And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses.

EXODUS 40:27KJV
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Exodus 40:27 (KJV)

What does Exodus 40:27 mean?

Exodus 40:27 describes how incense was burned on the altar, just as the LORD had instructed Moses. This verse highlights careful obedience to God’s specific directions for worship in the newly completed tabernacle.

In this scene, Moses is overseeing the final setup of the tabernacle, the special tent where Israel would worship during their journey in the wilderness. The burning of incense was a ritual act, done with "sweet" incense, as a sign of respect and devotion to God. The verse emphasizes that every detail was carried out exactly as the LORD (the personal name for God, often written as "Yahweh") had commanded Moses.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 40:27

  • "Burnt" (קָטַר, qāṭar) means to offer up something as smoke, especially incense. This word points to a specific act of worship, not just any burning.
  • "Sweet" (סַמִּים, sammîm) refers to something fragrant or pleasant-smelling. The incense was not ordinary; it was specially prepared to be pleasing.
  • "Incense" (קְטֹרֶת, qəṭōret) is the word for the aromatic mixture burned in worship. This was a unique blend, reserved for the tabernacle, not for everyday use.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) is the personal name for God, underlining that these instructions came from a specific, covenant relationship.
  • "Commanded" (צָוָה, tsāwāh) means to give a direct order. The verse stresses that Moses did not act on his own ideas but followed God’s explicit instructions.

Why Exodus 40:27 matters

  • Exodus 40:27 shows that worship in the tabernacle was not left to personal preference; every act was done according to God’s detailed instructions, highlighting the importance of obedience.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of Exodus 40, where Moses sets up the tabernacle exactly as God had shown him, marking the completion of a major phase in Israel’s journey.
  • By mentioning the burning of "sweet incense," the verse reminds readers that worship involved all the senses and was meant to be both respectful and pleasing to God, not just a routine.

Where else these words appear

“sweet” Hebrew H5561 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 25:6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,
  • Exodus 35:8 And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,
  • Leviticus 4:7 And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

“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.

“burnt” Hebrew H6999 · used in 112 verses

  • Exodus 29:13 And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.
  • Leviticus 16:25 And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:4 He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.