Exodus 30:37
Exodus 30:37 in Multiple Translations
You are never to use this formula to make incense for yourselves; you shall regard it as holy to the LORD.
And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD.
And the incense which thou shalt make, according to the composition thereof ye shall not make for yourselves: it shall be unto thee holy for Jehovah.
You are not to make any perfume like it for yourselves: it is to be kept holy to the Lord.
Don't make for yourselves any incense like it using the same formula. You are to consider this incense as holy to the Lord.
And ye shall not make vnto you any composition like this perfume, which thou shalt make: it shalbe vnto thee holy for the Lord.
'As to the perfume which thou makest, with its proper proportion ye do not make to yourselves, holy it is to thee to Jehovah;
You shall not make this incense, according to its composition, for yourselves: it shall be to you holy for the LORD.
And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to its composition: it shall be to thee holy for the LORD.
You shall not make such a composition for your own uses, because it is holy to the Lord.
The people must not mix the same spices to make incense for themselves. This incense must be completely dedicated to me, Yahweh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 30:37
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 30:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/קְּטֹ֨רֶת֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה
בְּ/מַ֨תְכֻּנְתָּ֔/הּ
לֹ֥א
תַעֲשׂ֖וּ
לָ/כֶ֑ם
קֹ֛דֶשׁ
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
לְ/ךָ֖
לַ/יהוָֽה
וְ/הַ/קְּטֹ֨רֶת֙
qᵉṭôreth
H7004
incense
Conj | Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
בְּ/מַ֨תְכֻּנְתָּ֔/הּ
mathkôneth
H4971
tally
Prep | N-fs | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תַעֲשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
לָ/כֶ֑ם
Prep | Suff
קֹ֛דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
N-ms
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
לְ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
לַ/יהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 30:37
וְ/הַ/קְּטֹ֨רֶת֙
qᵉṭôreth
H7004
"incense"
Conj | Art | N-fs
Incense refers to a sweet smoke from burning sacrifices, used in worship and perfume. It symbolizes a pleasing aroma to God, found in Leviticus and other books.
Definition: 1) incense, smoke, odour of (burning) sacrifice 1a) sweet smoke of sacrifice 1b) incense 1c) perfume
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (sweet) incense, perfume. See also: Exodus 25:6; Numbers 7:50; Psalms 66:15.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
בְּ/מַ֨תְכֻּנְתָּ֔/הּ
mathkôneth
H4971
"tally"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This word refers to a proportion or measurement, like a builder's tally of bricks in Exodus, or a recipe's ingredients in Ezekiel.
Definition: 1) measurement, proportion, tale 1a) tale, tally (of bricks) 1b) measurement, proportion
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: composition, measure, state, tale. See also: Exodus 5:8; Exodus 30:37; Ezekiel 45:11.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תַעֲשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
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.
לָ/כֶ֑ם
""
Prep | Suff
קֹ֛דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
לַ/יהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Exodus 30:37
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Incense
35and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy.
36Grind some of it into fine powder and place it in front of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you.
37You are never to use this formula to make incense for yourselves; you shall regard it as holy to the LORD.
38Anyone who makes something like it to enjoy its fragrance shall be cut off from his people.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 2:3 | The remainder of the grain offering shall belong to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the offerings made by fire to the LORD. |
| 2 | Exodus 29:37 | For seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will become most holy; whatever touches the altar will be holy. |
| 3 | Exodus 30:32–33 | It must not be used to anoint an ordinary man, and you must not make anything like it with the same formula. It is holy, and it must be holy to you. Anyone who mixes perfume like it or puts it on an outsider shall be cut off from his people.’” |
Exodus 30:37 Summary
This verse is telling us that the special incense made for God's worship is only for that purpose, and we shouldn't use it for ourselves. This is because God wants us to remember that He is holy and special, and our worship should reflect that, as seen in Leviticus 20:26. By keeping this incense special, we show that we respect and reverence God, and we prioritize His glory above our own desires, as taught in Colossians 3:16-17. This principle can guide us in our daily lives, reminding us to seek God's glory in all we do, just as Jesus taught in John 4:23-24.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is God so strict about not using this incense formula for personal use?
God is strict about this because He wants to maintain the uniqueness and specialness of the incense used in worship, as seen in Exodus 30:37, and to prevent people from taking His worship lightly, as warned in Exodus 30:38 and supported by Leviticus 10:1-3.
What does it mean to 'regard it as holy to the LORD'?
To regard something as holy to the Lord means to consider it set apart and dedicated solely for God's use and glory, as taught in Exodus 30:37 and also in Leviticus 20:26, where God calls His people to be holy because He is holy.
How does this verse relate to our worship today?
This verse reminds us that our worship should be focused on giving glory to God, not on pleasing ourselves, as taught in Colossians 3:16-17 and supported by the principle of holy living in 1 Peter 1:15-16.
What happens if someone disobeys this command?
According to Exodus 30:38, anyone who disobeys this command and makes incense for personal use will be cut off from their people, emphasizing the seriousness of disobedience to God's commands, also seen in Numbers 15:30-31.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my reverence for God in my daily life, especially in my worship?
- How can I ensure that my heart is focused on giving glory to God, rather than seeking my own pleasure, in my worship and daily activities?
- What does it mean for me to 'regard something as holy to the Lord' in my own life, and how can I apply this principle in practical ways?
- In what ways can I balance my desire for personal enjoyment with the need to prioritize God's glory and holiness, as taught in 1 Corinthians 10:31?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 30:37
And [as] for the perfume which thou shalt make,.... As above directed: ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof; that is, for their own use, for the scenting of their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 30:37
And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight: Take unto thee sweet spices.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 30:37
(37, 38) These instructions are similar to those given with respect to the holy oil (Exodus 30:32-33). Neither of the two holy compounds were to be applied to any profane use.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 30:37
34–38. The holy Incense (cf. Exodus 37:29 b). Incense to be made, of, four specified ingredients, mixed together in equal proportions, and tempered with salt, for use upon the altar of incense (vv. 7 f.). Incense of the same composition to be used for no other purpose.
Sermons on Exodus 30:37
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Preacher by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the role of the preacher in today's society. He emphasizes that despite the push towards celebrity and entertainment, the B |
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Steadying the Ark of God by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of true worship and the need for personal responsibility in carrying out God's work. He criticizes the idea of putting on a r |
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God's Work in the Darkness by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that entertainment is a substitute for true joy and that the glory of God needs to be restored. He mentions the importance of being anointed |
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Lying Signs and Wonders: Deceptions of the Last Days by Art Katz | Art Katz addresses the phenomenon of 'lying signs and wonders' in the last days, expressing concern over the division it creates among believers. He emphasizes the need for discern |