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.
Original Language Analysis
תְּצַוֶּ֣ה׀
And thou shalt command
H6680
תְּצַוֶּ֣ה׀
And thou shalt command
Strong's:
H6680
Word #:
2 of 15
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְיִקְח֨וּ
that they bring
H3947
וְיִקְח֨וּ
that they bring
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
6 of 15
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
שֶׁ֣מֶן
oil
H8081
שֶׁ֣מֶן
oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
8 of 15
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
זַ֥יִת
olive
H2132
זַ֥יִת
olive
Strong's:
H2132
Word #:
9 of 15
an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry
לַמָּא֑וֹר
for the light
H3974
לַמָּא֑וֹר
for the light
Strong's:
H3974
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, a luminous body or luminary, i.e., (abstractly) light (as an element); figuratively, brightness, i.e.,cheerfulness; specifically, a chandeli
לְהַֽעֲלֹ֥ת
to burn
H5927
לְהַֽעֲלֹ֥ת
to burn
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
13 of 15
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
Cross References
Psalms 23:5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.Exodus 39:37The pure candlestick, with the lamps thereof, even with the lamps to be set in order, and all the vessels thereof, and the oil for light,Judges 9:9But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?Revelation 11:4These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
Historical Context
Beaten oil (כָּתִית, katit) was produced by crushing olives in a mortar, yielding the purest oil. This premium oil burned cleanest and brightest, appropriate for the sacred lampstand. Ordinary pressed oil sufficed for common use, but God's light required the best.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'beaten' oil represent the Spirit's work through suffering and crushing?
- What enables Christ's light to burn perpetually while ours requires daily refilling?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Pure beaten olive oil for the lampstand's light—the oil must be the finest quality, extracted by beating/crushing (not pressing), and olive oil (symbol of the Spirit). The command for perpetual light ('burn always') means the priesthood must never let it extinguish. Christ, anointed by the Spirit without measure (John 3:34), is the perpetual light. His light never dims, never needs rekindling. Our lives, as lamps, require continuous supply of the Spirit's oil.