The Altar of Incense
Exodus 30:1-10
Exo.30.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מקטר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קטרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עצי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שטים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תעשה: VERB,qal,imf,2,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
Parallels
- Exodus 37:25-28 (verbal): A direct repetition in the construction account: the craftsman Bezalel makes the altar of incense of acacia (shittim) wood, echoing Exodus 30:1’s material and form.
- Exodus 30:7-8 (structural): Immediate chapter parallel describing the altar’s purpose and daily use—Aaron burning incense on it each morning and evening—linking form (30:1) to function.
- Hebrews 9:4 (verbal): New Testament reference to the tabernacle’s furnishings that names the golden altar of incense among its sacred objects, echoing the OT altar’s significance and identity.
- Revelation 8:3-4 (thematic): Uses the image of an angel offering incense at an altar (with the prayers of the saints); thematically connects incense and altar imagery to worship and intercession like Exodus 30’s cultic use.
Alternative generated candidates
- You shall make an altar for burning incense; of acacia wood you shall make it.
- And you shall make an altar for burning incense; of acacia wood you shall make it.
Exo.30.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ארכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ואמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רחבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- רבוע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ואמתים: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- קמתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- קרנתיו: NOUN,f,pl,poss
Parallels
- Exod.27:1-2 (verbal): Uses the same technical language about an altar’s proportions (square, cubits) and mentions its horns — a close verbal/structural parallel describing altar construction.
- Exod.38:1-2 (quotation): A later narrative recapitulation of the altar’s construction and dimensions (altar of burnt offering), repeating the square form and horn imagery.
- Exod.30:1 (structural): Immediate context: the command to make an altar for burning incense — verse 2 supplies the specific dimensions for that altar.
- Hebrews 9:4 (allusion): New Testament reference to the golden altar of incense in the tabernacle/temple setting, thematically linking to the function and sacred placement of the altar described in Exodus 30:2.
- 1 Kings 1:50-53 (thematic): Narrative showing the horns of the altar as a place of asylum and ritual significance, illuminating the cultic and symbolic role of the ‘horns’ mentioned in the Exodus measurement.
Alternative generated candidates
- A cubit its length and a cubit its width—square it shall be—and two cubits its height; its horns shall be of one piece with it.
- Its length shall be a cubit and its breadth a cubit; it shall be square, and its height two cubits; its horns shall be of one piece with it.
Exo.30.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וצפית: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טהור: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- גגו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- קירתיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- סביב: ADV
- ואת: CONJ
- קרנתיו: NOUN,f,pl,poss
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- זר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סביב: ADV
Parallels
- Exodus 25:11 (verbal): Nearly identical language: the ark (and other holy furniture) is commanded to be overlaid with pure gold and to have a ‘crown of gold round about,’ echoing the wording and ritual principle.
- Exodus 27:2 (structural): Gives the same architectural feature—horns at the four corners of an altar (the altar of burnt offering); parallels the altar-of-incense’s horns in form and ritual significance, though the material differs (bronze vs. gold).
- Leviticus 4:7 (thematic): Describes the priest putting blood on the horns of the altar of incense — showing the functional/ritual role of the altar’s horns mentioned in Exodus 30:3.
- 1 Kings 6:20–22 (thematic): Solomon’s inner sanctuary and its furnishings are overlaid with pure gold; parallels the practice of gilding sacred furniture and the symbolic use of pure gold for holy objects.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall overlay it with pure gold—its top and its sides all around and its horns—and you shall make for it a rim of gold all around.
- And you shall overlay it with pure gold—its top and its sides all around and its horns; and you shall make for it a molding of gold all around.
Exo.30.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושתי: CONJ+NUM,f,du
- טבעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תעשה: VERB,qal,imf,2,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- מתחת: PREP
- לזרו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- צלעתיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- תעשה: VERB,qal,imf,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- צדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לבתים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לבדים: ADV
- לשאת: VERB,qal,inf
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- בהמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.25:12-15 (verbal): Similar wording and command about casting rings of gold on the sides and inserting poles for carrying the holy chest (the ark) — same technical prescription for rings and poles.
- Exod.25:23-28 (verbal): Instructions for the table of showbread: rings under its moulding and poles for carrying — closely parallels the altar’s constructional detail and language.
- Exod.37:4-5 (quotation): Bezalel’s account of making the altar (craftsman’s execution) repeats the command about making two gold rings under the moulding and providing poles — an enacted repetition of Exod.30:4.
- 1 Chron.15:15 (thematic): Describes Levites carrying the ark with poles on their shoulders — thematically parallels the requirement that sacred furniture have rings and poles so it may be carried during transport.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall make for it two gold rings under its rim; on its two sides you shall make them, on its two flanks, and they shall be holders for poles by which to carry it.
- And you shall make for it two rings of gold under its molding; on its two sides you shall make them, and they shall be housings for poles to carry it by them.
Exo.30.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הבדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- עצי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שטים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וצפית: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.25:13 (verbal): Same wording about making poles of shittim (acacia) wood and overlaying them with gold for the holy furnishings — direct verbal repetition of the construction instruction.
- Exod.37:5 (quotation): Craftsman's narrative repeating the tabernacle instructions: Bezalel makes the poles of acacia wood and overlays them with gold, a narrative fulfillment of the command.
- Num.4:6-7 (structural): Regulates how the poles (staves) are to remain in the rings when carrying holy furniture — connects to the function and treatment of the gold‑overlaid poles.
- 1 Kings 8:8 (thematic): Describes the long poles of the ark remaining in the rings so their ends were visible in the Holy Place — echoes the practical detail and continued use of the poles made (and overlaid) earlier.
- Hebrews 9:4 (allusion): New Testament reference to the golden‑covered furnishings of the tabernacle (including items carried with poles), alluding to the same sacred furniture and its gold overlay tradition.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold.
- And you shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold.
Exo.30.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונתתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- לפני: PREP
- הפרכת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- ארן: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- העדת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לפני: PREP
- הכפרת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- העדת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אועד: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- שמה: ADV
Parallels
- Exodus 25:22 (verbal): Uses the same formula 'there I will meet with you' concerning the mercy seat/ark — connects the place of divine meeting with the spot before the veil.
- Exodus 26:33 (structural): Commands the hanging of the veil to separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy — establishes the spatial relationship referenced in Exod 30:6 (altar positioned before the veil).
- Leviticus 16:12-13 (allusion): Describes the priest bringing a censer of incense within the veil before the mercy seat on the day of atonement — closely parallels the ritual placement of incense/altar before the mercy seat.
- Hebrews 9:3-5 (thematic): New Testament summary of the tabernacle's inner arrangement (veil, golden censer/altar, ark and mercy seat), reflecting the same cultic layout and theological significance of the place 'where God meets'.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall put it before the veil that is before the ark of the testimony—before the atonement cover that is on the testimony—where I will meet with you.
- And you shall put it before the veil that is before the ark of the testimony, before the atonement cover that is over the testimony, where I will meet with you.
Exo.30.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והקטיר: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- קטרת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- סמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בבקר: PREP
- בבקר: PREP
- בהיטיבו: PREP+VERB,hith,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הנרת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- יקטירנה: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.30:8 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same ritual — prescribes burning the incense every morning when Aaron trims the lamps, forming the fuller instruction for the daily incense service.
- Leviticus 16:12-13 (thematic): Priestly use of a censer and burning of incense within sacred space (the holy of holies) as part of atonement rites — parallels the function of incense in cultic service and its placement before God.
- Luke 1:9-10 (thematic): Description of Zechariah offering incense in the temple at its appointed hour — New Testament narrative echo of the Jewish practice of burning incense as part of daily/appointed priestly duty.
- Malachi 1:11 (allusion): Speaks of incense being offered to God from sunrise to sunset in all places — echoes the idea of regular, daily incense offerings and the universal significance of the cultic incense.
- Revelation 8:3-4 (allusion): Vision of incense offered with the prayers of the saints in a golden censer — apocalyptic reinterpretation of temple incense as symbol/vehicle for prayer, reflecting the cultic motif of incense before God.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Aaron shall burn on it incense of spices; morning by morning, when he tends the lamps, he shall burn it.
- And Aaron shall burn on it incense of fragrant spices; morning by morning, when he trims the lamps, he shall burn it.
Exo.30.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובהעלת: PREP+VERB,hiphil,inf
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- את: PRT,acc
- הנרת: NOUN,f,pl,def
- בין: PREP
- הערבים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- יקטירנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- קטרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תמיד: ADV
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לדרתיכם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 30:7 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same passage: prescribes Aaron’s burning of incense morning and evening on the altar — same ritual language of continual (תמיד) incense before the LORD.
- Leviticus 16:12 (verbal): High‑priestly use of a censer and sweet incense brought into the veil before the LORD on the Day of Atonement — a closely related ritual formula for priestly incense before God.
- Leviticus 24:3 (structural): Speaks of Aaron’s continual tending of the lamps before the LORD; connects the priestly duty of lighting/maintaining sanctuary light with the perpetual cultic service exemplified in Exod 30:8.
- Numbers 28:3–4 (thematic): Prescribes the daily (morning and evening) burnt offerings — parallels the idea of regular, perpetual worship and fixed morning/evening cultic actions like the incense of Exod 30:8.
- Psalm 141:2 (thematic): Uses incense imagery for prayer and explicitly links the lifting of prayer to the 'evening sacrifice' — echoes the association of evening time, incense, and devotion found in Exod 30:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when Aaron kindles the lamps at twilight, he shall burn it—a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations.
- And when Aaron lights the lamps at twilight, he shall burn it—incense continually before the LORD throughout your generations.
Exo.30.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לא: PART_NEG
- תעלו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- קטרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זרה: ADJ,f,sg
- ועלה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומנחה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ונסך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- תסכו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.30.34-38 (verbal): Immediately related instruction about the composition and exclusive use of the sacred incense and an explicit prohibition against making or using any other incense (echoes the ban on 'foreign' incense).
- Leviticus 10:1-2 (thematic): Nadab and Abihu offer unauthorized fire before the Lord and are punished — a theme of prohibition and severity regarding improper/unauthorized priestly offerings.
- Leviticus 16:12-13 (structural): Prescribes the proper way the high priest is to use incense on the holy place (censer, burning coals, specific timing), providing the positive, authorized counterpart to the prohibition in Exod 30:9.
- 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 (thematic): King Uzziah unlawfully burns incense in the temple and is struck with leprosy — another narrative example of the prohibition against unauthorized incense/priestly actions.
Alternative generated candidates
- You shall not offer on it unauthorized incense, nor a burnt offering or a grain offering; and you shall not pour a drink offering on it.
- You shall not offer on it unauthorized incense, or burnt offering or grain offering; and you shall not pour a drink offering on it.
Exo.30.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכפר: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- על: PREP
- קרנתיו: NOUN,f,pl,poss
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- בשנה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מדם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חטאת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הכפרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- בשנה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יכפר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- לדרתיכם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קדשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Leviticus 16:15-19 (structural): Day of Atonement ritual: the high priest (Aaron) enters the inner sanctuary and sprinkles sacrificial blood to make atonement for the holy place and the altar—same annual atonement function as Exod 30:10.
- Leviticus 4:7 (verbal): Instruction that the priest shall take blood of the sin offering and put it on the horns of the altar—directly parallels the action of making atonement on the altar's horns.
- Exodus 29:12 (verbal): Ordination rite: blood from the sacrifice is put on the altar (including its horns) to consecrate it—parallels the application of sacrificial blood to the altar in Exod 30:10.
- Hebrews 9:6-7 (allusion): NT reflection on the earthly tabernacle: the high priest enters the holy place once a year with blood to make atonement—explicitly alludes to the annual atoning function described in Exod 30:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Aaron shall make atonement upon its horns once in the year; from the blood of the sin offering of atonement, once in the year he shall make atonement for it throughout your generations. It is most holy to the LORD.
- And Aaron shall make atonement on its horns once in the year; from the blood of the sin offering of atonement, once in the year he shall make atonement on it throughout your generations. It is most holy to the LORD.
And you shall make an altar for burning incense; of acacia wood you shall make it.
A cubit shall be its length, and a cubit its width—square shall it be—and two cubits its height; its horns shall be of one piece with it. And you shall overlay it with pure gold—its top and its sides all around, and its horns—and you shall make for it a rim of gold around. And you shall make two rings of gold for it under its rim; on its two sides you shall make them, on its two flanks, and they shall be holders for poles with which to carry it. And you shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. And you shall set it before the veil that is in front of the ark of the testimony, before the atonement cover that is upon the testimony, where I will meet with you. And Aaron shall burn on it incense of spices; morning by morning, when he tends the lamps, he shall burn it. And when Aaron lights the lamps at twilight, he shall burn it: a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations.
You shall not offer on it unauthorized incense, nor burnt offering nor grain offering; and you shall not pour a drink offering on it. And Aaron shall make atonement upon its horns once in the year; from the blood of the sin offering of atonement, once in the year he shall make atonement upon it throughout your generations. It is most holy to the LORD.