Exodus 30:36 kjv

And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy.

Exodus 30:36 nkjv

And you shall beat some of it very fine, and put some of it before the Testimony in the tabernacle of meeting where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you.

Exodus 30:36 niv

Grind some of it to powder and place it in front of the ark of the covenant law in the tent of meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you.

Exodus 30:36 esv

You shall beat some of it very small, and put part of it before the testimony in the tent of meeting where I shall meet with you. It shall be most holy for you.

Exodus 30:36 nlt

Grind some of the mixture into a very fine powder and put it in front of the Ark of the Covenant, where I will meet with you in the Tabernacle. You must treat this incense as most holy.

Exodus 30 verses

Exodus 30 36 Meaning

Exodus 30:36 describes the final stage of preparing the holy incense, specifying that a portion of this finely ground substance is to be placed before the Testimony within the Tent of Meeting. This particular location signifies God's dwelling among His people, where He promised to commune with them. The verse explicitly declares this incense as "most holy," underscoring its unique, sanctified status and setting it apart for exclusive sacred use in divine worship.

Exodus 30 36 Context

Exodus chapter 30 concludes a significant section detailing the construction and furnishings of the Tabernacle and its associated rituals. Following descriptions of the altar of incense (vv. 1-10), the atonement money (vv. 11-16), the bronze laver (vv. 17-21), and the holy anointing oil (vv. 22-33), this verse belongs to the specific instructions for the "holy perfume" or incense (vv. 34-38). This sacred incense was explicitly commanded by God, contrasting sharply with any humanly devised aroma or pagan incense often offered to idols. It highlights the divine prerogative in worship and the separation of the holy from the common. Historically, the Tent of Meeting served as the central point of worship and God's tangible presence for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, a provisional structure before the Temple. The strict adherence to divine patterns for every detail underscored God's absolute holiness and man's need for specific divine provision to approach Him.

Exodus 30 36 Word analysis

• And thou shalt beat: (Hebrew: v'shakhakta, וְשָׁחַקְתָּ) Derived from shakhaq (שָׁחַק) meaning "to rub down," "to pulverize," "to grind." It emphasizes the physical process of reducing the components of the incense to an extremely fine powder. This fine grinding ensures complete combustion and release of fragrance when burned. Symbolically, it suggests a complete offering, a thorough preparation.
• some of it very small: (Hebrew: mimmennah daq מִמֶּנָּה דַק) Daq means "fine," "thin," "small," referring to the granular state. The repetition of the concept with v'shakhakta stresses the intensity and precision of the preparation, indicating a perfection required for divine service. This highlights that ordinary preparation was not sufficient for this most sacred purpose.
• and put of it: (Hebrew: v'natatta mimmennah, וְנָתַתָּ מִמֶּנָּה) "And you shall give/put from it." Indicates the placement of the prepared incense.
• before the testimony: (Hebrew: lipehne ha'edut, לִפְנֵי הָעֵדֻת) Literally, "in the presence of the Testimony." "The Testimony" refers specifically to the two tablets of the Ten Commandments, which were housed in the Ark of the Covenant (Exo 25:16, 21; 31:18). This location implies proximity to the very heart of God's covenant and His revealed will, where His presence resided above the mercy seat.
• in the tabernacle of the congregation: (Hebrew: b'ohel mo'ed, בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד) "In the tent of meeting." This is the portable sanctuary where God convened with Moses and where Israel offered sacrifices. It designates the sacred space and location for divine interaction, emphasizing the ordered worship environment God prescribed.
• where I will meet with thee: (Hebrew: asher ivva'ed lekha, אֲשֶׁר אִוָּעֵד לְךָ) This phrase uses the Niphal stem of ya'ad (יָעַד), meaning "to be appointed," "to meet," "to designate a place." It signifies God's self-revelation and willingness to commune with His chosen priest (Aaron/Moses) and through them, with His people. It underscores the Tabernacle's primary purpose: enabling communion between a holy God and His people, demonstrating His initiative and desire for relationship. This is the heart of the sanctuary's function.
• it shall be most holy: (Hebrew: kodesh kodashim hu lakhem, קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים הוּא לָכֶם) Literally, "holiness of holies it is to you." This superlative form, "holy of holies" or "most holy," signifies an absolute degree of consecration and sanctity. It implies that the incense is uniquely set apart for God's exclusive use, demanding the utmost reverence and prohibiting common or profane application (Exo 30:37-38). This concept underpins the sanctity of divine worship and distinguishes it from anything ordinary.
• unto you: (Hebrew: lakhem, לָכֶם) While "most holy," the benefit of this holiness extends to them. The incense is holy to the Lord for them, indicating that its sacred purpose ultimately serves to facilitate their acceptable approach to God and mediate His presence among them.

Words-group analysis:

• "beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony": This phrase emphasizes meticulous preparation and precise placement. The fine grinding suggests spiritual thoroughness and dedication required for approaching God. The placement "before the testimony" means it is in the immediate vicinity of the Ark of the Covenant, signifying proximity to God's presence, law, and covenant relationship. It points to worship that is careful, reverent, and aligned with divine truth.
• "in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee": This passage highlights the ordained space for divine-human encounter. The "Tabernacle of the congregation" is not merely a building but a "tent of meeting" (or appointment). The divine promise "where I will meet with thee" clarifies that God initiates and specifies the conditions for this meeting. This location signifies God's intentional dwelling among His people to communicate His will and receive their worship.

Exodus 30 36 Bonus section

The specific components of the holy incense (onycha, galbanum, frankincense, pure frankincense, according to Exo 30:34) each contributed to its unique aroma and are seen by some scholars as possessing symbolic significance. Onycha, for instance, comes from an animal and is ground, further emphasizing transformation from a living thing. Galbanum, though having an unpleasant raw odor, acts as a fixative, enhancing and preserving other fragrances, perhaps pointing to aspects of divine discipline or a call to endure for lasting spiritual fragrance. Frankincense, derived from a tree, is known for its pure, elevating aroma. The combination underscores the mysterious, divinely appointed composition that creates an offering uniquely acceptable to God, not something easily replicated or imitated from common natural elements. This detailed divine instruction highlights God's sovereignty over every aspect of true worship, distinguishing it fundamentally from pagan practices which often involved subjective choices of offerings and locations.

Exodus 30 36 Commentary

Exodus 30:36 underscores profound theological truths central to Israelite worship and foreshadows New Testament realities. The incense, prepared with ultimate precision and declared "most holy," signifies the reverence and purity demanded in God's presence. Its placement "before the testimony" emphasizes that access to God is always rooted in His covenant and revealed word. The divine promise, "where I will meet with thee," is the cornerstone: God Himself appoints and facilitates the meeting point. This isn't human endeavor reaching for God, but God providing the way to be met.

The crushing of the ingredients into a fine powder parallels the brokenness and humility often associated with effective prayer (Psa 51:17). As the smoke of the incense ascended, a "sweet savour" unto the Lord, it symbolically represented the acceptable prayers of the saints (Psa 141:2, Rev 5:8, 8:3-4). The "most holy" designation restricts its use, ensuring the distinct separation of the sacred from the common, illustrating God's absolute holiness. This concept extends to the New Covenant believer, who, being in Christ, is now "a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God" (Rom 12:1). Christ himself is the ultimate "sweet-smelling savor," offering Himself on our behalf, allowing us access to the very presence of God in the heavenly tabernacle (Eph 5:2, Heb 9:24). The physical instructions in Exodus thus provided a tangible and deeply spiritual lesson on approaching the Holy One.