Exodus 40:9
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֙
And thou shalt take
H3947
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֙
And thou shalt take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 18
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֶׁ֣מֶן
oil
H8081
שֶׁ֣מֶן
oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
3 of 18
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה
the anointing
H4888
הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה
the anointing
Strong's:
H4888
Word #:
4 of 18
unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift
וּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֥
and anoint
H4886
וּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֥
and anoint
Strong's:
H4886
Word #:
5 of 18
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן
the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן
the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
7 of 18
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֥
and all that is therein and shalt hallow
H6942
וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֥
and all that is therein and shalt hallow
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
12 of 18
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
אֹת֛וֹ
H853
אֹת֛וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כֵּלָ֖יו
it and all the vessels
H3627
כֵּלָ֖יו
it and all the vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
16 of 18
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
Cross References
Leviticus 8:10And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein, and sanctified them.Numbers 7:1And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;
Historical Context
The unique anointing oil recipe (Exodus 30:23-33), using myrrh, cinnamon, cane, cassia, and olive oil, was restricted to tabernacle use only. Duplicating it for common purposes carried the death penalty, emphasizing sacred distinctiveness. The oil's fragrance filled the tabernacle, symbolizing holiness permeating everything.
Questions for Reflection
- How does anointing inanimate objects teach that all aspects of worship, not just 'spiritual' ones, require consecration?
- What does Christ's anointing with the Spirit qualifying Him for ministry teach about believers' need for Spirit-empowerment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The anointing oil (שֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה, shemen haMishchah) consecrating the tabernacle and all its vessels teaches that implements, not just people, require consecration. The Hebrew מָשַׁח (mashach, to anoint) means to smear/spread, indicating complete covering. This anointing 'sanctifies' (וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ, vekidashta, makes holy) by separating common items for sacred use. The oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit consecrating believers (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 1 John 2:20, 27). Christ, the Anointed One (Messiah/Christos), received the Spirit without measure (John 3:34), qualifying Him as Prophet, Priest, and King.