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Exodus 30:23 - Divine anointing oil ingredients revealed

Exodus 30:23 - שמות 30:23

Hebrew Text

וְאַתָּה קַח־לְךָ בְּשָׂמִים רֹאשׁ מָר־דְּרוֹר חֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת וְקִנְּמָן־בֶּשֶׂם מַחֲצִיתוֹ חֲמִשִּׁים וּמָאתָיִם וּקְנֵה־בֹשֶׂם חֲמִשִּׁים וּמָאתָיִם׃

English Translation

Take thou also to thee the best spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,

Transliteration

Ve'ata kach-lecha besamim rosh mar-deror chamesh me'ot vekineman-besem machatzito chamishim ume'atayim ukene-vosem chamishim ume'atayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאַתָּ֣ה קַח־לְךָ֮ בְּשָׂמִ֣ים רֹאשׁ֒ מׇר־דְּרוֹר֙ חֲמֵ֣שׁ מֵא֔וֹת וְקִנְּמׇן־בֶּ֥שֶׂם מַחֲצִית֖וֹ חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים וּמָאתָ֑יִם וּקְנֵה־בֹ֖שֶׂם חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים וּמָאתָֽיִם׃
וְאַתָּ֣ה קַח־לְךָ֮ בְּשָׂמִ֣ים רֹאשׁ֒ מׇר־דְּרוֹר֙ חֲמֵ֣שׁ מֵא֔וֹת וְקִנְּמׇן־בֶּ֥שֶׂם מַחֲצִית֖וֹ חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים וּמָאתָ֑יִם וּקְנֵה־בֹ֖שֶׂם חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים וּמָאתָֽיִם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 30:23) is part of the Torah's instructions regarding the preparation of the shemen hamishcha (anointing oil) used to consecrate the Mishkan (Tabernacle), its vessels, and the Kohanim (priests). The ingredients listed here are the finest spices, each measured precisely, reflecting the sanctity and importance of this sacred oil.

Explanation of the Spices

  • מָר־דְּרוֹר (Pure Myrrh - 500 shekels): Rashi explains that mor dror refers to myrrh that flows freely (dror meaning "free") from the tree, indicating its highest quality. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 30:4) notes that myrrh symbolizes humility, as it comes from a lowly tree, teaching that holiness requires humility.
  • קִנְּמָן־בֶּשֶׂם (Sweet Cinnamon - 250 shekels): Rambam (Hilchot Kelei HaMikdash 1:3) identifies this as a fragrant bark. The Talmud (Keritot 6a) discusses its aromatic properties. The half measure (compared to myrrh) may hint at balance in divine service—zeal tempered with moderation.
  • קְנֵה־בֹשֶׂם (Sweet Calamus - 250 shekels): Rashi describes this as a reed-like spice. The Sforno suggests its inclusion represents uprightness (kaneh meaning "stalk"), symbolizing moral integrity in serving Hashem.

Symbolism of the Measurements

The precise weights (500, 250, 250 shekels) are expounded in the Zohar (Terumah 2:218) as alluding to spiritual concepts: 500 corresponds to the hidden realms of holiness, while the two 250 portions reflect the balanced forces of chesed (kindness) and gevurah (judgment) harmonized in divine worship. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the total (1000 shekels) represents completeness in sanctity.

Practical Halachic Insights

The Rambam (Hilchot Kelei HaMikdash 1:4) rules that these measurements were absolute requirements for the anointing oil’s validity. The Talmud (Horayot 11b) states that this oil was never to be replicated for mundane use, underscoring its unique sanctity. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 107) derives from this verse the eternal principle that sacred objects must be prepared with the finest materials, reflecting honor for divine service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the spices mentioned in Exodus 30:23?
A: The spices listed in Exodus 30:23—pure myrrh, sweet cinnamon, and sweet calamus—were key ingredients for the sacred anointing oil (Shemen HaMishcha) used to consecrate the Mishkan (Tabernacle), its vessels, and the Kohanim (priests). Rashi explains that these specific spices were chosen for their purity and fragrance, symbolizing the sanctity and spiritual elevation required for divine service.
Q: Why are the quantities of the spices specified in this verse?
A: The Torah specifies exact quantities (500 shekels of myrrh, 250 of cinnamon, and 250 of calamus) to teach precision in fulfilling mitzvot. Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 1:3) emphasizes that the measurements were divinely ordained, ensuring the oil's unique sanctity. The imbalance in quantities (myrrh being double) hints at the importance of each spice's role, with myrrh representing steadfastness in service (Midrash Tanchuma, Tetzaveh 5).
Q: How does this verse apply to us today without the Temple?
A: While we no longer prepare the anointing oil, the verse teaches enduring lessons: (1) The care in selecting ingredients reminds us to pursue excellence in mitzvot (Malbim). (2) The blend of spices symbolizes unity—just as diverse fragrances combined for holiness, Jews must unite in divine service (Talmud, Keritot 6b). (3) Today, we 'anoint' spiritually through Torah study and prayer, elevating our actions like the sacred oil (Likutei Torah, Tzav).
Q: What does 'pure myrrh' (מר־דרור) mean in this context?
A: The term 'מר־דרור' (mar-dror) is interpreted by Rashi as 'myrrh that flows freely'—the highest quality, extracted naturally without artificial pressing. The word 'דרור' also means 'freedom,' alluding to how Torah liberates the soul (Sifsei Chachamim). The Talmud (Keritot 5a) notes it was so valuable that its weight in gold was equal to its weight in myrrh.
Q: Why is this anointing oil forbidden for personal use (as stated later in Exodus 30:32-33)?
A: The Torah prohibits using the sacred oil for mundane purposes to preserve its holiness (Rambam, Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 1:10). The Talmud (Horayot 11b) compares this to the unique status of korbanot (offerings)—just as sacrifices are dedicated to Hashem, so too the oil symbolizes total devotion to divine service. Any misuse would diminish its sanctity, akin to exploiting sacred objects for personal benefit.