King James Version

What Does Exodus 30:3 Mean?

Exodus 30:3 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about. top: Heb. roof sides: Heb. walls”

Exodus 30:3 · KJV

Context

1

And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it.

2

A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of the same.

3

And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about. top: Heb. roof sides: Heb. walls

4

And two golden rings shalt thou make to it under the crown of it, by the two corners thereof, upon the two sides of it shalt thou make it; and they shall be for places for the staves to bear it withal. corners: Heb. ribs

5

And thou shalt make the staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.

Read Exodus 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The golden altar of incense stands before the veil, closest to God's presence. Daily incense offerings represent prayer ascending to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). The altar's position—after the bronze altar (sacrifice) but before the Most Holy Place (God's throne)—teaches that prayer is based on atonement and leads to intimacy. Christ, our intercessor, causes our prayers to ascend acceptably, adding His perfect intercession to our imperfect petitions.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The high priest burned incense on this altar twice daily (morning and evening) when tending the lampstand. The fragrant smoke ascending into the Holy Place symbolized prayers rising to God's throne.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's intercession make your prayers acceptable to God?
  2. Why must sacrifice (bronze altar) precede prayer (golden altar)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְצִפִּיתָ֙1 of 16

“And thou shalt overlay”

H6823

to sheet over (especially with metal)

אֹת֜וֹ2 of 16
H853

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

זָהָ֖ב3 of 16

“gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

טָה֗וֹר4 of 16

“it with pure”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

אֶת5 of 16
H853

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

גַּגּ֧וֹ6 of 16

“the top”

H1406

a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar

וְאֶת7 of 16
H853

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

קִֽירֹתָ֛יו8 of 16

“thereof and the sides”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

סָבִֽיב׃9 of 16

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

וְאֶת10 of 16
H853

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

קַרְנֹתָ֑יו11 of 16

“and the horns”

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ12 of 16

“thereof and thou shalt make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לּ֛וֹ13 of 16
H0
זֵ֥ר14 of 16

“unto it a crown”

H2213

a chaplet (as spread around the top), i.e., (specifically) a border moulding

זָהָ֖ב15 of 16

“gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

סָבִֽיב׃16 of 16

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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 30:3 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 30:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 25:24Exodus 25:11

Test Your Knowledge

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

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