King James Version

What Does Exodus 30:34 Mean?

Exodus 30:34 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pur...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight:”

Exodus 30:34 · KJV

Context

32

Upon man's flesh shall it not be poured, neither shall ye make any other like it, after the composition of it: it is holy, and it shall be holy unto you.

33

Whosoever compoundeth any like it, or whosoever putteth any of it upon a stranger, shall even be cut off from his people.

34

And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight:

35

And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy: tempered: Heb. salted

36

And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy.

Read Exodus 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The holy incense formula—stacte, onycha, galbanum, frankincense—represents acceptable prayer. Like the anointing oil, this formula was sacred, forbidden for common use. The specific ingredients create a fragrance pleasing to God, teaching that prayer must be according to God's will to be acceptable. Christ's intercession is the perfect incense; our prayers, offered through Him, become fragrant to God (2 Corinthians 2:15).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The incense burned twice daily on the golden altar, filling the Holy Place with fragrant smoke. Offering strange/unauthorized incense resulted in death (Leviticus 10:1-2), emphasizing that worship must follow God's prescription.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's intercession serve as 'perfect incense' making your prayers acceptable?
  2. What does the forbidden counterfeiting teach about worshiping according to God's pattern?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיֹּאמֶר֩1 of 16

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֨ה2 of 16

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֜ה4 of 16

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

קַח5 of 16

“Take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לְךָ֣6 of 16
H0
סַמִּ֖ים7 of 16

“spices”

H5561

an aroma

נָטָ֤ף׀8 of 16

“stacte”

H5198

a drop; specifically, an aromatic gum (probably stacte)

וּשְׁחֵ֙לֶת֙9 of 16

“and onycha”

H7827

a scale or shell, i.e., the aromatic mussel

וְחֶלְבְּנָ֔ה10 of 16

“and galbanum”

H2464

galbanam, an odorous gum (as if fatty)

סַמִּ֖ים11 of 16

“spices”

H5561

an aroma

וּלְבֹנָ֣ה12 of 16

“frankincense”

H3828

frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)

זַכָּ֑ה13 of 16

“with pure”

H2134

clear

בְּבַ֖ד14 of 16

“of each”

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

בְּבַ֖ד15 of 16

“of each”

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

יִֽהְיֶֽה׃16 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

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 30:34 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 30:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 37:29Leviticus 2:15Exodus 25:6Exodus 30:23Matthew 2:11Leviticus 2:1

Test Your Knowledge

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

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