Exodus 30:31 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And you shall say to the people of Israel, ‘This shall be my holy anointing oil throughout your generations.

NIV: Say to the Israelites, ‘This is to be my sacred anointing oil for the generations to come.

NASB: Furthermore, you shall speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘This shall be a holy anointing oil to Me throughout your generations.

CSB: "Tell the Israelites: This will be my holy anointing oil throughout your generations.

NLT: And say to the people of Israel, ‘This holy anointing oil is reserved for me from generation to generation.

KJV: And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, This shall be an holy anointing oil unto me throughout your generations.

NKJV: “And you shall speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘This shall be a holy anointing oil to Me throughout your generations.

Exodus 30:22–33 gives the components to a sacred anointing oil. Moses will make this from olive oil infused with aromatic substances such as myrrh, cinnamon, and other local spices. This is the oil used to consecrate the priests (Exodus 29) and all the objects associated with the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). Every other use of this anointing oil is strictly forbidden, as are imitations of it.

Items described here function with other sacred objects (Exodus 25—28) constructed for the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). One is a small gold-lined altar for incense. The other is a large bronze basin for ceremonial washing. The last two sets of instructions are for specially formulated anointing oil and sacred incense. Israel will establish a national tax to pay for these.

Much of Exodus is a description of the tabernacle and its components (Exodus 25—28). This is the last section of new designs given in this book. God will assign craftsmen to make the sacred objects (Exodus 31). But while Moses receives these instructions, Israel slips into idolatry (Exodus 32). The last several chapters of Exodus record how God's earlier instructions were followed with precision.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 7/9/2025 2:05:31 AM