Exodus 30:10
And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
יְכַפֵּ֤ר
shall he make atonement
H3722
יְכַפֵּ֤ר
shall he make atonement
Strong's:
H3722
Word #:
1 of 18
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
קַרְנֹתָ֔יו
upon the horns
H7161
קַרְנֹתָ֔יו
upon the horns
Strong's:
H7161
Word #:
4 of 18
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
אַחַ֤ת
of it once
H259
אַחַ֤ת
of it once
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
מִדַּ֞ם
with the blood
H1818
מִדַּ֞ם
with the blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
7 of 18
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
חַטַּ֣את
of the sin offering
H2403
חַטַּ֣את
of the sin offering
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
8 of 18
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
אַחַ֤ת
of it once
H259
אַחַ֤ת
of it once
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
יְכַפֵּ֤ר
shall he make atonement
H3722
יְכַפֵּ֤ר
shall he make atonement
Strong's:
H3722
Word #:
12 of 18
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
עָלָיו֙
H5921
עָלָיו֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם
upon it throughout your generations
H1755
לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם
upon it throughout your generations
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
קָֽדָשִׁ֥ים
holy
H6944
קָֽדָשִׁ֥ים
holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
15 of 18
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
קָֽדָשִׁ֥ים
holy
H6944
קָֽדָשִׁ֥ים
holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
16 of 18
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
Cross References
Leviticus 16:18And he shall go out unto the altar that is before the LORD, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about.Hebrews 9:25Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;Leviticus 23:27Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
Historical Context
The high priest burned incense on this altar twice daily (morning and evening) when tending the lampstand. The fragrant smoke ascending into the Holy Place symbolized prayers rising to God's throne.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's intercession make your prayers acceptable to God?
- Why must sacrifice (bronze altar) precede prayer (golden altar)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The golden altar of incense stands before the veil, closest to God's presence. Daily incense offerings represent prayer ascending to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). The altar's position—after the bronze altar (sacrifice) but before the Most Holy Place (God's throne)—teaches that prayer is based on atonement and leads to intimacy. Christ, our intercessor, causes our prayers to ascend acceptably, adding His perfect intercession to our imperfect petitions.