Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Whoever makes incense like it to enjoy its fragrance must be cut off from their people.” New Living Translation Anyone who makes incense like this for personal use will be cut off from the community.” English Standard Version Whoever makes any like it to use as perfume shall be cut off from his people.” Berean Standard Bible Anyone who makes something like it to enjoy its fragrance shall be cut off from his people.” Berean Literal Bible A man who makes something like it to smell it, he shall be cut off from his people.” King James Bible Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people. New King James Version Whoever makes any like it, to smell it, he shall be cut off from his people.” New American Standard Bible Whoever makes any like it, to use as perfume, shall be cut off from his people.” NASB 1995 “Whoever shall make any like it, to use as perfume, shall be cut off from his people.” NASB 1977 “Whoever shall make any like it, to use as perfume, shall be cut off from his people.” Legacy Standard Bible Whoever shall make any like it, to use as perfume, shall be cut off from his people.” Amplified Bible Whoever makes any like it, to use as perfume shall be cut off from his people [excluding him from the atonement made for them].” Berean Annotated Bible Anyone who makes something like it to enjoy its fragrance shall be cut off from his people. Christian Standard Bible Anyone who makes something like it to smell its fragrance must be cut off from his people.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Anyone who makes something like it to smell its fragrance must be cut off from his people.” American Standard Version Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereof, he shall be cut off from his people. Contemporary English Version If you ever make any of it to use as perfume, you will no longer belong to my people. English Revised Version Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, he shall be cut off from his people. GOD'S WORD® Translation Whoever prepares anything like it for his own enjoyment must be excluded from his people." Good News Translation If anyone makes any like it for use as perfume, he will no longer be considered one of my people." International Standard Version Anyone who makes anything like it to use it as perfume is to be cut off from his people." NET Bible Whoever makes anything like it, to use as perfume, will be cut off from his people." New Heart English Bible Whoever shall make any like that, to smell of it, he shall be cut off from his people." Webster's Bible Translation Whoever shall make the like to that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnyone who makes something like it to enjoy its fragrance shall be cut off from his people.” World English Bible Whoever shall make any like that, to smell of it, he shall be cut off from his people.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versiona man who makes [any] like it—to be refreshed by it—has even been cut off from his people.” Berean Literal Bible A man who makes something like it to smell it, he shall be cut off from his people.” Young's Literal Translation a man who maketh any like it -- to be refreshed by it -- hath even been cut off from his people.' Smith's Literal Translation A man who shall make like it to smell in it, and he shall be cut off from his people. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhat man soever shall make the like, to enjoy the smell thereof, he shall perish out of his people. Catholic Public Domain Version Whatever man will have made anything similar, so as to thoroughly enjoy its smell, he shall perish from his people.” New American Bible Whoever makes an incense like this for his own enjoyment of its fragrance, shall be cut off from his people. New Revised Standard Version Whoever makes any like it to use as perfume shall be cut off from the people. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhosoever shall make any like it, to anoint with it, shall be cut off from his people. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the incense that you will make, you will not make in its likeness for yourselves; it shall be holiness to you for LORD JEHOVAH. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereof, he shall be cut off from his people.' Brenton Septuagint Translation Whosoever shall make any in like manner, so as to smell it, shall perish from his people. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Incense…37You are never to use this formula to make incense for yourselves; you shall regard it as holy to the LORD. 38Anyone who makes something like it to enjoy its fragrance shall be cut off from his people.” Cross References Anyone who makes something like it Leviticus 10:1-2 Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. / So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD. Numbers 16:35 And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense. 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 But when Uzziah became powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. / Then Azariah the priest, along with eighty brave priests of the LORD, went in after him. / They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.” … to enjoy its fragrance Songs 1:3 The fragrance of your perfume is pleasing; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens adore you. Songs 4:10-11 How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! Your love is much better than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than all spices. / Your lips, my bride, drip sweetness like the honeycomb; honey and milk are under your tongue, and the fragrance of your garments is like the aroma of Lebanon. Philippians 4:18 I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. shall be cut off from his people.” Genesis 17:14 But if any male is not circumcised, he will be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.” Numbers 15:30-31 But the person who sins defiantly, whether a native or foreigner, blasphemes the LORD. That person shall be cut off from among his people. / He shall certainly be cut off, because he has despised the word of the LORD and broken His commandment; his guilt remains on him.” Leviticus 17:4 instead of bringing it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting to present it as an offering to the LORD before His tabernacle—that man shall incur bloodguilt. He has shed blood and must be cut off from among his people. Leviticus 19:31 You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, / casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. / For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD. And because of these detestable things, the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you. Isaiah 1:13 Bring your worthless offerings no more; your incense is detestable to Me. New Moons, Sabbaths, and convocations—I cannot endure iniquity in a solemn assembly. Isaiah 66:3 Whoever slaughters an ox is like one who slays a man; whoever sacrifices a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever presents a grain offering is like one who offers pig’s blood; whoever offers frankincense is like one who blesses an idol. Indeed, they have chosen their own ways and delighted in their abominations. Jeremiah 6:20 What use to Me is frankincense from Sheba or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please Me.” Jeremiah 7:9-10 Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, / and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations’? Ezekiel 8:10-11 So I went in and looked, and engraved all around the wall was every kind of crawling creature and detestable beast, along with all the idols of the house of Israel. / Before them stood seventy elders of the house of Israel, with Jaazaniah son of Shaphan standing among them. Each had a censer in his hand, and a fragrant cloud of incense was rising. Treasury of Scripture Whoever shall make like to that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people. be cut off Exodus 30:33 Whosoever compoundeth any like it, or whosoever putteth any of it upon a stranger, shall even be cut off from his people. Jump to Previous Cut Enjoy Fragrance Makes Maketh Peoples Perfume Refreshed Smell Sweet Thereof Thereto UseJump to Next Cut Enjoy Fragrance Makes Maketh Peoples Perfume Refreshed Smell Sweet Thereof Thereto UseExodus 30 1. The altar of incense11. The ransom of souls 17. The bronze basin 22. The holy anointing oil 34. The composition of the incense Anyone who makes something like it This phrase refers to the sacred incense described earlier in Exodus 30, which was to be used exclusively for worship in the Tabernacle. The specific formula for this incense was given by God to Moses, emphasizing its sanctity and unique purpose. The prohibition against making a similar incense for personal use underscores the holiness of items dedicated to God. This reflects the broader biblical principle of setting apart certain things for divine purposes, as seen in Leviticus 10:1-2 with the unauthorized fire offered by Nadab and Abihu. to enjoy its fragrance shall be cut off from his people. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who received the laws and instructions from God on Mount Sinai, including the instructions for the incense. 2. Israelites The chosen people of God, who were given specific laws and instructions to follow as part of their covenant relationship with Him. 3. Tabernacle The portable sanctuary where God dwelled among His people and where the incense was to be used. 4. Priests The descendants of Aaron, who were responsible for performing the rituals and offerings in the Tabernacle, including the burning of incense. 5. Incense A sacred mixture of spices used in the Tabernacle, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. Teaching Points Reverence for God's InstructionsThe specific instructions regarding the incense highlight the importance of reverence and obedience to God's commands. We must approach God with respect and follow His guidelines for worship. Holiness and Set-Apartness The incense was holy and set apart for God’s use. As believers, we are called to be holy and set apart, living lives that honor God and reflect His character. The Danger of Presumption The warning against making incense for personal enjoyment serves as a reminder of the danger of presumption in our relationship with God. We must not take His holiness lightly or treat sacred things as common. Symbolism of Prayer Incense symbolizes prayer, reminding us of the importance of maintaining a vibrant prayer life. Our prayers are a pleasing aroma to God, and we should offer them regularly and sincerely. Community and Accountability Being "cut off from his people" underscores the communal aspect of faith and the importance of accountability within the body of believers. We are responsible for upholding God's standards together. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 30:38?2. How does Exodus 30:38 emphasize the importance of reverence in worship practices? 3. What consequences are mentioned for misusing sacred incense in Exodus 30:38? 4. How can we apply the principle of holiness from Exodus 30:38 today? 5. What other scriptures highlight the importance of respecting God's sacred commands? 6. How does Exodus 30:38 inform our understanding of God's expectations for worship? 7. Why does Exodus 30:38 emphasize the seriousness of misusing sacred incense? 8. How does Exodus 30:38 reflect the holiness required in worship practices? 9. What historical context explains the prohibition in Exodus 30:38? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 30? 11. What does the Bible say about using incense? 12. What does 'cut off from his people' mean? 13. In Exodus 30:31-33, why would the penalty for misusing the anointing oil be so severe if it was simply a mix of available spices? 14. How do you cut Rahab into pieces? What Does Exodus 30:38 Mean Anyone who makes something like it• “Anyone” places every Israelite under the same obligation; no one is exempt (cf. Leviticus 10:1–2, where even priests are judged for unauthorized incense). • “Makes” reminds us that this is a deliberate act, replicating the exact recipe given in Exodus 30:34–35. The Lord had just said, “You are to regard this incense as most holy.” • “Something like it” underscores that even a close imitation violates God’s boundary. The same principle appears later when Uzzah touches the ark and is struck down (2 Samuel 6:6–7); near-misses still count as disobedience. to enjoy its fragrance • The incense was consecrated for worship alone, symbolizing the prayers of God’s people rising before Him (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3-4). • Using it merely for personal pleasure turns what is sacred into common perfume—robbing God of glory for self-gratification (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:15-16, where believers themselves become “the fragrance of Christ,” not a commodity). • This clause exposes motive: enjoying the scent outside the sanctuary divorces the gift from the Giver, echoing Esau trading his birthright for a meal (Hebrews 12:16). shall be cut off from his people • “Cut off” denotes the severest covenant penalty—removal from community and, in many contexts, death (Genesis 17:14; Exodus 12:15). God defends His holiness by separating the unholy. • The warning magnifies grace: Israel may approach God, but only on His terms. Hebrews 10:29 asks how much worse punishment awaits those who “trample the Son of God” by treating His blood as common. • This penalty protected corporate worship; unchecked profanation spreads (1 Corinthians 5:6, “a little leaven leavens the whole batch”). summary Exodus 30:38 stakes out a clear boundary: God’s sacred things are never for casual use. Replicating the holy incense for personal enjoyment treats divine worship as human entertainment and incurs the ultimate covenant sanction—being cut off. The verse calls every believer to honor what God sets apart, approach Him on His terms, and treasure holiness above personal taste. Hebrew Anyoneאִ֛ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person who אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that makes יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה (ya·‘ă·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make something like כָמ֖וֹהָ (ḵā·mō·w·hā) Preposition | third person feminine singular Strong's 3644: Like, as, when it to enjoy לְהָרִ֣יחַ (lə·hā·rî·aḥ) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 7306: Accept, smell, touch, make of quick understanding its fragrance בָּ֑הּ (bāh) Preposition | third person feminine singular Strong's Hebrew shall be cut off וְנִכְרַ֖ת (wə·niḵ·raṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3772: To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant from his people.” מֵעַמָּֽיו׃ (mê·‘am·māw) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock Links Exodus 30:38 NIVExodus 30:38 NLT Exodus 30:38 ESV Exodus 30:38 NASB Exodus 30:38 KJV Exodus 30:38 BibleApps.com Exodus 30:38 Biblia Paralela Exodus 30:38 Chinese Bible Exodus 30:38 French Bible Exodus 30:38 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 30:38 Whoever shall make any like that (Exo. 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