King James Version
What Does Exodus 39:38 Mean?
“And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door, the sweet: Heb. the incense of sweet spices”
Exodus 39:38 · KJV
Context
36
The table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread ,
37
The pure candlestick, with the lamps thereof, even with the lamps to be set in order, and all the vessels thereof, and the oil for light,
38
And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door, the sweet: Heb. the incense of sweet spices
39
The brasen altar, and his grate of brass, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,
40
The hangings of the court, his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, his cords, and his pins, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation,
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe golden altar (מִזְבַּח הַזָּהָב, mizbach haZahav, altar of incense), anointing oil (שֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה, shemen haMishchah), and sweet incense (קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים, qetoret haSamim) enabled prayer and consecration. The incense's fragrant smoke ascending symbolized prayers rising to God (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8). The golden material and Holy Place location (near the veil) emphasized prayer's preciousness. The anointing oil consecrated priests and implements (Exodus 30:22-33). Christ, our Intercessor (Hebrews 7:25), offers perfect prayer; believers' prayers ascend through Him (John 14:13-14).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The incense altar stood before the veil (Exodus 30:6), closest to God's presence except for the ark behind the veil. The high priest burned incense twice daily (morning and evening), filling the Holy Place with fragrant smoke. The anointing oil's unique recipe (Exodus 30:23-25) could not be replicated for common use.
Reflection Questions
- How does incense symbolizing prayer teach that prayer is precious, fragrant offering to God?
- What does believers' prayers ascending through Christ reveal about the necessity of His mediation?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsוְאֵת֙1 of 13
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַזָּהָ֔ב3 of 13
“And the golden”
H2091gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
וְאֵת֙4 of 13
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֶׁ֣מֶן5 of 13
“oil”
H8081grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
וְאֵ֖ת7 of 13
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֵ֕ת10 of 13
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
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 39:38 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 39:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge