Exodus 25:6
New International Version
olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense;

New Living Translation
olive oil for the lamps; spices for the anointing oil and the fragrant incense;

English Standard Version
oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense,

Berean Standard Bible
olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense;

King James Bible
Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,

New King James Version
oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense;

New American Standard Bible
oil for lighting, balsam oil for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense,

NASB 1995
oil for lighting, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense,

NASB 1977
oil for lighting, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense,

Legacy Standard Bible
oil for lighting, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense,

Amplified Bible
[olive] oil for lighting, balsam for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense,

Christian Standard Bible
oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense;

American Standard Version
oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,

Contemporary English Version
olive oil for the lamp; sweet-smelling spices to mix with the incense and with the oil for dedicating the tent and ordaining the priests;

English Revised Version
oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
olive oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet-smelling incense,

Good News Translation
oil for the lamps; spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet-smelling incense;

International Standard Version
oil for lighting, spices for the anointing oil and for aromatic incense;

Majority Standard Bible
olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense;

NET Bible
oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for fragrant incense,

New Heart English Bible
oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense,

Webster's Bible Translation
Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,

World English Bible
oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil, and for the incense of the spices,

Young's Literal Translation
oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil, and for the perfume of the spices,

Smith's Literal Translation
Oil for a light, spices for the oil of the anointing, and for the incense of aromatics;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Oil to make lights: spices for ointment, and for sweetsmelling incense:

Catholic Public Domain Version
oil to prepare lights, aromatics as ointments and sweet-smelling incense,

New American Bible
oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense;

New Revised Standard Version
oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Oil for the lamps, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And oil to give light, and fragrances to anoint for an anointing, and for incense of sweet spices,
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and oil for the light, incense for anointing oil, and for the composition of incense,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Offerings for the Tabernacle
5ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood; 6olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 7and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.…

Cross References
Exodus 30:23-25
“Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half that amount (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, / 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. / Prepare from these a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a sacred anointing oil.

Leviticus 24:2
“Command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually.

Numbers 4:16
Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall oversee the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including the holy objects and their utensils.”

1 Kings 9:25
Three times a year Solomon offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar he had built for the LORD, burning incense with them before the LORD. So he completed the temple.

1 Chronicles 9:29-30
Others were put in charge of the furnishings and other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the fine flour, wine, oil, frankincense, and spices. / And some of the sons of the priests mixed the spices.

2 Chronicles 2:4
Behold, I am about to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God to dedicate to Him for burning fragrant incense before Him, for displaying the showbread continuously, and for making burnt offerings every morning and evening as well as on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts of the LORD our God. This is ordained for Israel forever.

2 Chronicles 13:11
Every morning and every evening they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the LORD. They set out the rows of showbread on the ceremonially clean table, and every evening they light the lamps of the gold lampstand. We are carrying out the requirements of the LORD our God, while you have forsaken Him.

Psalm 141:2
May my prayer be set before You like incense; my uplifted hands, like the evening offering.

Isaiah 61:3
to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

Ezekiel 16:13
So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was made of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey, and oil. You became very beautiful and rose to be queen.

Matthew 2:11
On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Matthew 26:7-12
a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table. / When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, “Why this waste? / This perfume could have been sold at a high price, and the money given to the poor.” ...

Mark 14:3-8
While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head. / Some of those present, however, expressed their indignation to one another: “Why this waste of perfume? / It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. ...

Luke 7:37-38
When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. / As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume.

John 12:3
Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.


Treasury of Scripture

Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,

oil for

Exodus 25:37
And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.

Exodus 27:20
And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.

Exodus 40:24,25
And he put the candlestick in the tent of the congregation, over against the table, on the side of the tabernacle southward…

spices

Exodus 30:23-38
Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels, …

Jump to Previous
Anointing Burning Drugs Fragrant Incense Light Oil Olive Perfume Perfumes Spices Sweet Sweet-Smelling
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Anointing Burning Drugs Fragrant Incense Light Oil Olive Perfume Perfumes Spices Sweet Sweet-Smelling
Exodus 25
1. What the Israelites were to offer for the building of the tabernacle
10. The dimensions of the ark
17. The mercy seat, with the cherubim
23. The table of show bread, with the furniture thereof
31. The golden candlestick, with the instruments thereof














olive oil for the light;
In the ancient Near East, olive oil was a valuable commodity, often used for lighting lamps. In the context of the Tabernacle, the oil was used to keep the lampstand, or menorah, burning continuously (Exodus 27:20-21). This light symbolized God's presence and guidance among His people. Olive oil, being pure and pressed, can be seen as a type of the Holy Spirit, who illuminates the hearts of believers (John 14:26). The continuous light also foreshadows Jesus Christ as the Light of the World (John 8:12), who brings spiritual illumination and guidance.

spices for the anointing oil
The anointing oil was a sacred mixture used to consecrate the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the priests (Exodus 30:22-33). The spices, including myrrh and cinnamon, were blended with olive oil to create this holy anointing oil. This act of anointing set apart the objects and individuals for God's service, symbolizing the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. The anointing oil points to Jesus, the Anointed One (Messiah), who was consecrated for His redemptive work (Luke 4:18).

and for the fragrant incense;
The fragrant incense was burned on the altar of incense, located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:1-10). This incense, made from a specific blend of spices, represented the prayers of the Israelites rising to God (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8). The sweet aroma was pleasing to the Lord, symbolizing the intercessory work of Christ, who mediates on behalf of believers (Hebrews 7:25). The incense also signifies the prayers of the saints, which are a fragrant offering to God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the Tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai.

2. Israelites
The people of God who were instructed to bring offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle.

3. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people, and where the offerings mentioned in this verse were to be used.

4. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave Moses the instructions for the Tabernacle and the law.

5. God
The divine being who provided the specific instructions for worship and the construction of the Tabernacle.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Oil and Light
The oil for lighting symbolizes the presence of God and His guidance. Just as the lampstand was to be kept burning continually, believers are called to be lights in the world, reflecting God's presence.

Anointing and Consecration
The anointing oil represents being set apart for God's purposes. As Christians, we are called to live lives consecrated to God, dedicated to His service and glory.

Fragrant Incense and Prayer
The fragrant incense symbolizes the prayers of the faithful. Our prayers should rise to God as a pleasing aroma, reflecting a life of devotion and worship.

Obedience in Worship
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle remind us of the importance of obedience in worship. God desires worship that is in spirit and truth, following His commands and reflecting His holiness.

Generosity in Giving
The Israelites were called to bring offerings willingly. This teaches us the importance of giving generously and joyfully to support the work of God’s kingdom.(6) Oil for the light.--It is assumed that the "sanctuary," which is to be built (Exodus 25:8), will need to be lighted. Oil therefore is to be provided for the lighting. Later on (Exodus 27:20) it is laid down that the oil must be "pure olive oil beaten."

Spices for anointing oil.--Rather, for the anointing oil. Here, again, there is an assumption that anointing oil will be needed, and that spices will be a necessary ingredient in such oil. We find afterwards that the Tabernacle itself, all its vessels, and the priests appointed to serve in it, had to be consecrated by anointing (Exodus 29:7; Exodus 29:36; Exodus 30:26-30). The particular spices to be mixed with the "anointing oil" are enumerated in Exodus 30:23-24. . . .

Verse 6. - Oil for the light. That the sanctuary to be erected would require to be artificially lighted is assumed. Later, a "candlestick" is ordered (vers. 31-37). The people were to provide the oil which was to be burnt in the "candlestick." In Exodus 27:20, we are told that the oil was to be "pure oil olive beaten." Spices for anointing oil. Anointing oil would be needed for the sanctification of the Tabernacle, the ark, and all the holy vessels, as also for the consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood. The spices required are enumerated in Exodus 30:23, 24. They consisted of pure myrrh, sweet cinnamon, sweet calamus, and cassia. And for sweet incense. The spices needed for the incense were, according to our translators, stacte, onycha, galbanum and frankincense (ib, 34).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
oil
שֶׁ֖מֶן (še·men)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness

for lighting;
לַמָּאֹ֑ר (lam·mā·’ōr)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3974: A luminous body, luminary, light, brightness, cheerfulness, a chandelier

spices
בְּשָׂמִים֙ (bə·śā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1314: Fragrance, spicery, the balsam plant

for the anointing
הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה (ham·miš·ḥāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4888: Unction, a consecratory gift

oil
לְשֶׁ֣מֶן (lə·še·men)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness

and for the fragrant
הַסַּמִּֽים׃ (has·sam·mîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5561: Spice (used in incense)

incense;
וְלִקְטֹ֖רֶת (wə·liq·ṭō·reṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7004: Smoke, odor of (burning) sacrifice, incense


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OT Law: Exodus 25:6 Oil for the light spices (Exo. Ex)
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