Exodus 30:37

Verse

You are never to use this formula to make incense for yourselves; you shall regard it as holy to the LORD.

American Standard Version (1901)

And the incense which thou shalt make, according to the composition thereof ye shall not make for yourselves: it shall be unto thee holy for Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English

You are not to make any perfume like it for yourselves: it is to be kept holy to the Lord.

Douay-Rheims 1899

You shall not make such a composition for your own uses, because it is holy to the Lord.

Free Bible Version

Don't make for yourselves any incense like it using the same formula. You are to consider this incense as holy to the Lord.

Geneva Bible 1599

And ye shall not make vnto you any composition like this perfume, which thou shalt make: it shalbe vnto thee holy for the Lord.

King James (Authorized) Version

And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD.

One Unity Resource Bible

The incense which you shall make, according to its composition you shall not make for yourselves: it shall be to you holy for Adonai .

Translation for Translators

The people must not mix the same spices to make incense for themselves. This incense must be completely dedicated to me, Yahweh.

Unlocked Literal Bible

As for this incense that you will make, you must not make any with the same formula for yourselves. It must be most holy to you.

Noah Webster Bible

And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to its composition: it shall be to thee holy for the LORD.

World English Bible

You shall not make this incense, according to its composition, for yourselves: it shall be to you holy for Yahweh.

Young's Literal Translation

'As to the perfume which thou makest, with its proper proportion ye do not make to yourselves, holy it is to thee to Jehovah;

Context

The Incense

³⁶Grind some of it into fine powder and place it in front of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you.³⁷You are never to use this formula to make incense for yourselves; you shall regard it as holy to the LORD.³⁸Anyone who makes something like it to enjoy its fragrance shall be cut off from his people.”

Summary

This verse instructs the Israelites not to make any incense for themselves using the same formula as the sacred incense used in the tabernacle, emphasizing the sanctity and exclusivity of the ingredients and purpose. It underscores the importance of honoring God's specific instructions and maintaining reverence for the sacred items and rituals within the tabernacle. The prohibition serves as a reminder of the distinction between the holy and the common, highlighting the need for obedience and respect in worship. By following these guidelines, the Israelites demonstrate their commitment to God and His ordained practices.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And as for the perfume which thou shalt make,.... As above directed: ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof; that is, for their own use, for the scenting of their rooms, or to snuff up, or smell to, as in the next verse: it shall be unto thee holy for the Lord; separated entirely for his service, to be burned upon his altar, and to be no otherwise used.