Exodus 30:23

Translations

Modern

“Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half that amount (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane,

Traditional

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,

Literal

“And you, take for yourself the finest myrrh: five hundred shekels of liquid spices; and half as much sweet-smelling cinnamon, two hundred and fifty shekels; and sweet-smelling cane, two hundred and fifty shekels;

Latin

…dicens: Sume tibi aromata, primæ myrrhæ et electæ quingentos siclos, et cinnamomi medium, id est, ducentos quinquaginta siclos, calami similiter ducentos quinquaginta,

Original

Hebrew

English

“Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half that amount (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane,

Notes

Exodus 30:22–38

Because God is absolutely unique (holy), what is used for his service cannot be used for any other purpose. This was the point made to Moses at the burning bush (see study note on 3:5). It was so important for the people to understand this that disobedience in this matter involved a severe punishment (30:33).

Theme notes and profiles

Pure Worship Temple Design as a Picture of God's Truth

Events

Tabernacle Builtc. 1490 BC

Measurements

500 shekels of liquid myrrh: About 12.6 lb (5.7 kg)
half that amount of fragrant cinnamon: About 6.3 lb (2.9 kg)

Related verses

Ezekiel 27:19
…and casks of wine from Izal for your wares. Wrought iron, cassia, and sweet cane were exchanged for your merchandise.
Song of Solomon 4:14
…with nard and saffron, with calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of frankincense tree, with myrrh and aloes, with all the finest spices.
Ezekiel 27:22
The merchants of Sheba and Raamah traded with you; for your wares they exchanged gold, the finest of all spices, and precious stones.
Jeremiah 6:20
What use to Me is frankincense from Sheba or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please Me.”
Proverbs 7:17
I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, with aloes, and with cinnamon.
Exodus 37:29
He also made the sacred anointing oil and the pure, fragrant incense, the work of a perfumer.
Song of Solomon 1:13
My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh resting between my breasts.
Song of Solomon 1:3
The fragrance of your perfume is pleasing; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens adore you.
Psalm 45:8
All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad.

Glossary

Anoint Aromatic Cane Biblical Concept of Law Book of Exodus Calamus Cinnamon Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Ointment Perfume Tabernacle

Topics

Anointing Oil: Formula of, Given by Moses Calamus: An Ingredient of the Holy Ointment Cinnamon: An Ingredient of the Sacred Oil Myrrh: One of the Compounds in the Sacred Anointing Oil Oil: Sacred Oil: The Ointments of the Jews Made of Perfumes Mixed With Ointment: Sacred: Formula For Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Divinely Prescribed Shekel used to Weigh: Cinnamon Shekel used to Weigh: Myrrh

Exodus 30:23

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