Exodus 30:9
Exodus 30:9 in Multiple Translations
On this altar you must not offer unauthorized incense or a burnt offering or grain offering; nor are you to pour a drink offering on it.
Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.
Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt-offering, nor meal-offering; and ye shall pour no drink-offering thereon.
No strange perfume, no burned offering or meal offering, and no drink offering is to be offered on it.
Don't offer on this altar any unapproved incense or any burnt offering or grain offering, and do not pour out a drink offering upon it.
Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor offring, neither powre any drinke offring thereon.
'Ye do not cause strange perfume to go up upon it, and burnt-offering, and present, and libation ye do not pour out on it;
You shall offer no strange incense on it, nor burnt offering, nor meal offering; and you shall pour no drink offering on it.
Ye shall offer no strange incense upon it, nor burnt-sacrifice, nor meat-offering; neither shall ye pour drink-offering upon it.
You shall not offer upon it incense of another composition nor oblation, and victim, neither shall you offer libations.
The priests must not burn on the altar any incense that I have not told you to burn, or burn any animal on it, or any grain offering for me, or pour any wine on it as an offering.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 30:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 30:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹא
תַעֲל֥וּ
עָלָ֛י/ו
קְטֹ֥רֶת
זָרָ֖ה
וְ/עֹלָ֣ה
וּ/מִנְחָ֑ה
וְ/נֵ֕סֶךְ
לֹ֥א
תִסְּכ֖וּ
עָלָֽי/ו
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תַעֲל֥וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
עָלָ֛י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
קְטֹ֥רֶת
qᵉṭôreth
H7004
incense
N-fs
זָרָ֖ה
zûwr
H2114
be a stranger
Adj
וְ/עֹלָ֣ה
ʻôlâh
H5930
burnt offering
Conj | N-fs
וּ/מִנְחָ֑ה
minchâh
H4503
offering
Conj | N-fs
וְ/נֵ֕סֶךְ
neçek
H5262
drink offering
Conj | N-ms
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִסְּכ֖וּ
nâçak
H5258
to pour
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
עָלָֽי/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 30:9
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תַעֲל֥וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
עָלָ֛י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
קְטֹ֥רֶת
qᵉṭôreth
H7004
"incense"
N-fs
Incense refers to a sweet smoke from burning sacrifices, used in worship and perfume. It symbolizes a pleasing aroma to God, found in Leviticus and other books.
Definition: 1) incense, smoke, odour of (burning) sacrifice 1a) sweet smoke of sacrifice 1b) incense 1c) perfume
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (sweet) incense, perfume. See also: Exodus 25:6; Numbers 7:50; Psalms 66:15.
זָרָ֖ה
zûwr
H2114
"be a stranger"
Adj
This word has several meanings, including being a stranger or foreigner, like when Abraham lived in Egypt as a foreigner. It can also mean to commit adultery, highlighting the idea of turning aside from what is right and proper, as warned against in Proverbs 5.
Definition: 1) to be strange, be a stranger 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become estranged 1a2) strange, another, stranger, foreigner, an enemy (participle) 1a3) strange woman, prostitute, harlot (meton) 1b) (Niphal) to be estranged 1c) (Hophal) to be a stranger, be one alienated
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: (come from) another (man, place), fanner, go away, (e-) strange(-r, thing, woman). See also: Exodus 29:33; Proverbs 11:15; Psalms 44:21.
וְ/עֹלָ֣ה
ʻôlâh
H5930
"burnt offering"
Conj | N-fs
This word refers to a step or stairs, often used to describe the ascent to the altar for a burnt offering. In the Bible, it can also mean a holocaust or sacrifice, like in Leviticus.
Definition: whole burnt offering Aramaic equivalent: a.lah (עֲלָת "burnt offering" H5928)
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to. See also H5766 (עֶוֶל). See also: Genesis 8:20; Numbers 15:5; 2 Chronicles 29:7.
וּ/מִנְחָ֑ה
minchâh
H4503
"offering"
Conj | N-fs
The Hebrew word for offering refers to a gift or donation, often given to God as a sacrifice. In Leviticus 2:1, it describes a grain offering. It can also mean tribute or present.
Definition: : offering/sacrifice 1) gift, tribute, offering, present, oblation, sacrifice, meat offering 1a) gift, present 1b) tribute 1c) offering (to God) 1d) grain offering
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: gift, oblation, (meat) offering, present, sacrifice. See also: Genesis 4:3; Numbers 29:28; Psalms 20:4.
וְ/נֵ֕סֶךְ
neçek
H5262
"drink offering"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a drink offering, where a liquid is poured out as a sacrifice to God, often in a ceremonial context, as seen in Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) drink offering, libation, molten image, something poured out 1a) drink offering 1b) molten images Aramaic equivalent: ne.sakh (נְסַךְ "drink offering" H5261)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cover, drink offering, molten image. See also: Genesis 35:14; Numbers 29:27; Psalms 16:4.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִסְּכ֖וּ
nâçak
H5258
"to pour"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to pour out or install, often used for setting up a king or offering a sacrifice. It appears in Exodus and Numbers, describing rituals and ceremonies. The word is also used for melting metal.
Definition: 1) to pour out, pour, offer, cast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour out 1a2) to cast metal images 1a3) to anoint (a king) 1b) (Niphal) to be anointed 1c) (Piel) to pour out (as a libation) 1d) (Hiphil) to pour out libations 1e) (Hophal) to be poured out Aramaic equivalent: ne.sakh (נְסַךְ "to pour" H5260)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: cover, melt, offer, (cause to) pour (out), set (up). See also: Genesis 35:14; Isaiah 30:1; Psalms 2:6.
עָלָֽי/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Study Notes — Exodus 30:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 30:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 30:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 30:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 30:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 30:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 30:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 30:9
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 30:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 30:9
- Sermons on Exodus 30:9
Context — The Altar of Incense
7And Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps.
8When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he must burn the incense perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come.
9On this altar you must not offer unauthorized incense or a burnt offering or grain offering; nor are you to pour a drink offering on it.
10Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on the horns of the altar. Throughout your generations he shall make atonement on it annually with the blood of the sin offering of atonement. The altar is most holy to the LORD.” 11Then the LORD said to Moses,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 10:1 | Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. |
Exodus 30:9 Summary
This verse is telling us that the altar of incense, where the priests would burn incense to represent the prayers of the people, was only to be used for that purpose. We should not try to use it for other types of offerings, like burnt offerings or grain offerings, because that would be disobedient to God's commands, as seen in Leviticus 10:1-2. This teaches us that our worship and prayer should be focused on God and follow His instructions, as stated in John 4:24, rather than being self-centered or distracted. By following God's commands, we can ensure that our worship is pleasing to Him and effective in our lives, as seen in Psalm 100:4-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the altar in Exodus 30:9?
The altar in Exodus 30:9 is the altar of incense, which represents the prayers of the people rising to God, as seen in Revelation 8:3-4, and it is essential to use it only for its intended purpose, as stated in Exodus 30:9, to maintain its holiness and avoid desecration, as warned in Leviticus 10:1-2.
Why are burnt offerings and grain offerings not allowed on this altar?
Burnt offerings and grain offerings were typically offered on the bronze altar, as described in Exodus 29:38-42, and were not meant to be offered on the altar of incense, which was reserved for incense and prayer, as seen in Luke 1:9-10, to maintain the distinction between the different types of offerings and their respective purposes.
What is the consequence of offering unauthorized incense on the altar?
Offering unauthorized incense on the altar would be a violation of God's commands, as stated in Exodus 30:9, and could result in judgment, as seen in Leviticus 10:1-2, where Nadab and Abihu were punished for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord.
How does this verse relate to the concept of worship in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of worshiping God in the way He has prescribed, as seen in John 4:24, where Jesus teaches that true worshipers must worship in spirit and truth, and in Exodus 30:9, where the altar of incense is reserved for a specific type of offering, demonstrating that worship is not just a matter of personal preference, but rather a response to God's revelation and commands, as stated in Deuteronomy 12:32.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be offering 'unauthorized incense' in my own life, and how can I align my worship with God's commands?
- How does the concept of the altar of incense relate to my own prayer life, and what can I learn from the example of the priests in Exodus 30:7-8?
- What are some distractions or 'unauthorized offerings' that may be hindering my worship and prayer life, and how can I eliminate them to focus on God?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of Exodus 30:9 to my own life, by being intentional about the way I worship and pray, and seeking to honor God in all that I do?
- How can I balance the need for structure and order in worship, as seen in Exodus 30:9, with the need for spontaneity and freedom in prayer, as seen in Romans 8:26-27?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 30:9
Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon,.... Which had not the same, but was made of other materials, or had more or fewer; whatever was not exactly the same was not to be offered; and so to make
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 30:9
Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 30:9
No strange incense, i.e. of any other sort than what I shall here appoint, , &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 30:9
Exodus 30:9 Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.Ver. 9. No strange incense.] So may we not pray, but according to God’ s revealed will.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 30:9
(9) Ye shall offer no strange incense.—By “strange incense” is meant any that was composed differently from that of which the composition is laid down in Exodus 30:34-35. Nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither . . . drink offering.—All these were to be offered on the brazen altar, not on the altar of incense, which was in no way suited for them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 30:9
Verse 9. No strange incense] None made in any other way. Nor burnt-sacrifice] It should be an altar for incense, and for no other use.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 30:9
9. The altar is to be reserved exclusively for incense, and for incense moreover made from the authorized prescription (v. 34 ff.). strange] i.e. strange to the law, unauthorized; cf. ‘strange fire,’ Leviticus 10:1, Numbers 3:4; Numbers 26:61. Comp. on Exodus 29:33; and see DB. iv. 623.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 30:9
9. Strange incense — Offered with fire other than that which God ordained, on account of which impiety the two elder sons of Aaron were destroyed. Leviticus 10:1.
Sermons on Exodus 30:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(K-Char-03) Strange Fire by Art Katz | In this sermon transcript, T. Austin Sparks discusses the concept of false life and false fire. He emphasizes the difference between spiritual eternal life and soul life, stating t |
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(Exodus) Exodus 30:7-10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of priests being the only ones allowed to pray. He warns against the idea that anyone can lead a sinful life and then turn to |
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K-028 True Ministry by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker describes a chaotic scene where people are reclining and not paying attention, surrounded by litter and disorder. The speaker questions what ministry sh |
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A Warning to Professors by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon by Jonathan Edwards, he addresses those who attend religious ordinances but continue to engage in known sins. He warns them about the mockery they are guilty of by p |
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A Silent Church Amidst a Sinful Nation by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the speaker highlights the current state of the Christian Church, describing it as helpless and facing powers of darkness. He emphasizes that the Church has substit |
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God's Work in the Darkness by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that entertainment is a substitute for true joy and that the glory of God needs to be restored. He mentions the importance of being anointed |
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The Solemn Side of Worship by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Aaron and his two sons who were struck down by God's judgment. The speaker emphasizes that God's judgment was not disproportionat |