King James Version

What Does Exodus 40:10 Mean?

Exodus 40:10 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall be an a...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall be an altar most holy. most holy: Heb. holiness of holinesses”

Exodus 40:10 · KJV

Context

8

And thou shalt set up the court round about, and hang up the hanging at the court gate.

9

And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy.

10

And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall be an altar most holy. most holy: Heb. holiness of holinesses

11

And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it.

12

And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.

Read Exodus 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Anointing the bronze altar and vessels 'sanctifies' (וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ, vekidashta) them, making them 'most holy' (קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים, qodesh qodashim, holy of holies). The bronze altar, though located in the outer courtyard, receives the highest consecration because it bore atoning sacrifice. This teaches that sacrifice's place is supremely holy—Christ's cross, though outside Jerusalem (Hebrews 13:12), is salvation's most sacred site. Whatever touches the altar becomes holy (Exodus 29:37), prefiguring Christ sanctifying those who approach through Him (Hebrews 10:10, 14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The bronze altar's 'most holy' status meant that anything touching it was consecrated to God and couldn't be used for common purposes. This principle protected the altar's sanctity and taught Israel that approaching God through sacrifice was their holiest privilege.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the bronze altar's supreme holiness despite its 'outer' location teach about sacrifice's centrality?
  2. How does Christ sanctifying those who touch Him by faith illustrate the altar's consecrating power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֛1 of 14

“And thou shalt anoint”

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

אֶת2 of 14
H853

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ3 of 14

“and it shall be an altar”

H4196

an altar

הָֽעֹלָ֖ה4 of 14

“of the burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וְאֶת5 of 14
H853

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

כָּל6 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כֵּלָ֑יו7 of 14

“and all his vessels”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֙8 of 14

“and sanctify”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

אֶת9 of 14
H853

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ10 of 14

“and it shall be an altar”

H4196

an altar

וְהָיָ֥ה11 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ12 of 14

“and it shall be an altar”

H4196

an altar

קָֽדָשִֽׁים׃13 of 14

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

קָֽדָשִֽׁים׃14 of 14

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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 40:10 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 40:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:36-37Luke 1:35Isaiah 61:12 Corinthians 5:21John 3:341 Corinthians 1:30

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 40 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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