Exodus 27:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "You shall command the people of Israel that they bring to you pure beaten olive oil for the light, that a lamp may regularly be set up to burn.

NIV: "Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning.

NASB: And you shall command the sons of Israel that they bring you clear oil of beaten olives for the light, to make a lamp burn continually.

CSB: "You are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil from crushed olives for the light, in order to keep the lamp burning regularly.

NLT: Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually.

KJV: And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.

NKJV: “And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually.

Exodus 27:20–21 requires that Israel use pure olive oil to light the lampstand (Exodus 25:31) inside the tabernacle (Exodus 26). Aaron (Exodus 6:20; 7:7) and his sons will be the first of a hereditary priesthood (Exodus 28:1; 30:30).

This passage describes more components of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). These include a bronze altar for burnt sacrifices. The tabernacle itself (Exodus 26) sits inside a courtyard marked by hanging linens. This area is also home to a basin to be explained later (Exodus 30:17–18).

The Lord is describing the sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9) and sacred objects which Israel is to build. Chapter 25 included the ark, a sacred table, and a lampstand. Chapter 26 described the tabernacle itself, made of wooden scaffolds, linen, and animal skins. This passage depicts the bronze altar, courtyard walls, and lamp oil. Future chapters will discuss priestly concerns, an incense altar, and other regulations.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 7/31/2025 1:21:30 AM