King James Version

What Does Exodus 35:15 Mean?

Exodus 35:15 in the King James Version says “And the incense altar, and his staves, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the door at the...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the incense altar, and his staves, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the door at the entering in of the tabernacle,”

Exodus 35:15 · KJV

Context

13

The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the shewbread ,

14

The candlestick also for the light, and his furniture, and his lamps, with the oil for the light,

15

And the incense altar, and his staves, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the door at the entering in of the tabernacle,

16

The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,

17

The hangings of the court, his pillars, and their sockets, and the hanging for the door of the court,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The ark of testimony (אֲרוֹן הָעֵדֻת, aron ha-edut) was the covenant chest containing the law tablets, representing God's throne on earth and the foundation of His dwelling among Israel. The mercy seat (כַּפֹּרֶת, kapporet, from כָּפַר, kaphar, 'to atone') covered the law with blood once yearly, demonstrating that mercy triumphs over judgment through substitutionary sacrifice. This is the purest Old Testament picture of propitiation, fulfilled when Christ became our mercy seat (Romans 3:25, ἱλαστήριον, hilasterion).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The ark measured approximately 3.75' × 2.25' × 2.25', overlaid with pure gold inside and out. It contained the stone tablets (Deuteronomy 10:2), Aaron's rod (Numbers 17:10), and a pot of manna (Exodus 16:33-34). God's presence manifested between the cherubim on its lid.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the mercy seat covering the law illustrate the relationship between God's justice and His mercy?
  2. In what ways does the ark's contents (law, manna, Aaron's rod) testify to God's covenant faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְאֶת1 of 16
H853

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

מִזְבַּ֤ח2 of 16

“altar”

H4196

an altar

קְטֹ֣רֶת3 of 16

“And the incense”

H7004

a fumigation

וְאֶת4 of 16
H853

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

בַּדָּ֔יו5 of 16

“and his 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

וְאֵת֙6 of 16
H853

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

שֶׁ֣מֶן7 of 16

“oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה8 of 16

“and the anointing”

H4888

unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift

וְאֵ֖ת9 of 16
H853

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

קְטֹ֣רֶת10 of 16

“And the incense”

H7004

a fumigation

הַסַּמִּ֑ים11 of 16

“and the sweet”

H5561

an aroma

וְאֶת12 of 16
H853

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

מָסַ֥ךְ13 of 16

“and the hanging”

H4539

a cover, i.e., veil

לְפֶ֥תַח14 of 16

“for the door at the entering in”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

לְפֶ֥תַח15 of 16

“for the door at the entering in”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃16 of 16

“of the tabernacle”

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

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 35:15 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 35:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 30:1-10Exodus 37:25-28Exodus 26:36-37Exodus 36:37-38Psalms 141:2Exodus 30:22-38

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