And the table and all his vessels, and the candlestick and his vessels, and the altar of incense,

EXODUS 30:27KJV
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Exodus 30:27 (KJV)

What does Exodus 30:27 mean?

Exodus 30:27 lists specific pieces of furniture and their utensils in the tabernacle—the table, the lampstand, and the altar of incense—that are to be set apart and treated as holy. This verse is part of instructions about what should be anointed with sacred oil, marking these objects for special use in worship.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses, giving detailed directions for the care and dedication of items used in Israel’s worship tent. The verse highlights that not just the main objects, but also their associated vessels, are included. This careful listing shows the importance of every part of the worship space, not only the most prominent items.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 30:27

  • שֻׁלְחָן (shulchan, "table"): This refers to the table that held the bread of the Presence, a central item in the holy place. Its mention shows that even supporting furniture is considered sacred.
  • כְּלִים (kelim, "vessels"): This word covers all the utensils or tools used with the table and lampstand, emphasizing that every item connected to worship, no matter how small, is to be set apart.
  • מְנוֹרָה (menorah, "candlestick" or "lampstand"): The lampstand provided light in the holy place. Its inclusion underlines its central role in the tabernacle’s daily function.
  • מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach, "altar"): This is the altar specifically for burning incense, not for sacrifices. It highlights the importance of prayer and worship, not just offerings.
  • קְטֹרֶת (qetoret, "incense"): This word points to the incense burned on the altar, a symbol of prayers rising to God. Its mention connects the physical object to its spiritual purpose.

Why Exodus 30:27 matters

  • Exodus 30:27 clarifies that holiness in worship extends beyond the most visible or central objects to include every vessel and tool used in the tabernacle.
  • The verse shows the careful attention God gives to the details of worship, suggesting that every part of the process is significant.
  • By connecting these instructions to the wider passage about anointing with oil, Exodus 30:27 helps the reader understand how the Israelites were to treat their worship space as entirely set apart for God.

Where else these words appear

“candlestick” Hebrew H4501 · used in 31 verses

  • Exodus 25:31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.
  • Exodus 37:19 Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick.
  • Numbers 8:4 And this work of the candlestick was of beaten gold, unto the shaft thereof, unto the flowers thereof, was beaten work: according unto the pattern which the LORD had shewed Moses, so he made the candlestick.

“incense” Hebrew H7004 · used in 58 verses

  • Exodus 25:6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,
  • Leviticus 16:12 And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail:
  • Numbers 16:35 And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.

“table” Hebrew H7979 · used in 62 verses

  • Exodus 25:23 Thou shalt also make a table of shittim wood: two cubits shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.
  • 1 Samuel 20:34 So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.
  • Job 36:16 Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness.