Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Exodus 30:23

Next

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],

Take {H3947} thou also unto thee principal {H7218} spices {H1314}, of pure {H1865} myrrh {H4753} five {H2568} hundred {H3967} shekels, and of sweet {H1314} cinnamon {H7076} half {H4276} so much {H4276}, even two hundred {H3967} and fifty {H2572} shekels, and of sweet {H1314} calamus {H7070} two hundred {H3967} and fifty {H2572} shekels,

"Take the best spices - 500 shekels of myrrh [121/2 pounds], half this amount (250 shekels) of aromatic cinnamon [61/4 pounds], 250 shekels of aromatic cane,

“Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half that amount (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane,

Take thou also unto thee the chief spices: of flowing myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty,

Commentary

Exodus 30:23 provides precise instructions for the composition of the holy anointing oil, a sacred substance used in the Tabernacle service. This verse details the first three of four key aromatic ingredients, emphasizing the exact quantities required for its preparation.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Exodus (chapters 25-31) where God gives Moses detailed blueprints for constructing the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the vestments and consecration rituals for the priests. Specifically, Exodus 30:22-33 outlines the divine prescription for the holy anointing oil. This oil was not merely a fragrant perfume but a crucial element in setting apart persons and objects for sacred use, symbolizing their dedication to God's service. The meticulous details underscore the importance of precision and obedience in worship in the Old Covenant.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Prescription and Precision: God's detailed instructions for the ingredients and exact measurements (in shekels) highlight His meticulous nature and the non-negotiable requirements for approaching Him in worship. This teaches that God cares about the specifics of how He is honored.
  • Holiness and Consecration: The primary purpose of this oil, detailed in Exodus 30:26-29 and Exodus 30:30, was to consecrate, or set apart, the Tabernacle, its vessels, and the priests for sacred service. This act of anointing declared them holy, distinct from common use.
  • Purity and Excellence: The phrase "principal spices" (Hebrew: bosem ro'sh, meaning "head" or "chief spices") and "pure myrrh" (Hebrew: mor deror, possibly free-flowing or highest quality myrrh) indicates that only the finest and unadulterated ingredients were acceptable for God's holy purposes. This reflects God's demand for the best from His people.

Linguistic Insights

The specific spices mentioned are significant:

  • Pure Myrrh: *Mor deror* in Hebrew, referring to a fragrant resin obtained from a shrub. It was highly valued for its medicinal properties, embalming, and perfumery. The term "pure" emphasizes its unadulterated quality.
  • Sweet Cinnamon: *Qinnamon besem*, a highly aromatic bark, known for its pleasant scent and use in ancient perfumes and medicines.
  • Sweet Calamus: *Qaneh bosem*, an aromatic reed or cane, likely referring to a type of sweet-smelling grass or root, also used for its fragrance.
These ingredients, combined with olive oil (mentioned in Exodus 30:24), would have produced a uniquely potent and pleasant aroma, distinct from common perfumes, signifying its sacred status.

Practical Application

While believers today are not commanded to prepare a literal anointing oil, the principles behind Exodus 30:23 remain highly relevant.

  • Offering Our Best: Just as God required the finest spices for His Tabernacle, He desires our best in worship, service, and daily living. Our talents, time, and resources should be consecrated to Him.
  • Holiness in Life: The concept of being set apart for God's purposes is central to the Christian faith. Believers are called to live holy lives, distinct from the world, as a holy priesthood.
  • The Anointing of the Spirit: In the New Testament, the "anointing" is often associated with the Holy Spirit. 1 John 2:27 speaks of an anointing that teaches believers. This spiritual anointing empowers us for service and enables us to live a consecrated life, much like the physical anointing oil prepared Moses and the priests for their sacred tasks.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 27:19 (5 votes)

    Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were in thy market.

  • Song Of Solomon 4:14 (5 votes)

    Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:

  • Ezekiel 27:22 (4 votes)

    The merchants of Sheba and Raamah, they [were] thy merchants: they occupied in thy fairs with chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold.

  • Jeremiah 6:20 (3 votes)

    To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings [are] not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.

  • Psalms 45:8 (2 votes)

    All thy garments [smell] of myrrh, and aloes, [and] cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.

  • Exodus 37:29 (2 votes)

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

  • Song Of Solomon 1:13 (2 votes)

    A bundle of myrrh [is] my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.