Exodus 30:25
And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ
And thou shalt make
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֹת֗וֹ
H853
אֹת֗וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֶׁ֥מֶן
it an oil
H8081
שֶׁ֥מֶן
it an oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
3 of 13
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
מִשְׁחַת
anointing
H4888
מִשְׁחַת
anointing
Strong's:
H4888
Word #:
4 of 13
unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift
קֹ֖דֶשׁ
it shall be an holy
H6944
קֹ֖דֶשׁ
it shall be an holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
5 of 13
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה
after the art
H4639
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה
after the art
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
8 of 13
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
שֶׁ֥מֶן
it an oil
H8081
שֶׁ֥מֶן
it an oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
10 of 13
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
מִשְׁחַת
anointing
H4888
מִשְׁחַת
anointing
Strong's:
H4888
Word #:
11 of 13
unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift
Cross References
Exodus 37:29And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.1 Chronicles 9:30And some of the sons of the priests made the ointment of the spices.Psalms 133:2It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;Exodus 40:9And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy.Hebrews 1:9Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.Psalms 89:20I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:Numbers 35:25And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.
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.