King James Version

What Does Exodus 30:6 Mean?

Exodus 30:6 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt put it before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testim... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 30:6 · KJV


Context

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.

7

And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it. sweet incense: Heb. incense of spices

8

And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations. lighteth: or setteth up: Heb. causeth to ascend at even: Heb. between the two evenings


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 · 17 words
וְנָֽתַתָּ֤ה1 of 17

And thou shalt put

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֹתוֹ֙2 of 17
H853

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

לִפְנֵ֣י3 of 17

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַפָּרֹ֔כֶת4 of 17

the vail

H6532

a separatrix, i.e., (the sacred) screen

אֲשֶׁ֖ר5 of 17
H834

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

עַל6 of 17
H5921

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

אֲרֹ֣ן7 of 17

that is by the ark

H727

a box

הָ֣עֵדֻ֔ת8 of 17

of the testimony

H5715

testimony

לִפְנֵ֣י9 of 17

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַכַּפֹּ֗רֶת10 of 17

the mercy seat

H3727

a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred ark)

אֲשֶׁר֙11 of 17
H834

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

עַל12 of 17
H5921

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

הָ֣עֵדֻ֔ת13 of 17

of the testimony

H5715

testimony

אֲשֶׁ֛ר14 of 17
H834

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

אִוָּעֵ֥ד15 of 17

where I will meet

H3259

to fix upon (by agreement or appointment); by implication, to meet (at a stated time), to summon (to trial), to direct (in a certain quarter or positi

לְךָ֖16 of 17
H0
שָֽׁמָּה׃17 of 17
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence


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 30:6 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 30:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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