Exodus 30:35

KJV

And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure [and] holy:

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt make {H6213} it a perfume {H7004}, a confection {H7545} after the art {H4639} of the apothecary {H7543}, tempered {H4414} together, pure {H2889} and holy {H6944}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and make incense, blended and perfumed as would an expert perfume-maker, salted, pure and holy.

Berean Standard Bible

and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy.

American Standard Version

and thou shalt make of it incense, a perfume after the art of the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 30:35 provides the concluding divine instruction for the preparation of the sacred incense, detailing its precise composition and emphasizing its consecrated nature. This verse underscores that the holy incense, designed for daily burning on the Altar of Incense within the Tabernacle, was not merely a pleasant aroma but a meticulously crafted, divinely ordained substance, set apart for the exclusive worship of God, signifying His absolute holiness and the purity required in approaching His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 30:35 is situated within a larger block of text (Exodus 25-31) where God meticulously reveals to Moses the blueprints for the Tabernacle, its sacred furnishings, and the vestments for the Aaronic priesthood. Specifically, this verse concludes the detailed instructions concerning the holy incense, which begin in [Exodus 30:34](/exodus/30-34 "Exodus 30:34 - Ingredients for the Holy Incense"). Prior to this, God has given commands for the construction of the [Altar of Incense](/exodus/30-1-10 "Exodus 30:1-10 - The Altar of Incense") (Exodus 30:1-10), the [bronze laver](/exodus/30-17-21 "Exodus 30:17-21 - The Bronze Laver") (Exodus 30:17-21), and the [holy anointing oil](/exodus/30-22-33 "Exodus 30:22-33 - The Holy Anointing Oil") (Exodus 30:22-33). The placement of this command highlights the centrality of the Altar of Incense and its accompanying aroma in the daily worship liturgy, serving as a constant reminder of God's presence and the need for reverent, prescribed worship. The subsequent verses ([Exodus 30:36-38](/exodus/30-36-38 "Exodus 30:36-38 - Prohibition Against Common Use of Incense")) further emphasize the exclusivity and sacredness of this incense, prohibiting its replication for common use, thereby reinforcing its unique, consecrated status.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, incense was widely used in both religious rituals and daily life. It served various purposes, including masking unpleasant odors, as a sign of respect or honor, and in cultic practices to create a sacred atmosphere or as an offering to deities. However, the incense described in [Exodus 30](/exodus/30 "Exodus 30 - The Altar of Incense, Anointing Oil, and Incense") was unique. Unlike common perfumes or offerings to pagan gods, this incense was divinely prescribed, with specific ingredients and preparation methods. The "art of the apothecary" (or perfumer) was a highly skilled profession in ancient societies, involving precise knowledge of herbs, resins, and oils to create stable and fragrant compounds. God’s command to prepare the incense "after the art of the apothecary" signifies that this was not a casual mixture but a highly specialized, precise formulation, demanding expert craftsmanship and strict adherence to the divine recipe. This precision underscored the absolute holiness of God and the meticulousness required in all aspects of worship directed toward Him, setting Israel's worship apart from the surrounding nations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Prescription and Holiness**, emphasizing that God dictates the terms of worship, leaving no room for human innovation or approximation. The meticulous details for the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priestly rituals all reinforce God's transcendent holiness and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms. The concept of **Separation and Consecration** is also paramount; the incense, like the Tabernacle itself and the priesthood, is "pure and holy," set apart from common use for exclusive divine service. This reflects God's call for His people, Israel, to be a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures, as articulated in [Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Acceptable Worship**, demonstrating that only offerings prepared according to God's specific instructions are pleasing to Him. This foreshadows the New Testament understanding that true worship must be "in spirit and truth," as Jesus teaches in [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Perfume (Hebrew, _qᵉṭôreth'_):** This word (H7004) refers to a "fumigation" or "sweet incense," emphasizing a substance designed to be burned to produce a fragrant smoke. In the context of the Tabernacle, it signifies a specific, divinely ordained aroma intended to ascend before God, distinct from common perfumes. Its preparation as a "confection" (H7545, _rôqach'_) further highlights it as a carefully compounded, specialized mixture.
* **Tempered (Hebrew, _mâlach'_):** The KJV translates H4414 as "tempered together," but its primary meaning is "to salt" or "to season with salt." This term carries profound symbolic weight. Salt in ancient Israel symbolized purity, incorruptibility, and the enduring nature of covenants (e.g., "a covenant of salt" in [Numbers 18:19](/numbers/18-19 "Numbers 18:19 - A Covenant of Salt")). Thus, "tempered together" suggests that the incense was prepared in a way that ensured its purity, prevented corruption, and underscored its perpetual, unchanging sacred purpose in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It implies a process that renders the incense pure and lasting.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** This word (H6944) is central to the verse's meaning, signifying something "set apart," "sacred," or "consecrated." The pairing with "pure" (H2889, _ṭâhôwr'_) intensifies the emphasis on its absolute separation from common use and its exclusive dedication to God. It was not merely ritually clean but inherently sacred, reflecting the very nature of the God to whom it was offered. This designation underscored the inviolable sanctity of God's presence and the absolute purity required of anything that served in His worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary":** This opening clause is a divine command to Moses, instructing the precise preparation of the incense. The use of "perfume" and "confection" (or "compound") emphasizes the skilled craftsmanship involved. "After the art of the apothecary" highlights that this was not an arbitrary mix but a precise, expert formulation, requiring a specific, professional level of skill (H4639, _maʻăseh'_, "art" or "work" and H7543, _râqach'_, "apothecary" or "perfumer"). This detail underscores God's demand for excellence and meticulous adherence to His instructions in all matters pertaining to His worship.
* **"tempered together":** This crucial phrase describes a specific characteristic or process in the incense's preparation. As discussed in the key word analysis, "tempered together" (Hebrew `mâlach'`, "salted") signifies its purity, incorruptibility, and enduring nature, reflecting the covenant faithfulness of God. It implies a process that ensures the incense would remain pure and effective for its sacred purpose, untainted by decay or common use, thus symbolizing the lasting validity of the offering.
* **"pure [and] holy":** This final descriptor unequivocally states the consecrated nature of the incense. It was to be absolutely "pure" (H2889, _ṭâhôwr'_), free from any impurity or defilement, and "holy" (H6944, _qôdesh'_), meaning set apart exclusively for God's sacred use. This designation served as a constant reminder of God's transcendent holiness and the inherent sanctity of the Tabernacle and all its elements. The incense's purity was a prerequisite for its acceptance before a perfectly holy God, emphasizing that only what is unblemished and consecrated is fit for His presence.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 30:35 employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is **Divine Mandate**, as the verse is a direct command from God to Moses, emphasizing the absolute authority and specificity of divine instruction regarding worship. This underscores that true worship is not invented by humans but revealed by God. There is also strong **Symbolism** present; the "perfume" itself is a powerful symbol. In later biblical understanding, the ascending smoke of incense became a vivid **Symbolism** of the prayers of the saints rising to God ([Psalm 141:2](/psalm/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Incense as Prayer"), [Revelation 5:8](/revelation/5-8 "Revelation 5:8 - Incense as Prayers of the Saints")). The "pure and holy" nature of the incense thus symbolizes the desire for pure, sincere, and acceptable prayer. Furthermore, the phrase "after the art of the apothecary" highlights **Precision** and **Craftsmanship**, emphasizing that God demands not only obedience but also excellence and skill in the execution of His commands, particularly in matters of sacred worship. The repetition of the concept of purity and holiness through "tempered together, pure and holy" also functions as **Emphasis**, reinforcing the paramount importance of the incense's consecrated nature and its utter distinction from the common.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 30:35 powerfully articulates the theological principles of divine sovereignty, the nature of acceptable worship, and the absolute holiness of God. The meticulous instructions for the incense underscore that worship is not a human invention but a divine revelation, requiring precise adherence to God's standards. The "pure and holy" nature of the incense reflects the character of God Himself, who is utterly set apart from all impurity and sin. This sacred incense, burning continually, symbolized the constant intercession and the ascending prayers of God's people, a sweet aroma acceptable to Him. It also prefigures the need for a perfect mediator and a perfectly pure offering to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, a gap that no humanly crafted substance could truly bridge.

* [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1-3 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire")
* [Psalm 141:2](/psalm/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - My Prayer as Incense")
* [Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3-4 "Revelation 8:3-4 - Incense with the Prayers of the Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 30:35, though detailing a specific ancient ritual, carries profound implications for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is holy and demands a worship that reflects His character—pure, intentional, and set apart. While we no longer offer physical incense, the principle of offering something "pure and holy" remains. Our prayers, our praise, our acts of service, and indeed our very lives are to be offered to God with sincerity, purity of heart, and according to His revealed will. Just as the incense was exclusively for God's presence, so too are believers called to live consecrated lives, set apart from the world's defilements for God's purposes. This verse challenges us to consider the quality of our spiritual offerings: Are they "tempered together" with integrity and faithfulness, meaning they are preserved from compromise and decay? Are they "pure and holy," reflecting a genuine desire to honor God above all else, free from self-interest or hypocrisy? It calls us to a worship that is not casual or self-serving, but reverent, thoughtful, and deeply committed to glorifying the One who is utterly pure and holy, recognizing that our access to Him is a sacred privilege.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can my daily life and worship reflect the "pure and holy" nature that God desires?**
* **How does the meticulousness of God's instructions for the incense challenge my approach to spiritual disciplines and service, encouraging excellence and intentionality?**
* **What does it mean for my prayers to be like "pure and holy" incense ascending to God, and how can I cultivate such a prayer life?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary purpose of the holy incense described in Exodus 30:35?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the holy incense was to be burned daily on the [Altar of Incense](/exodus/30-1-10 "Exodus 30:1-10 - The Altar of Incense") within the Tabernacle, creating a fragrant smoke that ascended before the Lord. This act served multiple functions: it symbolized the ascending prayers of the people ([Psalm 141:2](/psalm/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - My Prayer as Incense")), created a sacred atmosphere, and was a constant reminder of God's presence and the need for a pure and holy approach to Him. It was strictly for sacred use and not to be replicated for common purposes, as stated in [Exodus 30:37-38](/exodus/30-37-38 "Exodus 30:37-38 - Prohibition Against Common Use of Incense").

**Why was it so important for the incense to be "pure and holy"?**

Answer: The designation "pure and holy" was crucial because the incense was directly associated with the worship of a perfectly holy God. Anything brought into God's presence, especially in the sacred space of the Tabernacle, had to reflect His purity and set-apartness. Its purity ensured its acceptability, and its holiness signified its exclusive dedication to God's service, distinguishing it from common or profane uses. This principle underscores God's demand for reverence and the highest standard of consecration in all matters pertaining to Him, as tragically illustrated by [Nadab and Abihu's unauthorized fire](/leviticus/10-1-3 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire") in Leviticus 10.

**What does "tempered together" mean in the context of the incense?**

Answer: The phrase "tempered together" (Hebrew: `mâlach'`) literally means "salted" or "seasoned with salt." While it could refer to a technical process in ancient perfumery, its deeper theological meaning is significant. Salt in the Bible often symbolizes purity, preservation, and the enduring nature of covenants (e.g., a "covenant of salt" in [Numbers 18:19](/numbers/18-19 "Numbers 18:19 - A Covenant of Salt")). Therefore, "tempered together" implies that the incense was prepared to be pure, incorruptible, and perpetually valid for its sacred purpose, symbolizing the enduring and unblemished nature of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It speaks to the integrity and lasting quality required of offerings made to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 30:35, with its emphasis on a "pure and holy" incense, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulously prepared incense, symbolizing ascending prayers and an acceptable offering, foreshadows Christ, who is Himself the perfect, "pure and holy" offering for humanity's sin. Unlike the temporary and symbolic offerings of the Old Covenant, Jesus offered Himself "without blemish to God" ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")), a truly pure and holy sacrifice that permanently atones for sin. Furthermore, as our great High Priest, Christ continually intercedes for us before the Father, His prayers being the ultimate "sweet aroma" ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession"), [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Eternal Intercessor")). We, as believers, are now a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to offer "spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices")). Our prayers, praise, and lives, made pure and holy through Christ's atoning work, become the true "incense" ascending to God, not by our own merit or meticulous preparation, but by virtue of our union with the perfectly pure and holy Lamb of God, who has made us acceptable in the Beloved ([Ephesians 1:6](/ephesians/1-6 "Ephesians 1:6 - Accepted in the Beloved")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 30:25

And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.

Leviticus 2:13

And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt.

John 12:3

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

Song Of Solomon 3:6

¶ Who [is] this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?

Proverbs 27:9

¶ Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so [doth] the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

Song Of Solomon 1:3

Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name [is as] ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.