Exodus 27:20
Exodus 27:20 in Multiple Translations
And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually.
¶ And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.
And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually.
Give orders to the children of Israel to give you clear olive oil for the lights, so that a light may be burning there at all times.
You are to order the Israelites to bring you pure, hand-pressed olive oil for the lamps so they can go on burning, giving light.
And thou shalt commande the children of Israel, that they bring vnto thee pure oyle oliue beaten, for the light, that the lampes may alway burne.
'And thou — thou dost command the sons of Israel, and they bring unto thee pure beaten olive oil for the light, to cause the lamp to go up continually;
“You shall command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually.
And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring the pure olive-oil beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.
Command the children of Israel that they bring thee the purest oil of the olives, and beaten with a pestle: that a lamp may burn always,
“Command the Israeli people that they must bring to you the best kind of olive oil to burn in the lamps. They must bring this oil to you continually, in order that the lamps can burn continually.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 27:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 27:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַתָּ֞ה
תְּצַוֶּ֣ה
אֶת
בְּנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
וְ/יִקְח֨וּ
אֵלֶ֜י/ךָ
שֶׁ֣מֶן
זַ֥יִת
זָ֛ךְ
כָּתִ֖ית
לַ/מָּא֑וֹר
לְ/הַעֲלֹ֥ת
נֵ֖ר
תָּמִֽיד
וְ/אַתָּ֞ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
תְּצַוֶּ֣ה
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וְ/יִקְח֨וּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אֵלֶ֜י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
שֶׁ֣מֶן
shemen
H8081
oil
N-ms
זַ֥יִת
zayith
H2132
olive
N-ms
זָ֛ךְ
zak
H2134
pure
Adj
כָּתִ֖ית
kâthîyth
H3795
beaten
Adj
לַ/מָּא֑וֹר
mâʼôwr
H3974
light
Prep | N-ms
לְ/הַעֲלֹ֥ת
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
נֵ֖ר
nîyr
H5216
lamp
N-ms
תָּמִֽיד
tâmîyd
H8548
continually
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 27:20
וְ/אַתָּ֞ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
תְּצַוֶּ֣ה
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וְ/יִקְח֨וּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֵלֶ֜י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
שֶׁ֣מֶן
shemen
H8081
"oil"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.
Definition: 1) fat, oil 1a) fat, fatness 1b) oil, olive oil 1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent 1b2) for anointing 1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 176 OT verses. KJV: anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. See also: Genesis 28:18; Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalms 23:5.
זַ֥יִת
zayith
H2132
"olive"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for olive tree or olive berry, often associated with oil and light. In Deuteronomy 8:8, the olive tree is listed as one of the blessings of the Promised Land, and in Matthew 24:3, Jesus teaches on the Mount of Olives.
Definition: 1) olive, olive tree 1a) olive tree 1b) olives 2) mountain facing Jerusalem on the east side
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: olive (tree, -yard), Olivet. See also: Genesis 8:11; Nehemiah 5:11; Psalms 52:10.
זָ֛ךְ
zak
H2134
"pure"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means being pure and clean, like a clear conscience. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, describing a person's moral purity. God values purity and wants His people to be clean.
Definition: 1) clean, pure 1a) pure 1b) pure, clean, righteous (fig.) 2) the pure one (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: clean, pure. See also: Exodus 27:20; Job 11:4; Proverbs 16:2.
כָּתִ֖ית
kâthîyth
H3795
"beaten"
Adj
This word means something that is beaten or pounded, and is used in the Bible to describe pure olive oil. The process of beating or pounding made the oil finer and more valuable. The KJV translates it as 'beaten'.
Definition: 1) beaten out, pure, pounded fine (in a mortar), costly 1a) of olive oil
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: beaten. See also: Exodus 27:20; Leviticus 24:2; 1 Kings 5:25.
לַ/מָּא֑וֹר
mâʼôwr
H3974
"light"
Prep | N-ms
This word means light, like the sun or a lamp, and also happiness or cheerfulness. It's used in the Bible to describe God's presence and joy. The KJV translates it as 'light' or 'bright'.
Definition: light, luminary
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: bright, light. See also: Genesis 1:14; Exodus 39:37; Psalms 74:16.
לְ/הַעֲלֹ֥ת
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
נֵ֖ר
nîyr
H5216
"lamp"
N-ms
A lamp is a device that holds a flame, providing light. In the Bible, it's often used to symbolize guidance or spiritual light. The word can also refer to the light itself, rather than just the lamp.
Definition: lamp Also means: nir (נִיר "lamp" H5216B)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: candle, lamp, light. See also: Exodus 25:37; 1 Chronicles 28:15; Psalms 18:29.
תָּמִֽיד
tâmîyd
H8548
"continually"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means continually or constantly, like the daily sacrifice in the Bible. It describes something that happens regularly, like every day. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe regular offerings.
Definition: 1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch 1a) continually, continuously (as adverb) 1b) continuity (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, (n-)ever(-more), perpetual. See also: Exodus 25:30; Nehemiah 10:34; Psalms 16:8.
Study Notes — Exodus 27:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 27:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 27:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 27:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 27:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 27:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 27:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 27:20
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 27:20
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 27:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 27:20
- Sermons on Exodus 27:20
Context — The Oil for the Lamps
18The entire courtyard shall be a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide, with curtains of finely spun linen five cubits high, and with bronze bases.
19All the utensils of the tabernacle for every use, including all its tent pegs and the tent pegs of the courtyard, shall be made of bronze.
20And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually.
21In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites for the generations to come.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 24:1–4 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. Outside the veil of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, Aaron is to tend the lamps continually before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the generations to come. He shall tend the lamps on the pure gold lampstand before the LORD continually. |
| 2 | Zechariah 4:11–14 | Then I asked the angel, “What are the two olive trees on the right and left of the lampstand?” And I questioned him further, “What are the two olive branches beside the two gold pipes from which the golden oil pours?” “Do you not know what these are?” he inquired. “No, my lord,” I replied. So he said, “These are the two anointed ones who are standing beside the Lord of all the earth.” |
| 3 | Psalms 23:5 | You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. |
| 4 | Judges 9:9 | But the olive tree replied, ‘Should I stop giving my oil that honors both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?’ |
| 5 | Exodus 39:37 | the pure gold lampstand with its row of lamps and all its utensils, as well as the oil for the light; |
| 6 | Exodus 25:31–37 | Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extend from the lampstand. And on the lampstand there shall be four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals. For the six branches that extend from the lampstand, a bud must be under the first pair of branches, a bud under the second pair, and a bud under the third pair. The buds and branches are to be all of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold. Make seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they illuminate the area in front of it. |
| 7 | Revelation 11:4 | These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. |
Exodus 27:20 Summary
This verse, Exodus 27:20, tells us that God instructed the Israelites to bring pure oil to keep the lamps burning in the tabernacle. This was a reminder of God's presence among His people and the importance of living a life of purity and holiness, as seen in Psalms 119:1-2 and 1 John 1:5-7. Just like the pure oil was necessary for the lamps to burn brightly, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit to shine as lights in the world, as mentioned in Matthew 5:14-16. By following God's commands and living a life of obedience, we can reflect His light and presence to those around us, as seen in 2 Corinthians 4:6 and Philippians 2:15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of using pure oil of pressed olives for the light in Exodus 27:20?
The use of pure oil of pressed olives signifies the importance of purity and holiness in the worship of God, as seen in Exodus 27:20, and is also reflected in the anointing of Jesus Christ in Psalms 23:5 and Hebrews 1:9.
Why were the lamps to be kept burning continually in the tabernacle?
The lamps were to be kept burning continually to symbolize the perpetual presence of God among His people, as stated in Exodus 27:20, and to provide light for the priests as they performed their duties, as mentioned in Exodus 25:37 and Leviticus 24:2-4.
What is the spiritual significance of the command to bring pure oil of pressed olives for the light?
The command to bring pure oil of pressed olives for the light can be seen as a spiritual reminder of the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in Acts 2:3-4, and of living a life of purity and holiness before God, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:7 and 2 Timothy 2:22.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the tabernacle and its furnishings?
Exodus 27:20 is part of the larger narrative of the construction of the tabernacle, as described in Exodus 25-31 and 35-40, which serves as a symbol of God's dwelling among His people, as seen in Exodus 25:8 and Hebrews 9:1-5.
Reflection Questions
- What does the command to bring pure oil of pressed olives for the light reveal about God's character and His expectations for His people?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of purity and holiness in my own life, as reflected in Exodus 27:20?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of the spiritual significance of light and its relationship to God's presence in my life?
- What are some ways in which I can practically embody the concept of being a 'light' in the world, as mentioned in Matthew 5:14-16 and Philippians 2:15?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 27:20
And thou shall command the children of Israel,.... Here begins a new section of the law; an account being given of the tabernacle, and its parts, and the furniture thereof, next the several parts of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 27:20
And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 27:20
Beaten out of the olives with a pestle, which is freer from dregs than that which is squeezed out with a press. To burn always, i.e. at all the times. appointed; daily, though not continually; as the lamb offered only every morning and every evening is called a continual burnt-offering, . For that these were lighted only at the evening, may seem probable from the next verse, and from 30:8 . But because Josephus and Philo, who were eye-witnesses of the temple service, and had no temptation to lie in this matter, expressly affirm, that some lights did burn in the day-time; and it may seem indecent and improbable that God should dwell and the priests minister in darkness, and there were no windows to give light to the tabernacle by day; it may be granted that some few burnt in the day, and all in the night, and that the latter is only mentioned in the places alleged, as being a more solemn time when all are lighted.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 27:20
Exodus 27:20 And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.Ver. 20. Pure oil olive.] Signifying the precious gifts and graces of the Spirit in godly ministers, whose lips must both preserve knowledge, and present it to the people. Oil olive beaten.] Signifying, saith one, how with much labour and affliction the light of God’ s word is to be prepared, and with patience preached and made to shine in his Church.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 27:20
THE OIL FOR THE LAMP.(20) Thou shalt command the children of Israel that they bring thee pure olive oil.—This instruction had been already given (Exodus 25:2; Exodus 25:6), only not with such particularity. “Oil” had been required, but not “pure olive oil beaten.” By this is meant the best possible olive oil—that which was obtained by “beating,” or pounding in a mortar; which was free from various impurities that belonged to the oil crushed out, after the ordinary fashion, in a mill. To cause the lamp to burn always—i.e., every night without intermission. Josephus says that three lights were kept burning both night and day (Ant. Jud., iii. 7, § 7); but there is nothing in Scripture to confirm this. The tabernacle would have received sufficient light during the daytime through the entrance curtain, which was of linen (Exodus 26:36), not to mention that the curtain may, when necessary, have been looped up. The lighting of the lamps every evening is distinctly asserted in Exodus 30:8; their extinction in the morning appears from 1 Samuel 3:3.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 27:20
Verse 20. Pure oil olive beaten] That is, such oil as could easily be expressed from the olives after they had been bruised in a mortar; the mother drop, as it is called, which drops out of itself as soon as the olives are a little broken, and which is much purer than that which is obtained after the olives are put under the press. Columella, who is a legitimate evidence in all such matters, says that the oil which flowed out of the fruit either spontaneously, or with little application of the force of the press, was of a much finer flavour than that which was obtained otherwise. Quoniam longe melioris saporis est, quod minore vi preli, quasi luxurians, defluxerit. - COLUM., lib. xii., c. 50. To cause the lamp to burn always] They were to be kept burning through the whole of the night, and some think all the day besides; but there is a difference of sentiment upon this subject. See the note on the following verse. This oil and continual flame were not only emblematical of the unction and influences of the Holy Ghost, but also of that pure spirit of devotion which ever animates the hearts and minds of the genuine worshippers of the true God. The temple of VESTA, where a fire was kept perpetually burning, seems to have been formed on the model of the tabernacle; and from this the followers of Zeratusht, commonly called Zoroaster, appear to have derived their doctrine of the perpetual fire, which they still worship as an emblem of the Deity.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 27:20
20. And thou, thou shalt, &c.] the emph. pron. marks the beginning of a new section (Exodus 28:1, Exodus 30:23, Exodus 31:13, Numbers 1:50). pure] clear: LXX. ἄτρυγον (‘without lees, clarified’) καθαρόν. beaten] Exodus 29:40, Leviticus 24:2, Numbers 28:5†. ‘Beaten’ oil was oil of the finest quality: it was obtained ‘by gently pounding the olives in a mortar; the pulp was then poured into a wicker or rush basket, which, acting as a strainer, allowed the liquid to run into a vessel underneath. The oil which would presently float upon the top was skimmed off,’ and this formed the oil in question. The commoner kinds of oil were obtained from the pulp remaining in the baskets (Kennedy, EB. iii. 3407, from descriptions in the Mishna). to cause, &c.] to fix on a lamp continually: see on Exodus 25:37. continually] i.e. not continuously (Exodus 25:30 Heb.), but regularly, as a standing practice, whether daily (as here, Exodus 29:38; Exodus 29:42, Exodus 30:8 al.), or whenever occasion required (Exodus 28:29-30).
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 27:20
Pure oil olive beaten - The oil was to be of the best kind. It is called beaten, because it was obtained by merely bruising the olives in a mortar or mill, without the application of heat.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 27:20
THE OIL FOR THE LIGHT, Exodus 27:20-21. 20. Pure oil olive beaten — See this passage as repeated in Leviticus 24:2-3.
Sermons on Exodus 27:20
| Sermon | Description | |
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Oil for the Light by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the pressing need for a true knowledge and understanding of the Holy Spirit and His work. The speaker highlights that living in the good of t |
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(Exodus) Exodus 27:9-21 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of light in the Bible and its connection to Christ. The speaker explains that while Jesus was on earth, he referred to himsel |
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Nehemiah #3: Chapter 7-12 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ. He describes a gathering in a large tent where people from different backgrounds come together to worship a |
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The Tabernacle 07 the Lampstand by J. Henry Brown | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a personal experience where he was reunited with old friends after 15 years. During their conversation, a little girl enters the room with doll |
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The Person of the Holy Spirit by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord delves into the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, covering major divisions such as the Personality, Deity, Procession, Titles, and Types of the Holy Spirit. He emphasiz |
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Ark of the Covenant - Part 1 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samuel and the Israelites' battle against the Philistines. The Israelites were defeated, and the elders of Israel questioned why |
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Two Olive Trees by David Davis | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the increasing number of Jews and Arabs getting saved, comparing it to the early days of the church in the Book of Acts. He urges the audienc |