךְ10 of 15

“thee pure”

H2134

clear

כָּתִ֖ית11 of 15

“beaten”

H3795

beaten, i.e., pure (oil)

לַמָּא֑וֹר12 of 15

“for the light”

H3974

properly, a luminous body or luminary, i.e., (abstractly) light (as an element); figuratively, brightness, i.e.,cheerfulness; specifically, a chandeli

לְהַֽעֲלֹ֥ת13 of 15

“to burn”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

נֵ֖ר14 of 15

“to cause the lamp”

H5216

a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)

תָּמִֽיד׃15 of 15

“always”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

Study Guide

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 27:20 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 27:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 24:1-4Zechariah 4:11-14Psalms 23:5Judges 9:9Exodus 39:37Exodus 25:31-37

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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