King James Version

What Does Exodus 30:8 Mean?

Exodus 30:8 in the King James Version says “And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Exodus 30:8 · KJV

Context

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.

10

And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the LORD.

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.

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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 · 12 words
וּבְהַֽעֲלֹ֨ת1 of 12

“lighteth”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אַֽהֲרֹ֧ן2 of 12

“And when Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אֶת3 of 12
H853

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

הַנֵּרֹ֛ת4 of 12

“the lamps”

H5216

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

בֵּ֥ין5 of 12
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הָֽעַרְבַּ֖יִם6 of 12

“at even”

H6153

dusk

יַקְטִירֶ֑נָּה7 of 12

“he shall burn incense”

H6999

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

קְטֹ֧רֶת8 of 12

“incense”

H7004

a fumigation

תָּמִ֛יד9 of 12

“upon it a perpetual”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

לִפְנֵ֥י10 of 12

“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

יְהוָ֖ה11 of 12

“the LORD”

H3068

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

לְדֹרֹֽתֵיכֶֽם׃12 of 12

“throughout your generations”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

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 30:8 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 30:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 9:24Romans 8:341 Thessalonians 5:17Hebrews 7:25Exodus 12:6

Test Your Knowledge

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

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