King James Version

What Does Exodus 30:23 Mean?

Exodus 30:23 in the King James Version says “Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,”

Exodus 30:23 · KJV

Context

21

So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.

22

Moreover the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

23

Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,

24

And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin:

25

And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil. apothecary: or, perfumer

Read Exodus 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sacred anointing oil—myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia in olive oil—represents the Holy Spirit's multifaceted work. Each spice contributes unique fragrance, together creating complete anointing. The oil's holiness (never for common use) emphasizes that the Spirit is sacred, not to be counterfeited or treated casually. Christ was anointed with this spiritual reality, receiving the Spirit without measure (John 3:34). Believers receive the same Spirit, though in measure.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The specific spice formula was divinely prescribed and forbidden for common use—counterfeit anointing oil incurred severe penalty. This protected the sacred symbolism and prevented profaning what represented God's Spirit.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does each spice's unique contribution illustrate the Holy Spirit's multifaceted work?
  2. What does the oil's sacred exclusivity teach about treating the Holy Spirit with reverence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְאַתָּ֣ה1 of 18
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

קַח2 of 18

“Take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לְךָ֮3 of 18
H0
בֹ֖שֶׂם4 of 18

“shekels and of sweet”

H1314

fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant

רֹאשׁ֒5 of 18

“thou also unto thee principal”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

מָר6 of 18

“myrrh”

H4753

myrrh (as distilling in drops, and also as bitter)

דְּרוֹר֙7 of 18

“of pure”

H1865

freedom; hence, spontaneity of outflow, and so clear

חֲמֵ֣שׁ8 of 18

“five”

H2568

five

וּמָאתָֽיִם׃9 of 18

“even two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְקִנְּמָן10 of 18

“cinnamon”

H7076

cinnamon bark (as in upright rolls)

בֹ֖שֶׂם11 of 18

“shekels and of sweet”

H1314

fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant

מַֽחֲצִית֖וֹ12 of 18

“half”

H4276

a halving or the middle

חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים13 of 18

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

וּמָאתָֽיִם׃14 of 18

“even two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וּקְנֵה15 of 18

“calamus”

H7070

a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)

בֹ֖שֶׂם16 of 18

“shekels and of sweet”

H1314

fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant

חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים17 of 18

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

וּמָאתָֽיִם׃18 of 18

“even two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

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 30:23 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 30:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 27:19Song of Solomon 4:14Ezekiel 27:22Jeremiah 6:20Exodus 37:29Song of Solomon 1:3

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 30 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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