Exodus 30:38 Meaning and Explanation
“Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Making counterfeit incense for personal use results in being cut off from Israel.
The Context of Exodus 30:38
God prescribes the punishment for making unauthorized copies of the incense formula.
What Does Exodus 30:38 Mean?
The final verse closes the incense section with the same severe penalty as the anointing oil violation: excommunication. The severity demonstrates that sacred formulas are not commodities to be reproduced or commercialized.
This prohibition protects the sanctity of Israel's worship. The incense—like the oil—belongs to God alone, and attempting to replicate it for any other purpose is an act of rebellion against God's exclusive claims.
Exodus 30:38 in the Original Language
cut off (כָּרַת), 'karat' — to sever or remove from the community, the most severe covenant sanction short of death.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 30:38
What does Exodus 30:38 mean?
Making counterfeit incense for personal use results in being cut off from Israel.
What is the context of Exodus 30:38?
God prescribes the punishment for making unauthorized copies of the incense formula.