King James Version:
And [as for] the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD.
Complete Jewish Bible:
You are not to make for your own use any incense like it, with the same composition of ingredients - you are to treat it as holy, for ADONAI.
Berean Standard Bible:
You are never to use this formula to make incense for yourselves; you shall regard it as holy to the LORD.
American Standard Version:
And the incense which thou shalt make, according to the composition thereof ye shall not make for yourselves: it shall be unto thee holy for Jehovah.
Cross-References (KJV):
Leviticus 2:3
- And the remnant of the meat offering [shall be] Aaron's and his sons': [it is] a thing most holy of the offerings of the LORD made by fire.
Exodus 30:32
- Upon man's flesh shall it not be poured, neither shall ye make [any other] like it, after the composition of it: it [is] holy, [and] it shall be holy unto you.
Exodus 30:33
- Whosoever compoundeth [any] like it, or whosoever putteth [any] of it upon a stranger, shall even be cut off from his people.
Exodus 29:37
- Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H7004
There are 58 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קְטֹרֶת
Transliteration: qᵉṭôreth
Pronunciation: ket-o'-reth
Description: from קָטַר; a fumigation; (sweet) incense, perfume. - Strong's Number: H6213
There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָשָׂה
Transliteration: ʻâsâh
Pronunciation: aw-saw'
Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. - Strong's Number: H4971
There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מַתְכֹנֶת
Transliteration: mathkôneth
Pronunciation: math-ko'-neth
Description: or מַתְכֻנֶת; from תָּכַן in the transferred sense of measuring; proportion (in size, number or ingredients); composition, measure, state, tale. - Strong's Number: H6944
There are 382 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קֹדֶשׁ
Transliteration: qôdesh
Pronunciation: ko'-desh
Description: from קָדַשׁ; a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity; consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. - Strong's Number: H3068
There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יְהֹוָה
Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
Commentary for Exodus 30:37
1. **Themes:**
- **Holiness and Distinctiveness:** The verse emphasizes that the perfume or incense used in the Tabernacle is not to be replicated for personal use. It is consecrated for the worship of the Lord, highlighting the distinction between the sacred and the profane.
- **Exclusivity for Worship:** The incense is specifically designed for use in the worship of God, reinforcing the idea that certain rituals and items are set aside solely for divine service.
- **Obedience to Divine Instruction:** The command underscores the importance of following God's instructions precisely, as laid out in the Law, which is a recurring theme throughout Exodus.
2. **Historical Context:**
- **Setting:** Exodus 30:37 is part of the instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai for the construction and operation of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that served as the center of worship for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings.
- **Purpose:** The Tabernacle and its rituals were designed to create a sacred space where God would dwell among His people, and the specific formulations for the incense were part of ensuring that the worship was conducted according to divine standards.
- **Cultural Significance:** Incense in the ancient Near East was commonly used in religious rituals to create a pleasing aroma, symbolizing prayers rising to the deity. The unique recipe for the holy incense set the Israelite worship practices apart from those of other cultures and religions.
- **Time Period:** These instructions would have been given around the 13th century BCE, after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and before their entry into the Promised Land.
In summary, Exodus 30:37 reflects the themes of holiness, the sanctity of worship, and adherence to divine commandments within the historical context of the establishment of Israel's religious practices as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.