Exodus 40:27

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Complete Jewish Bible:

and burned on it incense made from aromatic spices, as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible:

and he burned fragrant incense on it, just as the LORD had commanded him.

American Standard Version:

and he burnt thereon incense of sweet spices; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And he burnt{H6999} sweet{H5561} incense{H7004} thereon; as the LORD{H3068} commanded{H6680} Moses{H4872}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Exodus 30:7

  • And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.

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Commentary for Exodus 40:27

Exodus 40:27 is part of the passage that describes the completion of the Tabernacle, which is the portable dwelling place for God's presence among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. The verse specifically mentions the burning of sweet incense on the altar of incense, which was one of the final acts in the consecration of the Tabernacle.

**Themes:**
1. **Divine Instruction and Obedience:** The verse emphasizes Moses' adherence to God's detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's setup and rituals, highlighting the importance of obedience in the religious life of the Israelites.
2. **Worship and Sacrifice:** The burning of incense symbolizes prayer and worship ascending to God, as well as the idea of sacrifice and the offering of something pleasing to the divine.
3. **God's Presence:** The completion of the Tabernacle signifies the establishment of a sanctified space where God's glory could dwell among His people, which was central to Israel's identity as a nation chosen by God.

**Historical Context:**
The Book of Exodus recounts the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt and their formation as a covenant community under God's guidance through Moses. The construction of the Tabernacle occurs towards the end of the book, marking a pivotal moment where the newly formed nation of Israel transitioned from a group of former slaves to a people with a structured religious system and a unique relationship with God.

The Tabernacle served as the center of Israelite worship and religious life until the Temple was built in Jerusalem by King Solomon. The rituals performed in the Tabernacle, including the burning of incense as described in Exodus 40:27, were precursors to the Temple services and sacrifices that would later become central to Jewish religious practice.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H6999
    There are 112 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: קָטַר
    Transliteration: qâṭar
    Pronunciation: kaw-tar'
    Description: a primitive root (identical with through the idea of fumigation in a close place and perhaps thus driving out the occupants); to smoke, i.e. turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship); burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice).
  2. Strong's Number: H5561
    There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: סַם
    Transliteration: çam
    Pronunciation: sam
    Description: from an unused root meaning to smell sweet; an aroma; sweet (spice).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Strong's Number: H6680
    There are 475 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: צָוָה
    Transliteration: tsâvâh
    Pronunciation: tsaw-vaw'
    Description: a primitive root; (intensively) to constitute, enjoin; appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order.
  6. Strong's Number: H4872
    There are 704 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מֹשֶׁה
    Transliteration: Môsheh
    Pronunciation: mo-sheh'
    Description: from מָשָׁה; drawing out (of the water), i.e. rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver; Moses.