Exodus 30:30 kjv

And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office.

Exodus 30:30 nkjv

And you shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister to Me as priests.

Exodus 30:30 niv

"Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.

Exodus 30:30 esv

You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests.

Exodus 30:30 nlt

"Anoint Aaron and his sons also, consecrating them to serve me as priests.

Exodus 30 verses

Exodus 30 30 Meaning

Exodus 30:30 instructs Moses to anoint Aaron and his sons with the holy anointing oil, thereby consecrating them for the sacred duty of ministering to the Lord as priests. This act of anointing sets them apart as holy and specifically appointed by God for the perpetual priestly service within the Tabernacle, emphasizing the divine initiation and establishment of the Aaronic priesthood.

Exodus 30 30 Context

Exodus chapter 30 concludes a significant section of instructions for the construction and operation of the Tabernacle and its services (chapters 25-30). This particular verse, Exodus 30:30, follows detailed instructions for creating the holy anointing oil and its exclusive use. It explicitly ties the unique oil to the setting apart of Aaron and his sons, solidifying their role as the Levitical priesthood. The immediate context of Exodus 30:22-33 describes the ingredients and preparation of this sacred anointing oil, stressing that it is "most holy" and must not be applied to ordinary flesh or replicated. This preceding instruction highlights the exclusive and consecrated nature of the recipients. The verse falls within the broader historical context of God establishing a covenant relationship with Israel at Mount Sinai, providing them with laws and detailed blueprints for worship that would distinguish them as His holy people. This elaborate priestly system underscored God's holiness and the necessity of divine mediation for humans to approach Him, reflecting an ancient Near Eastern context where priesthoods mediated with deities, but here unique to Yahweh's covenant with His chosen nation.

Exodus 30 30 Word analysis

• You shall anoint (וּמָשַׁחְתָּ, u-mashach'ta):

  • The Hebrew verb mashach (מָשַׁח) means "to smear," "to rub with oil," or "to anoint." It carries the connotation of setting apart or designating for a special purpose, office, or function.
  • This root is the origin of the Hebrew word Mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ), which means "anointed one," from which "Messiah" and "Christ" (Greek Christos) are derived. The anointing of priests prefigures the ultimate "Anointed One," Jesus Christ.
  • The command is direct to Moses, signifying divine authority in commissioning the priesthood.

• Aaron and his sons (אֶת־אַהֲרֹן וְאֶת־בָּנָיו, et-Aharon v'et-banav):

  • Specifies the family lineage divinely chosen for the priesthood. This established an exclusive, hereditary office within the tribe of Levi, through Aaron.
  • This exclusivity contrasted with common ancient Near Eastern practices where kings or tribal leaders might assume priestly functions, emphasizing God's specific appointment rather than human prerogative.

• and consecrate them (וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ אֹתָם, v'qidashta otam):

  • The Hebrew verb qadash (קָדַשׁ) means "to make holy," "to set apart," or "to sanctify."
  • This signifies a separation from common use and dedication for sacred service to God. It implies both a ritualistic cleansing and an intrinsic change in status—they are made fit for holy work.
  • The consecration involves not just the anointing but an entire ritual detailed in Exodus 29 and Leviticus 8, highlighting the comprehensive nature of their transformation.

• that they may minister (וְכִהֲנוּ לִי, v'kihanuni li):

  • The Hebrew verb kahan (כָּהַן) means "to act as a priest," or "to officiate as a priest." This is the verbal form of "kohen" (priest).
  • This specifies their purpose: not just being holy, but actively serving. Their consecration is directly tied to their function.
  • The preposition li (לִי) means "to Me" or "for Me," underscoring that their ministry is directly to God Himself, not primarily for the people (though the people benefit) nor for personal gain. This highlights the vertical dimension of worship and service.

• to Me as priests (כֹהֲנִים, kohanîm):

  • Kohanîm (כֹּהֲנִים) is the plural of kohen, meaning "priests."
  • This clarifies the nature of their ongoing office. They are divinely appointed mediators, responsible for ritual sacrifices, intercession, teaching the Law, and maintaining the holiness of the Tabernacle.
  • Their office symbolizes access to God, an access limited in the Old Covenant but expanded universally through Christ in the New Covenant (e.g., the "priesthood of all believers").

• Words-group analysis:

  • "anoint...and consecrate": This pairing emphasizes the two-fold aspect of setting apart. Anointing (with the specific oil) is the physical, ritual act, while consecration (the broader concept) refers to the divine declaration and setting apart for holiness and sacred purpose. Both are essential for their legitimacy and function.
  • "Aaron and his sons...may minister to Me as priests": This phrase directly links the specific lineage with their divinely appointed function and the recipient of their service. It underscores the hereditary nature of the Aaronic priesthood and their exclusive dedication to YHWH, the God of Israel. Their ministry is not optional; it is the purpose of their unique selection and consecration.

Exodus 30 30 Bonus section

The holy anointing oil described in Exodus 30 was a sacred mixture, forbidden for common use or replication (Ex 30:31-33). Its distinctiveness highlights the supreme sanctity of the office of priesthood and implies severe consequences for misuse or profanation, thereby safeguarding the holiness of God and His established order. The exclusivity of this oil served as a potent polemic against pagan practices where common oils or materials might be used for religious rituals, reinforcing Yahweh's uniqueness and the absolute holiness of His requirements. The priest, through this anointing and consecration, became a tangible representation of God's presence among His people, bridging the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity—a shadow of the ultimate bridge, Jesus Christ.

Exodus 30 30 Commentary

Exodus 30:30 encapsulates the divine decree for the establishment of the Aaronic priesthood, foundational to Old Covenant worship. The act of "anointing" with the specially prepared holy oil signifies divine authorization and enablement, marking Aaron and his descendants as "set apart" and spiritually equipped for sacred duties. This anointing parallels the future anointing of kings and prophets in Israel, and ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the unique "Anointed One" (Messiah), who serves as our eternal High Priest. Their "consecration" transcended mere ritual; it involved a comprehensive spiritual and functional transformation, rendering them acceptable to God for mediatorial service. The command to "minister to Me as priests" underscores the exclusive nature of their calling—their service was primarily directed towards God Himself, facilitating worship and maintaining holiness for the entire nation. This continuous, hereditary priesthood was a critical component of Israel's covenant relationship with God, serving as guardians of divine truth and channels for atonement and blessings until the coming of the greater High Priest, Jesus, who fulfilled and surpassed the Levitical system through His perfect sacrifice and enduring Priesthood.