Exodus 31:11

KJV

And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy [place]: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the anointing {H4888} oil {H8081}, and sweet {H5561} incense {H7004} for the holy {H6944} place: according to all that I have commanded {H6680} thee shall they do {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the anointing oil and the incense of aromatic spices for the Holy Place: they are to make everything just as I have ordered you."

Berean Standard Bible

in addition to the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them according to all that I have commanded you.”

American Standard Version

and the anointing oil, and the incense of sweet spices for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 31:11 concludes a pivotal section of divine directives given to Moses on Mount Sinai, meticulously detailing the construction and furnishing of the Tabernacle. This verse specifically highlights the indispensable nature of the holy anointing oil and the sweet incense, essential components for the sacred worship space. It powerfully reiterates the divine authority and origin behind every aspect of the Tabernacle's design and function, emphasizing that all elements of its creation and use must adhere with absolute precision to God's explicit commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 31:11 serves as the culmination of an extensive block of divine instructions (chapters 25-31) concerning the Tabernacle, its sacred furnishings, the priestly garments, and the consecration of the Levitical priesthood. This grand architectural and liturgical blueprint begins with God's foundational command to "make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them" [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Command to Build the Sanctuary"). Following this overarching directive, God provides extraordinarily detailed specifications for every item, from the Ark of the Covenant to the Altars and the Laver. Chapters 30 and 31 specifically elaborate on the holy anointing oil and the sweet incense, providing their precise recipes, sacred nature, and prescribed uses, underscoring their critical role in facilitating acceptable worship. The immediate preceding verses, [Exodus 31:1-11](/exodus/31-1 "Exodus 31:1-11 - Bezalel and Oholiab Appointed"), detail God's sovereign appointment and divine gifting of Bezalel and Oholiab, along with other skilled artisans, to execute these intricate plans. This divine enablement ensures that the construction would be carried out precisely "according to all that I have commanded thee," making Exodus 31:11 a concluding summary statement for both the specific sacred elements and the divinely empowered craftsmanship required for their realization.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** These divine instructions were delivered to Moses while Israel was encamped at Mount Sinai, a transformative period marking their transition from Egyptian slavery to a covenant nation under Yahweh. The Tabernacle was God's tangible provision for His holy presence to dwell amidst His people in the wilderness, serving as the central hub for their worship and a visible sign of His covenant faithfulness. While temples and cultic practices were ubiquitous in the ancient Near East, Israel's Tabernacle stood apart due to its monotheistic focus and the direct, detailed divine revelation of its design. Unlike pagan temples, which often reflected human ingenuity, mythological narratives, or the whims of deities, the Israelite Tabernacle was entirely a product of God's explicit command. This emphasized His absolute sovereignty, His unique holiness, and the necessity of approaching Him strictly on His terms. The anointing oil and incense were not merely symbolic but practical necessities for ritual purity and acceptable worship, distinguishing the sacred from the common and facilitating communion with a holy God within a portable sanctuary designed for a nomadic people. The meticulousness of the instructions, including the specific components of the [holy anointing oil](/exodus/30-22-33 "Exodus 30:22-33 - Recipe for the Holy Anointing Oil") and the [sweet incense](/exodus/30-34-38 "Exodus 30:34-38 - Recipe for the Holy Incense"), reinforced the profound truth that God's transcendent holiness demanded precise adherence to His revealed will in all matters of worship and access to His presence.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 31:11 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Presence and Dwelling**, as the Tabernacle's ultimate purpose was to provide a space for God to reside among His people, fulfilling His promise from [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Command to Build the Sanctuary"). This verse highlights specific elements crucial for maintaining the sanctity of that dwelling. A second prominent theme is **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, underscored by the repeated phrase "according to all that I have commanded thee." This emphasizes that all aspects of Israel's worship and national life were to be governed by God's explicit revelation, leaving no room for human innovation or deviation. Connected to this is the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**, as both the anointing oil and incense were "most holy" and set apart for sacred use, signifying the purity required to approach a holy God. They served to sanctify objects, places, and people for divine service, as seen in the consecration of Aaron and his sons in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Acceptable Worship**, demonstrating that worship is not merely an emotional expression but a divinely ordained act requiring specific means and adherence to God's prescribed terms, ensuring that the people's approach to God was both reverent and efficacious.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anointing Oil (Hebrew, _shemen mishchâh'_):** This compound term refers to "oil of anointing" or "consecratory oil." The word _shemen_ (H8081) denotes oil, particularly olive oil, often perfumed, symbolizing richness and blessing. _Mishchâh_ (H4888) refers to the act of anointing or the consecrated substance itself, implying a setting apart for sacred purpose. Its specific, divinely revealed composition (Exodus 30:23-25) made it uniquely sacred, used to consecrate the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests, thereby signifying their separation from common use and dedication to God's exclusive service. The act of anointing imparted a sense of divine presence, enablement, and authorization, marking the anointed person or object as holy and specially designated by God.
* **Sweet Incense (Hebrew, _qᵉṭôreth çam'_):** This phrase describes a "fumigation of sweet spices." _Qᵉṭôreth_ (H7004) refers to a fumigation or incense, while _çam_ (H5561) denotes a sweet aroma or spice. This specially compounded aromatic mixture, detailed in Exodus 30:34-35, was, like the anointing oil, exclusive and "most holy," forbidden for common use. Burned daily on the altar of incense, it filled the Holy Place with a fragrant aroma, symbolizing the prayers of God's people ascending to Him and creating an atmosphere of reverence, purity, and intercession before the veil leading to the Most Holy Place.
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** This primitive root (H6680) carries the intensive meaning "to constitute" or "to enjoin." It signifies a definitive, authoritative directive, a charge, or a mandate from a superior. In this context, it emphasizes the divine origin and absolute authority of the instructions given to Moses. The use of this word throughout the Tabernacle accounts underscores that every detail was not a human invention or suggestion but a direct, non-negotiable command from God, demanding precise and unwavering obedience from His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the anointing oil,"**: This clause introduces the first of two crucial sacred elements. The anointing oil, whose specific recipe and purpose were detailed earlier (Exodus 30:22-33), was essential for the consecration of the Tabernacle and its contents, including the priests. Its mention here underscores its vital role in setting apart the sacred space and its personnel for divine service, making them fit to approach and minister before a holy God.
* **"and sweet incense for the holy [place]:"**: This introduces the second element, the specially compounded sweet incense (Exodus 30:34-38), which was to be burned daily on the golden altar of incense. The phrase "for the holy [place]" indicates its specific purpose within the sacred precincts of the Tabernacle, particularly the Holy Place, where its fragrant smoke would ascend as a pleasing aroma before the Lord, symbolizing the prayers, worship, and intercession of Israel. The term "place" is an implied reference to the consecrated areas of the Tabernacle.
* **"according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do."**: This concluding clause serves as a powerful, non-negotiable affirmation of divine authority and the absolute necessity of strict obedience. It emphasizes that every single detail, from the precise composition of the oil and incense to the intricate construction of the Tabernacle itself, was divinely ordained. This left no room for human innovation, improvisation, or deviation in the approach to God, highlighting the paramount importance of precise obedience to God's revealed will in all matters of faith, worship, and service.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 31:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Emphasis** is powerfully conveyed through the concluding phrase, "according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do." This reiteration of the divine mandate, a refrain throughout the Tabernacle instructions, underscores the absolute necessity of precise obedience to God's revealed will and highlights His supreme sovereignty. **Symbolism** is central to the verse, as both the "anointing oil" and "sweet incense" are not merely physical objects but potent representations of spiritual realities. The anointing oil symbolizes consecration, divine presence, empowerment by God's Spirit, and being set apart for holy use. The sweet incense symbolizes the prayers and worship of God's people ascending to Him as a pleasing aroma, signifying devotion, intercession, and acceptable communion. The very mention of these specific elements within the context of the "holy [place]" also utilizes **Synecdoche**, where these two crucial components stand for the entire complex system of Tabernacle worship and the meticulous adherence to divine law that it embodies. The verse, therefore, is a concise summary rich in theological implications.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 31:11 profoundly teaches us about the nature of God's holiness, His desire for communion with humanity, and the precise, divinely ordained terms by which He may be approached. It reveals that true worship is not arbitrary, self-invented, or based on human preference, but must align perfectly with God's revealed will. The meticulous instructions for the anointing oil and sweet incense underscore God's absolute sovereignty and His prerogative to dictate the means of access to His holy presence. These elements, explicitly set apart as "holy," served as constant, tangible reminders of God's transcendent purity and the indispensable need for consecration and atonement to bridge the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity. They were not merely empty rituals but pedagogical tools, designed to teach Israel about the sanctity of God, the seriousness of approaching Him, and the profound privilege of His dwelling among them.

* [Exodus 30:22-38](/exodus/30-22-38 "Recipes for Holy Anointing Oil and Sweet Incense")
* [Leviticus 16:12-13](/leviticus/16-12-13 "Incense on the Day of Atonement")
* [Hebrews 9:1-10](/hebrews/9-1-10 "The Earthly Tabernacle as a Shadow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 31:11, though deeply rooted in the ancient Tabernacle rituals, offers timeless and profound principles for believers today. It compels us to consider the intentionality, reverence, and obedience with which we approach God in our contemporary worship and daily lives. While the physical use of anointing oil and the burning of literal incense are no longer prescribed for New Covenant believers, the spiritual realities they pointed to remain profoundly relevant. We are reminded that God desires worship that is not haphazard or casual but deliberate, offered with hearts consecrated to Him. Our very lives, as spiritual sacrifices, are to be set apart for His service, reflecting the holiness He desires in His people, as we are called to be a "holy priesthood" [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "A Holy Priesthood"). Our prayers, offered in faith and through Christ, continue to ascend to Him as a sweet aroma, a vital means of communion, intercession, and spiritual worship. This verse challenges us to examine the sincerity and obedience of our worship, ensuring that our approach to God is always "according to all that [He has] commanded" through His Word and Spirit, rather than according to our own preferences, traditions, or inventions. It encourages us to live lives that are continually being sanctified by His Spirit, reflecting the holiness of the One we worship and serving Him with reverence and awe.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does the meticulousness of God's instructions for the Tabernacle challenge my own approach to worship, spiritual disciplines, and obedience in daily life?**
* **How can I practically ensure that my daily life, beyond formal gatherings, reflects a consecrated "holy place" dedicated to God's presence and purposes?**
* **What does the symbolism of the "sweet incense" as prayer teach me about the power, importance, and spiritual fragrance of my own prayer life and intercession for others?**

### FAQ
**Why were the anointing oil and sweet incense so specifically and exclusively prescribed?**

Answer: The specific and exclusive prescriptions for the anointing oil and sweet incense, detailed in [Exodus 30](/exodus/30 "Instructions for the Altar of Incense, Laver, Oil, and Incense"), underscored God's absolute holiness, His sovereignty, and the sanctity of His presence. These elements were not common commodities but sacred instruments for worship, designed by God Himself. Their unique composition and restricted use served several critical purposes: to distinguish the sacred from the profane, to symbolize the divine presence and the purity required to approach God, and to emphasize that access to God's presence was solely on His terms, not through human invention or common practices. This exclusivity protected the sanctity of the Tabernacle and instilled profound reverence in the worshippers, teaching them that God is holy and must be approached in the way He prescribes.

**What does "holy [place]" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In Exodus 31:11, "holy [place]" refers primarily to the Tabernacle itself, particularly its inner sanctums: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. These were the sacred areas where the priests ministered, the holy furnishings resided, and God's presence was uniquely manifest. The anointing oil consecrated the entire structure and its contents, setting them apart for sacred use. The sweet incense was burned specifically in the Holy Place, just before the veil separating it from the Most Holy Place, symbolizing the prayers ascending to God. The phrase signifies the entire sacred complex, divinely set apart for worship, communion with God, and the manifestation of His glory among His people.

**Are these rituals of anointing oil and sweet incense still relevant for believers today?**

Answer: While the physical rituals of preparing and using the specific anointing oil and sweet incense of the Tabernacle are not practiced by Christians today, the profound spiritual realities and theological principles they represented remain profoundly relevant. The anointing oil foreshadowed the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which empowers believers for service, consecrates them as God's people, and indwells them as a down payment of their inheritance [1 John 2:20](/1_john/2-20 "Anointing from the Holy One") and [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Sealed with the Holy Spirit"). The sweet incense, symbolizing the prayers of the saints, finds its fulfillment in the continuous intercession of believers and is vividly depicted in [Revelation 5:8](/revelation/5-8 "Incense as Prayers of the Saints") as a pleasing aroma before God's throne. Thus, the emphasis on holiness, consecrated living, the empowerment of the Spirit, and fervent prayer continues to be central to Christian faith and practice, fulfilling the types in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 31:11, with its profound emphasis on divine command, holy anointing, and sweet incense, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "anointing oil," symbolizing divine consecration and the Spirit's empowerment for sacred service, points directly to Jesus, the Anointed One (Christos), upon whom the Spirit of God descended without measure [John 3:34](/john/3-34 "The Spirit Without Measure"). He was uniquely anointed by God for His perfect priestly, prophetic, and kingly offices, flawlessly fulfilling the roles that Old Testament figures, consecrated by physical oil, imperfectly prefigured. Similarly, the "sweet incense," representing the prayers of God's people and a pleasing aroma to the Lord, is perfectly embodied in Christ. His entire life was a fragrant offering of perfect obedience and sacrificial love to the Father [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Christ's Sacrificial Love"), and He continually intercedes for His people at the right hand of God, His prayers ascending as the ultimate pleasing aroma to the Father [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ's Eternal Intercession"). The concluding phrase, "according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do," highlights the absolute necessity of obedience to God's will. Jesus Christ is the only one who perfectly fulfilled "all that I have commanded," living a life of flawless obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience"). He is the true and living Tabernacle [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh"), the ultimate "holy place" through whom humanity gains direct access to God, making all the Old Testament types and shadows complete in His person and atoning work [Colossians 2:17](/colossians/2-17 "Shadows and Reality in Christ").

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 37:29

And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.

Exodus 30:23

Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred [shekels], and of sweet cinnamon half so much, [even] two hundred and fifty [shekels], and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty [shekels],

Exodus 30:38

Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people.