Exodus 30:32
Upon man's flesh shall it not be poured, neither shall ye make any other like it, after the composition of it: it is holy, and it shall be holy unto you.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בְּשַׂ֤ר
flesh
H1320
בְּשַׂ֤ר
flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
2 of 14
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
אָדָם֙
Upon man's
H120
אָדָם֙
Upon man's
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
3 of 14
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וּבְמַ֨תְכֻּנְתּ֔וֹ
any other like it after the composition
H4971
וּבְמַ֨תְכֻּנְתּ֔וֹ
any other like it after the composition
Strong's:
H4971
Word #:
6 of 14
proportion (in size, number or ingredients)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַֽעֲשׂ֖וּ
neither shall ye make
H6213
תַֽעֲשׂ֖וּ
neither shall ye make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
קֹ֖דֶשׁ
and it shall be holy
H6944
קֹ֖דֶשׁ
and it shall be holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
10 of 14
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
ה֔וּא
H1931
ה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
11 of 14
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
קֹ֖דֶשׁ
and it shall be holy
H6944
קֹ֖דֶשׁ
and it shall be holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
12 of 14
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
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.