Exodus 30:26 kjv

And thou shalt anoint the tabernacle of the congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony,

Exodus 30:26 nkjv

With it you shall anoint the tabernacle of meeting and the ark of the Testimony;

Exodus 30:26 niv

Then use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law,

Exodus 30:26 esv

With it you shall anoint the tent of meeting and the ark of the testimony,

Exodus 30:26 nlt

Use this sacred oil to anoint the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant,

Exodus 30 verses

Exodus 30 26 Meaning

Exodus 30:26 describes God's direct command for the holy anointing oil to be used to consecrate the Tabernacle, known as the tent of meeting, and the Ark of the Testimony, the sacred chest containing the tablets of the covenant. This act of anointing set them apart from all common things, designating them as holy and exclusive for the service and worship of the Lord.

Exodus 30 26 Context

Exodus chapter 30 primarily details further instructions for the Tabernacle's accessories and associated rituals after the main construction blueprints have been given. These include the altar of incense (vv. 1-10), the atonement money (vv. 11-16), the laver (vv. 17-21), and then specifically, the holy anointing oil and the holy incense (vv. 22-38). Verse 26 falls within the section describing the composition and explicit purpose of the anointing oil. This oil, made according to a precise divine formula, was distinct from all other oils and was strictly for the consecration of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the Aaronic priesthood. Historically and culturally, anointing was a known ritual in the Ancient Near East for various purposes, including installation of kings and priests. However, here, God alone specifies the formula and application, thereby uniquely claiming these items for Himself and differentiating them from pagan consecrations. This act would prepare the holy space for God's divine presence to descend and dwell among His people, as detailed later in Exodus 40.

Exodus 30 26 Word analysis

• And with it: Refers directly to the "holy anointing oil" (שֶׁמֶן מִשְׁחַת־קֹדֶשׁ – shemen mishchat-kodesh) described in the preceding verses (Exod 30:22-25). This emphasizes that the specified divine formulation, and not any ordinary oil, possessed the sacred power for consecration.
• thou shalt anoint: From the Hebrew root מָשַׁח (mashach), meaning "to smear," "to rub with oil," and fundamentally, "to consecrate" or "set apart for a sacred purpose." This is the origin of the word "Messiah" (Mashiach) and "Christ" (from Greek Christos), both meaning "Anointed One." The imperative "shalt anoint" signifies a direct, non-negotiable divine command to Moses.
• the tabernacle of the congregation: Hebrew אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד (ohel mo'ed), literally "tent of meeting." This movable sanctuary was the central dwelling place where Yahweh met with Israel. Anointing transformed it from mere construction materials into a consecrated space fit for the Holy One to manifest His presence and for the people to approach Him. Its anointing dedicated it fully to God's purpose, emphasizing it was the divine-human meeting point.
• and the ark of the testimony: Hebrew אֲרוֹן הָעֵדוּת (aron ha'edut), "ark of the witness/covenant." This was the most sacred article in the Tabernacle, containing the two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments ("the testimony"). Placed within the Most Holy Place, its anointing was paramount, signifying its profound holiness and its role as the symbol of God's covenantal presence and authority among His people. Its consecration reinforced that access to God was strictly by His terms.

Exodus 30 26 Bonus section

• The exclusivity of the anointing oil's use (Exod 30:32-33) underscores a vital principle: that which is consecrated to God is set apart not just for Him, but by Him. It prohibits any appropriation or imitation of the sacred for common or profane purposes, emphasizing God's unique ownership and the danger of treating holy things lightly.
• The meticulous instructions for anointing point to God's nature: He is a God of order, detail, and holiness. His presence is not casual or haphazard; it is met by careful adherence to His revealed will.
• The Tabernacle and the Ark, once anointed, became mediators of God's presence, places where heaven touched earth. This illustrates God's desire for fellowship with humanity, yet on His own terms of holiness.

Exodus 30 26 Commentary

Exodus 30:26 lays foundational principles for holiness and access to God. The act of anointing with specially consecrated oil was not merely symbolic; it imparted a distinct sacredness to the Tabernacle and the Ark, distinguishing them irrevocably from the common or profane. This physical setting apart by divine command highlighted that God's presence required dedicated, purified spaces. The emphasis on both the overall structure (Tabernacle) and its most sacred internal component (Ark) underscored a comprehensive sanctification for divine use. This preparation was crucial for God's glory to fill the Tabernacle (Exod 40:34-35), demonstrating His acceptance and indwelling. It foreshadows the ultimate "Anointed One," Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied God's dwelling among humanity (Jn 1:14) and who consecrated Himself (Jn 17:19) to open the new and living way into God's presence, consecrating believers to be God's spiritual temple (1 Cor 6:19).