Exodus 39:38
New International Version
the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent;

New Living Translation
the gold altar; the anointing oil and fragrant incense; the curtain for the entrance of the sacred tent;

English Standard Version
the golden altar, the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the entrance of the tent;

Berean Standard Bible
the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent;

King James Bible
And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,

New King James Version
the gold altar, the anointing oil, and the sweet incense; the screen for the tabernacle door;

New American Standard Bible
and the gold altar, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the doorway of the tent;

NASB 1995
and the gold altar, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the veil for the doorway of the tent;

NASB 1977
and the gold altar, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the veil for the doorway of the tent;

Legacy Standard Bible
and the gold altar, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the veil for the doorway of the tent;

Amplified Bible
the golden altar [of incense], the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the [hanging] veil for the doorway of the tent;

Christian Standard Bible
the gold altar; the anointing oil; the fragrant incense; the screen for the entrance to the tent;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
the gold altar; the anointing oil; the fragrant incense; the screen for the entrance to the tent;

American Standard Version
and the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the screen for the door of the Tent;

Contemporary English Version
the gold-covered incense altar; the ordination oil and the sweet-smelling incense; the curtain for the entrance to the tent;

English Revised Version
and the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the screen for the door of the Tent;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
the gold altar, the anointing oil, the sweet-smelling incense, the screen for the entrance to the tent,

Good News Translation
the gold altar; the anointing oil; the sweet-smelling incense; the curtain for the entrance of the Tent;

International Standard Version
the altar of gold, anointing oil, aromatic incense, the screen for the doorway to the tent,

Majority Standard Bible
the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent;

NET Bible
and the gold altar, and the anointing oil, and the fragrant incense; and the curtain for the entrance to the tent;

New Heart English Bible
the golden altar, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door of the Tent,

Webster's Bible Translation
And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle-door,

World English Bible
the golden altar, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door of the Tent,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the spice-incense, and the covering of the opening of the tent;

Young's Literal Translation
And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the spice-perfume, and the covering of the opening of the tent;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the altar of gold and the oil of anointing, and the incense of aromatics, and the covering for the door of the tent;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the hanging in the entry of the tabernacle:

Catholic Public Domain Version
and the tent at the entrance of the tabernacle,

New American Bible
the golden altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense; the curtain for the entrance of the tent,

New Revised Standard Version
the golden altar, the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the entrance of the tent;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the altar of gold and oil of anointing, and incense of sweet spices, and the covering of the door of the Tabernacle,
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the screen for the door of the Tent;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they made the anointing oil, and the incense of composition, and the pure candlestick,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Moses Approves the Work
37the pure gold lampstand with its row of lamps and all its utensils, as well as the oil for the light; 38 the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent; 39the bronze altar with its bronze grating, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin with its stand;…

Cross References
Exodus 25:31-40
Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. / Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. / There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extend from the lampstand. ...

Exodus 37:17-24
Then he made the lampstand out of pure hammered gold, all of one piece: its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. / Six branches extended from the sides, three on one side and three on the other. / There were three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extended from the lampstand. ...

Numbers 8:1-4
Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Speak to Aaron and tell him: ‘When you set up the seven lamps, they are to light the area in front of the lampstand.’” / And Aaron did so; he set up the lamps facing toward the front of the lampstand, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. ...

1 Kings 7:49
the lampstands of pure gold in front of the inner sanctuary, five on the right side and five on the left; the gold flowers, lamps, and tongs;

2 Chronicles 4:7
He made ten gold lampstands according to their specifications and placed them in the temple, five on the south side and five on the north.

Zechariah 4:2
“What do you see?” he asked. “I see a solid gold lampstand,” I replied, “with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven spouts to the lamps.

Revelation 1:12-13
Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, / and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest.

Revelation 1:20
This is the mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Revelation 2:1
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.

Revelation 11:4
These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.

Hebrews 9:2
A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place.

Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

John 8:12
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 9:5
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

John 12:46
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.


Treasury of Scripture

And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,

sweet incense.

Jump to Previous
Altar Anointing Burning Covering Curtain Door Doorway Drugs Entrance Fragrant Gold Golden Hanging Holy Incense Oil Opening Perfume Screen Spice-Perfume Sweet Tabernacle Tabernacle-Door Tent Veil
Jump to Next
Altar Anointing Burning Covering Curtain Door Doorway Drugs Entrance Fragrant Gold Golden Hanging Holy Incense Oil Opening Perfume Screen Spice-Perfume Sweet Tabernacle Tabernacle-Door Tent Veil
Exodus 39
1. The cloths of service and holy garments.
2. The ephod
8. The breast-plate
22. The robe of the ephod
27. The coats, mitre, and girdle of fine linen
30. The plate of the holy crown
32. All is finished, reviewed, and approved by Moses














the gold altar
The gold altar, also known as the altar of incense, was located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. It was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, signifying its sacred purpose. This altar was used for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3-4). The use of gold represents purity and divinity, pointing to the holiness required in approaching God. The altar's placement before the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place underscores the importance of prayer and intercession in the worship of God.

the anointing oil
The anointing oil was a sacred mixture used to consecrate the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests (Exodus 30:22-33). This oil was a blend of olive oil and specific spices, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's presence and empowerment. Anointing with oil set apart individuals and objects for God's service, indicating sanctification and divine approval. The use of oil in anointing foreshadows the anointing of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, whose title means "Anointed One" (Luke 4:18).

the fragrant incense
The fragrant incense was a specific blend of spices used exclusively for worship in the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:34-38). Its aroma was pleasing to God, symbolizing the acceptable prayers and worship of His people. The incense was burned on the gold altar, and its smoke represented the prayers of the saints rising to heaven. This practice highlights the importance of purity and devotion in worship, as well as the role of Christ as our intercessor (Hebrews 7:25).

and the curtain for the entrance to the tent;
The curtain for the entrance to the tent, also known as the screen, was made of fine linen and embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn (Exodus 26:36-37). This curtain served as the entrance to the Holy Place, symbolizing the separation between the sacred and the common. The colors and craftsmanship reflect the glory and majesty of God. The curtain's function as a barrier points to the need for a mediator between God and humanity, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who through His sacrifice, tore the veil and granted believers direct access to God (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:19-20).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Gold Altar
This refers to the altar of incense, which was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. It was placed in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God.

2. The Anointing Oil
A sacred mixture used to consecrate the priests and the Tabernacle, signifying the setting apart of people and objects for God's service.

3. The Fragrant Incense
A special blend of spices burned on the gold altar, representing the prayers and worship of the Israelites rising to God.

4. The Curtain for the Entrance to the Tent
This curtain separated the Holy Place from the outer court, symbolizing the barrier between God and humanity that was later torn at Christ's crucifixion.

5. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites, representing God's desire to dwell with His people.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Prayer
The gold altar and incense remind us of the importance of prayer in our relationship with God. Just as incense was a pleasing aroma, our prayers are a sweet offering to the Lord.

Consecration and Holiness
The anointing oil signifies the need for holiness and being set apart for God's purposes. As believers, we are called to live consecrated lives, dedicated to His service.

Access to God
The curtain represents the separation that sin causes between humanity and God. Through Christ, this barrier is removed, and we have direct access to the Father.

God's Presence
The Tabernacle illustrates God's desire to dwell among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and God dwells within us.

Worship and Reverence
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings teach us the importance of approaching God with reverence and worship.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
the gold
הַזָּהָ֔ב (haz·zā·hāḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

altar,
מִזְבַּ֣ח (miz·baḥ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4196: An altar

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

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

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

incense,
קְטֹ֣רֶת (qə·ṭō·reṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7004: Smoke, odor of (burning) sacrifice, incense

and the curtain
מָסַ֖ךְ (mā·saḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4539: A covering, screen

for the entrance
פֶּ֥תַח (pe·ṯaḥ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6607: An opening, door, entrance way

to the tent;
הָאֹֽהֶל׃ (hā·’ō·hel)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 168: A tent


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OT Law: Exodus 39:38 The golden altar the anointing oil (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 39:37
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