King James Version

What Does Exodus 30:37 Mean?

Exodus 30:37 in the King James Version says “And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it s...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD.”

Exodus 30:37 · KJV

Context

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.

37

And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD.

38

Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people.

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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).

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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 · 11 words
וְהַקְּטֹ֙רֶת֙1 of 11

“And as for the perfume”

H7004

a fumigation

אֲשֶׁ֣ר2 of 11
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תַֽעֲשׂ֖וּ3 of 11

“which thou shalt make”

H6213

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

בְּמַ֨תְכֻּנְתָּ֔הּ4 of 11

“to yourselves according to the composition”

H4971

proportion (in size, number or ingredients)

לֹ֥א5 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַֽעֲשׂ֖וּ6 of 11

“which thou shalt make”

H6213

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

לָכֶ֑ם7 of 11
H0
קֹ֛דֶשׁ8 of 11

“thereof it shall be unto thee holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה9 of 11
H1961

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

לְךָ֖10 of 11
H0
לַֽיהוָֽה׃11 of 11

“for the LORD”

H3068

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

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 30:37 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 30:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 30:32-33Leviticus 2:3Exodus 29:37

Test Your Knowledge

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