King James Version

What Does Exodus 30:7 Mean?

Exodus 30:7 in the King James Version says “And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it. swe...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Exodus 30:7 · KJV

Context

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

9

Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.

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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 · 11 words
יַקְטִירֶֽנָּה׃1 of 11

“he shall burn incense”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

עָלָ֛יו2 of 11
H5921

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

אַֽהֲרֹ֖ן3 of 11

“And Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

קְטֹ֣רֶת4 of 11

“incense”

H7004

a fumigation

סַמִּ֑ים5 of 11

“thereon sweet”

H5561

an aroma

בַּבֹּ֗קֶר6 of 11

“every morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

בַּבֹּ֗קֶר7 of 11

“every morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

בְּהֵֽיטִיב֛וֹ8 of 11

“when he dresseth”

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

אֶת9 of 11
H853

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

הַנֵּרֹ֖ת10 of 11

“the lamps”

H5216

a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)

יַקְטִירֶֽנָּה׃11 of 11

“he shall burn incense”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

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 30:7 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 30:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 2:28Luke 1:9Exodus 27:20-211 Chronicles 23:131 Samuel 3:3Acts 6:4

Test Your Knowledge

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