King James Version

What Does Exodus 30:4 Mean?

Exodus 30:4 in the King James Version says “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 s...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Exodus 30:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

And thou shalt put it before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 20 words
שְׁנֵ֣י1 of 20

“And two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

טַבְּעֹ֨ת2 of 20

“rings”

H2885

properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind

זָהָ֜ב3 of 20

“golden”

H2091

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

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה4 of 20

“of it shalt thou make”

H6213

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

לּ֣וֹ׀5 of 20
H0
מִתַּ֣חַת6 of 20
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

לְזֵר֗וֹ7 of 20

“to it under the crown”

H2213

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

עַ֚ל8 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׁנֵ֣י9 of 20

“And two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

צַלְעֹתָ֔יו10 of 20

“corners”

H6763

a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה11 of 20

“of it shalt thou make”

H6213

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

עַל12 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׁנֵ֣י13 of 20

“And two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

צִדָּ֑יו14 of 20

“sides”

H6654

a side; figuratively, an adversary

וְהָיָה֙15 of 20
H1961

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

לְבָתִּ֣ים16 of 20

“it and they shall be for places”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לְבַדִּ֔ים17 of 20

“for the staves”

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

לָשֵׂ֥את18 of 20

“to bear”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֹת֖וֹ19 of 20
H853

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

בָּהֵֽמָּה׃20 of 20

“it withal”

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

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 30:4 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 30:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 25:27Exodus 25:14Exodus 27:4Exodus 25:12Exodus 27:7Exodus 26:29

Test Your Knowledge

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

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