Exodus 30:3
Exodus 30:3 in Multiple Translations
Overlay with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns, and make a molding of gold around it.
And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.
And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.
It is to be plated with the best gold, the top of it and the sides and the horns, with an edging of gold all round it.
Cover its top, its side, and its horns with pure gold, and make a gold trim to go all around it.
And thou shalt ouerlay it with fine golde, both the toppe therof and the sides thereof round about, and his hornes: also thou shalt make vnto it a crowne of gold round about.
'And thou hast overlaid it with pure gold, its top, and its sides round about, and its horns; and thou hast made to it a crown of gold round about;
You shall overlay it with pure gold, its top, its sides around it, and its horns; and you shall make a gold molding around it.
And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, its top, and its sides round about, and its horns; and thou shalt make to it a crown of gold round about.
And thou shalt overlay it with the purest gold, as well as the grate thereof, as the walls round about and the horns. And thou shalt make to it a crown of gold round about,
They must cover the top and the four sides, including the projections, with pure gold. Put a gold border around the altar, near the top.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 30:3
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 30:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/צִפִּיתָ֨
אֹת֜/וֹ
זָהָ֣ב
טָה֗וֹר
אֶת
גַּגּ֧/וֹ
וְ/אֶת
קִירֹתָ֛י/ו
סָבִ֖יב
וְ/אֶת
קַרְנֹתָ֑י/ו
וְ/עָשִׂ֥יתָ
לּ֛/וֹ
זֵ֥ר
זָהָ֖ב
סָבִֽיב
וְ/צִפִּיתָ֨
tsâphâh
H6823
to overlay
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
אֹת֜/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
זָהָ֣ב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
N-ms
טָה֗וֹר
ṭâhôwr
H2889
pure
Adj
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
גַּגּ֧/וֹ
gâg
H1406
roof
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
קִירֹתָ֛י/ו
qîyr
H7023
wall
N-mp | Suff
סָבִ֖יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
קַרְנֹתָ֑י/ו
qeren
H7161
horn
N-cp | Suff
וְ/עָשִׂ֥יתָ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
לּ֛/וֹ
Prep | Suff
זֵ֥ר
zêr
H2213
border
N-ms
זָהָ֖ב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
N-ms
סָבִֽיב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 30:3
וְ/צִפִּיתָ֨
tsâphâh
H6823
"to overlay"
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
Tsaphah can also mean to overlay or cover something, often with metal. It involves laying something over another material, like plating or coating.
Definition: 1) to lay out, lay over, overlay, cover 1a) (Piel) to overlay, plate, stud 1b) (Pual) to be laid over
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: cover, overlay. See also: Exodus 25:11; Exodus 38:2; Proverbs 26:23.
אֹת֜/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
זָהָ֣ב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
טָה֗וֹר
ṭâhôwr
H2889
"pure"
Adj
Tahor means pure or clean, and can refer to physical, moral, or ceremonial purity. In the Bible, it describes clean animals and morally upright people. It is often used to describe something as fair or pure.
Definition: 1) pure, clean 1a) clean (ceremonially-of animals) 1b) pure (physically) 1c) pure, clean (morally, ethically)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: clean, fair, pure(-ness). See also: Genesis 7:2; Leviticus 13:40; Psalms 12:7.
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.
גַּגּ֧/וֹ
gâg
H1406
"roof"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for roof, or the top of an altar, like the one in the temple in Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) roof, top, housetop 1a) roof (of house) 1b) top (of altar of incense)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: roof (of the house), (house) top (of the house). See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Kings 23:12; Psalms 102:8.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
קִירֹתָ֛י/ו
qîyr
H7023
"wall"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a wall, often referring to the walls of houses, chambers, or even the altar. It is used to describe structures built for protection or division. The KJV translates it as wall or side.
Definition: 1) wall, side 1a) wall (of house or chamber) 1b) the sides (of the altar)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] mason, side, town, [idiom] very, wall. See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Chronicles 3:11; Psalms 62:4.
סָבִ֖יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
קַרְנֹתָ֑י/ו
qeren
H7161
"horn"
N-cp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a horn or a corner, and can also refer to power or a mountain peak. It's used to describe a place called Karnaim, which was conquered by Israel. The KJV translation uses phrases like 'hill' or 'horn' to convey the idea.
Definition: 1) horn 1a) horn 1b) of strength (fig) 1c) flask (container for oil) 1d) horn (as musical instrument) 1e) horn (of horn-like projections on the altar) 1f) of rays of light 1g) hill Aramaic equivalent: qe.ren (קֶ֫רֶן "horn" H7162)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] hill, horn. See also: Genesis 22:13; Psalms 75:5; Psalms 18:3.
וְ/עָשִׂ֥יתָ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לּ֛/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
זֵ֥ר
zêr
H2213
"border"
N-ms
This word refers to a border or molding, like the decorative edge on a building or a crown on a king's head, as described in the book of Exodus where the Israelites built the tabernacle. The KJV translates it as 'crown'.
Definition: border, moulding, circlet
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: crown. See also: Exodus 25:11; Exodus 37:2; Exodus 37:27.
זָהָ֖ב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
סָבִֽיב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
Study Notes — Exodus 30:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 30:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 30:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 30:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 30:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 30:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 30:3
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 30:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 30:3
- Sermons on Exodus 30:3
Context — The Altar of Incense
1“You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense.
2It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece.
3Overlay with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns, and make a molding of gold around it.
4And make two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it. 5Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 25:11 | Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it. |
| 2 | Exodus 25:24 | Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it. |
Exodus 30:3 Summary
The altar of incense, as described in Exodus 30:3, was to be overlaid with pure gold to represent the preciousness and value of prayer and worship to God. This reminds us that our prayers are a sweet and pleasing offering to God, as seen in Psalm 141:2 and Revelation 8:3-4. Just as the altar of incense was set apart and dedicated to God's service, we too can dedicate our lives to God's service and worship, as seen in Romans 12:1-2. By doing so, we can experience the beauty and splendor of God's presence in our lives, just as the Israelites experienced through the altar of incense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the altar of incense to be overlaid with pure gold?
The altar of incense was to be overlaid with pure gold to represent the preciousness and value of prayer and worship to God, as seen in Exodus 30:3, and to symbolize the purity and holiness of God's presence, as described in Leviticus 10:1-3 and Hebrews 9:4.
What is the significance of the horns on the altar of incense?
The horns on the altar of incense, as mentioned in Exodus 30:2-3, represent the power and strength of God, and may also symbolize the idea of sacrifice and atonement, as seen in Leviticus 4:7 and 16:18-19.
Why was the molding of gold made around the altar of incense?
The molding of gold around the altar of incense, as described in Exodus 30:3, may have served to protect the altar and prevent the gold overlay from being damaged, and also to add to the altar's beauty and splendor, as seen in Exodus 25:31-40 and 37:17-24.
How does the altar of incense relate to our prayer lives today?
The altar of incense, as described in Exodus 30:1-10, serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer and worship in our lives, and encourages us to offer our prayers to God with sincerity and purity of heart, as seen in Psalm 141:2 and Luke 1:10.
Reflection Questions
- What does the use of pure gold in the altar of incense teach us about the value and importance of prayer and worship in our lives?
- How can we, like the altar of incense, be set apart and dedicated to God's service, as described in Romans 12:1-2 and 1 Peter 2:5?
- What role does the altar of incense play in the overall tabernacle and its symbolism of God's presence and redemption, as seen in Exodus 25-31 and Hebrews 8-10?
- In what ways can we apply the principles of purity and holiness represented by the altar of incense to our own lives and relationships with God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:1 and 1 Thessalonians 4:7?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 30:3
And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold,.... Hence this altar is sometimes called the golden altar, Numbers 4:11 this may figure the deity of Christ, whose head is as the most fine gold, and is in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 30:3
And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 30:3
The top was made hollow like a grate, that the ashes might fall through it. The crown was a border which encompassed the altar, that the things laid on it might not fall off.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 30:3
Exodus 30:3 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.Ver. 3. Overlay it with pure gold.] Shadowing Christ’ s deity, yielding glory to his humanity. A crown of gold round about.] To show that devotion is a rich royal virtue, best beseeming the best princes.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 30:3
(3) Thou shalt overlay it with pure gold.—Next to the Ark of the Covenant the most holy article of furniture contained either in the sanctuary or in its court was the altar of incense. It symbolised prayer in its general use (Psalms 141:2; Luke 1:10), and it symbolised expiation in the purpose whereto it was to be applied on certain occasions, as when the high priest had sinned in his official capacity (Leviticus 4:3-12), or when the whole congregation had sinned through inadvertence (Leviticus 4:13-21). It was, therefore, “most holy to the Lord.” Hence, its materials were to be the same with those of the ark of the covenant, and its place was to be directly opposite the ark, near to it, but on the outer side of the vail (Exodus 40:5). A crown of gold round about.—Comp. what is said of the table of shewbread (Exodus 25:24). In both cases a raised rim or edging is meant, which would prevent what was on the top from falling off.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 30:3
3. pure gold] see on Exodus 25:3. From being thus overlaid wholly (except at the bottom) with gold, it was also called the golden altar (Exodus 39:38, Exodus 40:5; Exodus 40:26, Numbers 4:11). sides] Heb. walls: so of the Bronze altar, Leviticus 1:15; Leviticus 5:9. a crown] a rim or moulding: see on Exodus 25:11, and cf. Exodus 25:24.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 30:3
2-5. Horns… rings… staves — In these respects it was fashioned after the manner of the greater altar in the court, and also of some portions of the ark, (Exodus 25:12-15.) The crown of gold round
Sermons on Exodus 30:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Jonathan Goforth by David Smithers | The preacher delves into the concept of purity, emphasizing the biblical roots of cleansing in both the Old and New Testaments. While the Old Testament focused on ceremonial cleanl |