Exodus 30:23
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,
Original Language Analysis
בֹ֖שֶׂם
shekels and of sweet
H1314
בֹ֖שֶׂם
shekels and of sweet
Strong's:
H1314
Word #:
4 of 18
fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant
רֹאשׁ֒
thou also unto thee principal
H7218
רֹאשׁ֒
thou also unto thee principal
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
5 of 18
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
דְּרוֹר֙
of pure
H1865
דְּרוֹר֙
of pure
Strong's:
H1865
Word #:
7 of 18
freedom; hence, spontaneity of outflow, and so clear
וּמָאתָֽיִם׃
even two hundred
H3967
וּמָאתָֽיִם׃
even two hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
9 of 18
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
בֹ֖שֶׂם
shekels and of sweet
H1314
בֹ֖שֶׂם
shekels and of sweet
Strong's:
H1314
Word #:
11 of 18
fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant
וּמָאתָֽיִם׃
even two hundred
H3967
וּמָאתָֽיִם׃
even two hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
14 of 18
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
וּקְנֵה
calamus
H7070
וּקְנֵה
calamus
Strong's:
H7070
Word #:
15 of 18
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
Cross References
Ezekiel 27:19Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were in thy market.Song of Solomon 4:14Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:Jeremiah 6:20To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.Ezekiel 27:22The merchants of Sheba and Raamah, they were thy merchants: they occupied in thy fairs with chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold.
Historical Context
The specific spice formula was divinely prescribed and forbidden for common use—counterfeit anointing oil incurred severe penalty. This protected the sacred symbolism and prevented profaning what represented God's Spirit.
Questions for Reflection
- How does each spice's unique contribution illustrate the Holy Spirit's multifaceted work?
- What does the oil's sacred exclusivity teach about treating the Holy Spirit with reverence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The sacred anointing oil—myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia in olive oil—represents the Holy Spirit's multifaceted work. Each spice contributes unique fragrance, together creating complete anointing. The oil's holiness (never for common use) emphasizes that the Spirit is sacred, not to be counterfeited or treated casually. Christ was anointed with this spiritual reality, receiving the Spirit without measure (John 3:34). Believers receive the same Spirit, though in measure.