The Anointing Oil
Exodus 30:22-33
Exo.30.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Exod.25.1 (verbal): Same divine-speech introductory formula (“וַיְּדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵאמֹר”), here introducing detailed instructions for the tabernacle—parallel in form and function.
- Exod.31.1 (verbal): Identical address (“וַיְּדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵאמֹר”) introducing the command to appoint Bezalel—another instance of God speaking to Moses to give cultic/administrative directives.
- Num.6.22 (verbal): Same formula (“וַיֹּאמַר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵאמֹר”) introducing priestly material (the priestly blessing), showing the recurring pattern of God speaking to Moses about cultic/priestly matters.
- Lev.1.1 (structural): A closely related introductory form (“וַיִּקְרָא אֶל־מֹשֶׁה וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֵלָיו… לֵאמֹר”) that opens the sacrificial legislation—parallel as a canonical marker signaling God’s direct instructions to Moses.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying:
- And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying:
Exo.30.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- קח: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- בשמים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דרור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חמש: NUM,card,f,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וקנמן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מחציתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- חמשים: NUM,card,pl
- ומאתים: CONJ+NUM,card
- וקנה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חמשים: NUM,card,pl
- ומאתים: CONJ+NUM,card
Parallels
- Exod.30:25-31 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the same recipe and the divine command about preparing and using the holy anointing oil—same ingredients and wording expanded into instructions for consecration.
- Exod.37:29 (structural): Report that the anointing oil and the sweet incense were prepared and set aside for the holy place, echoing the Exodus 30 recipe and its cultic outcome.
- Lev.8:10-12 (structural): Moses takes the anointing oil and uses it to consecrate the tabernacle and Aaron—demonstrates the prescribed oil’s actual liturgical use described in Exodus 30.
- Exod.40:9-11 (structural): Moses anoints the tabernacle and its vessels with oil, applying the consecration that the Exodus 30 formula institutes for cultic dedication.
- Ps.133:2 (thematic): Uses the image of precious oil running down Aaron’s beard to symbolize blessing and consecration, thematically tied to the sacred anointing oil’s role in consecration.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you, take for yourself choice spices: liquid myrrh, five hundred; and fragrant cinnamon, its half, two hundred and fifty; and fragrant cane, two hundred and fifty;
- And you, take for yourself the finest spices: liquid myrrh five hundred shekels, and fragrant cinnamon—its half, two hundred and fifty—and aromatic cane two hundred and fifty;
Exo.30.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וקדה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- חמש: NUM,card,f,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בשקל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הקדש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ושמן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הין: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.30:22–25 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same passage giving the full recipe for the holy anointing oil, including the specified quantity of olive oil (a hin).
- Lev.8:12 (thematic): Moses pours anointing oil on Aaron's head to consecrate him; connects the recipe in Exodus with the ritual use of oil for priestly consecration.
- Ps.133:2 (thematic): Image of precious oil running down Aaron's beard evokes the sacred anointing oil described in Exodus and symbolizes unity and blessing associated with anointing.
- 1 Sam.16:13 (thematic): Samuel anoints David with oil to mark him as chosen by God; demonstrates the wider biblical practice of using oil for divine appointment and consecration.
- James 5:14 (allusion): Early Christian instruction to anoint the sick with oil in the Lord’s name alludes to the OT ritual and symbolic functions of oil (healing, consecration, blessing) traced to passages like Exodus 30.
Alternative generated candidates
- and cassia, five hundred, by the sanctuary shekel; and olive oil, a hin.
- and cassia five hundred shekels, by the sanctuary shekel; and olive oil, a hin.
Exo.30.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- שמן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משחת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רקח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מרקחת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מעשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רקח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משחת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Leviticus 8:12 (verbal): Uses the same ritual vocabulary of 'anointing oil' in the consecration of Aaron — links the formulaic use of holy oil to sanctification of priests and objects.
- Exodus 30:31-33 (structural): Immediate context/continuation that repeats 'holy anointing oil' language and issues the prohibition against using it for common purposes — part of the same legal/ritual unit.
- Psalm 133:2 (thematic): Compares sacred communion to 'the oil' running down Aaron's beard — thematically links the anointing oil with consecration, blessing, and unity.
- 1 Samuel 16:13 (thematic): Samuel anoints David with oil from a horn, using oil to set apart a king — parallels the function of anointing oil to consecrate persons for divine service.
- James 5:14 (allusion): New Testament practice of anointing the sick echoes OT ritual use of oil as a sacred, consecrating substance, reflecting continuity in the theological significance of anointing.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall make it a holy anointing oil, a blended perfume, the work of a perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil.
- And you shall make it a holy anointing oil, a blended perfume, the work of a perfumer; a holy anointing oil it shall be.
Exo.30.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומשחת: VERB,hifil,perf,2,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אהל: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העדת: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Exod.30:27-28 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same instruction listing the other cultic objects to be anointed (table, lampstand, altars, laver) — continuation of the same prescription.
- Exod.40:9 (quotation): Narrative fulfillment: Moses takes the anointing oil and anoints the tabernacle and all that was in it, echoing the command of Exod 30:26.
- Lev.8:10-11 (verbal): Priestly consecration account repeats the act of anointing the tabernacle and its furnishings, using language parallel to Exod 30:26.
- 1 Sam.16:13 (thematic): Anointing as consecration/appointment to sacred office — David is anointed with oil, reflecting the broader cultic function of oil as marking holiness and appointment.
Alternative generated candidates
- And with it you shall anoint the Tent of Meeting and the ark of the testimony;
- And with it you shall anoint the Tent of Meeting and the Ark of the Testimony;
Exo.30.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- השלחן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- כליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- המנרה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- כליה: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3fs
- ואת: CONJ
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הקטרת: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 25:23-30 (verbal): Gives the original instructions for the table (showbread) and its vessels — directly parallels 'the table and all its utensils.'
- Exodus 25:31-40 (verbal): Prescribes the design and implements of the lampstand (menorah) — directly corresponds to 'the lampstand and its utensils.'
- Exodus 30:1-10 (verbal): Earlier verses in the same chapter that describe the altar of incense and its ritual use — matches 'the altar of incense.'
- Leviticus 24:5-9 (thematic): Describes the arrangement and function of the showbread on the table of the LORD, connecting the table and its cultic role to Exod.30:27's listing.
- Hebrews 9:2 (allusion): New Testament summary of the tabernacle furnishings ('the lampstand and the table...') that alludes to the same cultic items named in Exod.30:27.
Alternative generated candidates
- and the table and all its utensils, and the lampstand and its utensils, and the altar of incense;
- and the table and all its vessels, and the lampstand and its utensils, and the altar of incense;
Exo.30.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs,def
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- כליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- הכיר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- כנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+poss:3ms
Parallels
- Leviticus 8:10-11 (verbal): Moses uses the anointing oil to anoint and consecrate the tabernacle and all its furnishings—language and action parallel to anointing the altar and its vessels.
- Exodus 29:36-37 (verbal): Commands to anoint and sanctify the altar so that whatever touches it is holy echo the instruction to anoint the altar and its implements.
- Exodus 40:9-11 (structural): At the dedication of the tabernacle Moses actually anoints the sanctuary and its vessels—this narrative enactment parallels the earlier ritual prescription to anoint altar, laver and stand.
- Psalm 133:2 (thematic): The image of precious oil poured on Aaron’s head connects the motif of sacred anointing used to consecrate priests and sacred objects (altar, vessels, laver).
Alternative generated candidates
- and the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin and its stand.
- and the altar of burnt offering and all its vessels, and the basin and its stand.
Exo.30.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וקדשת: VERB,hifil,perf,2,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- והיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קדשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כל: DET
- הנגע: PART,qal,ptcp,m,sg,def
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- יקדש: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.29:37 (verbal): Same formula applied to the altar: "and you shall sanctify the altar, and the altar shall be most holy; whatever touches the altar shall be holy" — closely parallel language and legal effect.
- Exod.40:10 (quotation): At the dedication of the tabernacle Moses anoints and consecrates the furnishings with the identical wording: "that they may be most holy; whatever touches them shall be holy." (Direct repetition/application of Exod.30:29.)
- Lev.8:10-11 (structural): In the priestly consecration narrative Moses takes the anointing oil and anoints the tabernacle and its vessels, sanctifying them — parallel ritual act and purpose (consecration of sacred objects).
- Lev.19:2 (thematic): The general summons to holiness, "You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy," provides the theological background for consecrating persons and things as holy (broader theme of sanctification).
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall consecrate them, and they shall be most holy; whatever touches them shall be made holy.
- And you shall consecrate them, and they shall be most holy; whatever touches them shall be holy.
Exo.30.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- ואת: CONJ
- בניו: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- תמשח: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- וקדשת: VERB,hifil,perf,2,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- לכהן: VERB,qal,inf
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Exod.29:7 (verbal): Directly parallels the ritual language of pouring/anointing oil on Aaron’s head to set him apart for priestly service.
- Lev.8:12 (verbal): Narrates Moses anointing Aaron with the oil, sanctifying him and the sanctuary — a close ritual parallel to Exodus 30:30’s consecration language.
- Lev.8:30 (verbal): Describes Moses sprinkling anointing oil and blood on Aaron and his sons, explicitly consecrating them for the priesthood, echoing Exodus 30:30’s charge to anoint and sanctify.
- Num.3:3 (thematic): Lists Aaron and his sons as the ones set apart for priestly service among the Levites, reflecting the outcome of the anointing/consecration in Exodus 30:30.
- 1 Sam.16:13 (thematic): Samuel’s anointing of David (pouring oil on his head) parallels the broader biblical motif of anointing as divine appointment to an office or sacred role, like the consecration of Aaron and his sons.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Aaron and his sons you shall anoint, and you shall consecrate them to serve as priests to me.
- And Aaron and his sons you shall anoint, and you shall consecrate them to serve as priests to me.
Exo.30.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תדבר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- שמן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משחת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לדרתיכם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 30:25-33 (structural): Immediate context giving the recipe for the holy anointing oil and detailed injunctions for its sacred use and preservation—directly expands and frames 30:31's declaration.
- Exodus 29:7 (verbal): Uses the same action language—'take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him'—linking the oil to consecration of priests as in 30:31's holy designation.
- Leviticus 8:12 (verbal): Narrates Moses pouring the anointing oil on Aaron's head to consecrate him, illustrating the practical application of the 'holy anointing oil' named in Exod 30:31.
- Psalm 89:20 (thematic): Speaks of God anointing his servant 'with my holy oil,' echoing the concept of an oil set apart as holy for divine appointment and favor.
- 1 Samuel 16:13 (thematic): Samuel anoints David with oil, and the Spirit of the LORD comes upon him—showing the anointing oil's association with consecration, selection, and divine empowerment.
Alternative generated candidates
- And to the Israelites you shall speak, saying: This shall be a holy anointing oil to me throughout your generations.
- And to the Israelites you shall speak, saying: This shall be to me a holy anointing oil throughout your generations.
Exo.30.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- על: PREP
- בשר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ייסך: VERB,qal,impf,3,ms
- ובמתכנתו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,ms
- לא: PART_NEG
- תעשו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- כמהו: PREP+PRON,3,ms
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Exod.30:31 (structural): Immediate context — declares the anointing oil to be holy and gives the usage instructions that frame the prohibition in v.32.
- Exod.30:33 (verbal): Directly continues the prohibition (forbids making a like compound or putting it on a stranger) and prescribes the penalty, using closely related language.
- Lev.8:12 (verbal): Describes Moses pouring anointing oil on Aaron's head to sanctify him — parallels authorized, ritually prescribed use of sacred oil versus the forbidden use on ordinary persons.
- Ps.133:2 (thematic): Uses the image of precious oil on Aaron’s head running down — echoes the association of oil with priestly consecration and holiness invoked by Exod.30:32.
- 1 Sam.16:13 (thematic): Samuel anoints David with oil, illustrating the practice of anointing a person for office and inviting comparison/contrast with the special, restricted status of the sacred oil in Exodus 30.
Alternative generated candidates
- On human flesh it shall not be poured, and according to its formula you shall not make any like it; it is holy; it shall be holy to you.
- On human flesh it shall not be poured, and according to its formula you shall not make any like it; it is holy; holy it shall be for you.
Exo.30.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ירקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כמהו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואשר: CONJ+PRON,rel
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- זר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונכרת: CONJ+VERB,nip,perf,3,m,sg
- מעמיו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.30:31-32 (structural): Immediate context: the oil is declared 'holy' and the prohibition not to pour it on any lay person or make a duplicate is stated directly before and after v.33—same injunctional wording and cultic setting.
- Numbers 4:15 (thematic): Law concerning who may touch or carry holy things of the tabernacle—unauthorized contact with sacred objects risks death, echoing the separation of holy (anointing oil) and common persons.
- Lev.10:1-3 (thematic): Nadab and Abihu punished for performing unauthorized cultic action (strange fire); parallels the severe sanction for misuse of sacred anointing oil and reinforces priestly exclusivity in worship.
- Lev.10:10-11 (verbal): Commands to the priests to distinguish between holy and common and to teach Israel the statutes—directly reflects the principle behind forbidding the anointing oil’s use on laypeople.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whoever compounds any like it, or puts any of it on an unauthorized person, shall be cut off from his people.
- Anyone who compounds any like it, or who puts any of it on an outsider, shall be cut off from his people.
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: And you, take for yourself choicest spices: liquid myrrh, five hundred shekels; and fragrant cinnamon—half of it, two hundred and fifty shekels; and fragrant cane, two hundred and fifty shekels;
and cassia, five hundred shekels, by the sanctuary shekel; and olive oil, a hin. And you shall make it a holy anointing oil, a perfumed mixture, the work of a perfumer; a holy anointing oil it shall be. And you shall anoint with it the Tent of Meeting and the Ark of the Testimony;
and the table and all its vessels, and the lampstand and its vessels, and the altar of incense;
and the altar of burnt offering and all its vessels, and the basin and its stand. And you shall consecrate them, and they shall be most holy; whoever touches them shall be holy. And Aaron and his sons you shall anoint, and you shall consecrate them to serve me as priests. And you shall speak to the Israelites, saying: This shall be for me a holy anointing oil throughout your generations.
On human flesh it shall not be poured, and according to its formula you shall not make any like it; it is holy—it shall be holy to you.
Any man who compounds like it, or who puts any of it upon an outsider, shall be cut off from his people.