King James Version

What Does Exodus 39:38 Mean?

Exodus 39:38 in the King James Version says “And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door, the sweet: ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,

Read Exodus 39 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 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).

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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

  1. How does incense symbolizing prayer teach that prayer is precious, fragrant offering to God?
  2. What does believers' prayers ascending through Christ reveal about the necessity of His mediation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְאֵת֙1 of 13
H853

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

מִזְבַּ֣ח2 of 13

“altar”

H4196

an altar

הַזָּהָ֔ב3 of 13

“And the golden”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וְאֵת֙4 of 13
H853

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

שֶׁ֣מֶן5 of 13

“oil”

H8081

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

הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה6 of 13

“and the anointing”

H4888

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

וְאֵ֖ת7 of 13
H853

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

קְטֹ֣רֶת8 of 13

“incense”

H7004

a fumigation

הַסַּמִּ֑ים9 of 13

“and the sweet”

H5561

an aroma

וְאֵ֕ת10 of 13
H853

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

מָסַ֖ךְ11 of 13

“and the hanging”

H4539

a cover, i.e., veil

פֶּ֥תַח12 of 13

“door”

H6607

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

הָאֹֽהֶל׃13 of 13

“for the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

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

Exodus 30:7Exodus 35:8Exodus 30:32 Chronicles 2:4Exodus 31:11Exodus 37:29

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