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.

EXODUS 40:9KJV
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Exodus 40:9 (KJV)

What does Exodus 40:9 mean?

Exodus 40:9 describes God’s command to Moses to take special anointing oil and use it to consecrate the tabernacle and everything inside it, setting them apart as holy for God’s purposes. This act marks the tabernacle and its utensils as dedicated and distinct from ordinary use.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to Moses as the Israelites finish building the tabernacle in the wilderness. The instruction comes at a key moment: before the tabernacle can be used for worship, it must be set apart through a ritual involving oil. The anointing oil is not just for show—it symbolizes that the tabernacle and its vessels now belong to God in a special way.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 40:9

  • "Anointing" (מִשְׁחָה, mishchah): This word refers to a specially prepared oil used for religious purposes. Its use here signals a formal act of dedication, not just a practical action.
  • "Hallow" (קָדַשׁ, qadash): This verb means to make something holy or set apart for God. In this context, it stresses that the tabernacle and its items are now reserved for sacred use, not everyday life.
  • "Holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): This noun describes something that is set apart and belongs to God. The verse highlights that after anointing, the tabernacle and its vessels are no longer common—they are now holy.

Why Exodus 40:9 matters

  • Exodus 40:9 clarifies that holiness in the tabernacle is not automatic; it requires a specific act of dedication using anointing oil, showing that sacredness is something given by God, not assumed.
  • The verse connects the physical objects (the tabernacle and its vessels) to spiritual purpose, emphasizing that even everyday items can become holy when set apart for God.
  • This instruction ties into the larger story of Exodus, where God is establishing a unique relationship with Israel, marked by rituals that set them apart from other peoples.

Where else these words appear

“anointing” Hebrew H4888 · used in 24 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 8:10 And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein, and sanctified them.

“anoint” Hebrew H4886 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
  • Numbers 7:1 And 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;
  • 1 Kings 1:39 And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.

“tabernacle” Hebrew H4908 · used in 129 verses

  • Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
  • Exodus 40:18 And Moses reared up the tabernacle, and fastened his sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up his pillars.
  • Numbers 16:9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?