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Exodus 30:37 - Sacred incense: personal use forbidden.

Exodus 30:37 - שמות 30:37

Hebrew Text

וְהַקְּטֹרֶת אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשֶׂה בְּמַתְכֻּנְתָּהּ לֹא תַעֲשׂוּ לָכֶם קֹדֶשׁ תִּהְיֶה לְךָ לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, you shall not make it for yourselves according to its prescribed composition: it shall be holy for the Lord.

Transliteration

Vehaketoret asher ta'aseh bematkhuntah lo ta'asu lakhem kodesh tihyeh lekha la'Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַקְּטֹ֙רֶת֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה בְּמַ֨תְכֻּנְתָּ֔הּ לֹ֥א תַעֲשׂ֖וּ לָכֶ֑ם קֹ֛דֶשׁ תִּהְיֶ֥ה לְךָ֖ לַיהֹוָֽה׃
וְהַקְּטֹ֙רֶת֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה בְּמַ֨תְכֻּנְתָּ֔הּ לֹ֥א תַעֲשׂ֖וּ לָכֶ֑ם קֹ֛דֶשׁ תִּהְיֶ֥ה לְךָ֖ לַיהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Sanctity of the Ketoret (Incense)

The verse (Shemot 30:37) prohibits the creation of the sacred ketoret (incense) for personal use, emphasizing its exclusive sanctity for Divine service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Rashi explains that this prohibition extends to both replicating the exact formula of the ketoret and using it for personal enjoyment, as its purpose is solely for avodat Hashem (service to G-d).

Prohibition Against Personal Use

Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 2:5) elaborates that one who prepares the ketoret with its precise eleven ingredients for personal use violates a Torah prohibition. The Talmud (Keritot 6b) further states that even if one omits one of the ingredients, it is still forbidden to replicate it for non-sacred purposes, as it resembles the sacred formula.

Spiritual Significance of the Ketoret

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 43:7) teaches that the ketoret symbolizes unity among Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people), as its ingredients must be finely ground and blended together. Just as the incense ascends upward, so too do the prayers of Israel rise before Hashem when offered with sincerity and unity. The Zohar (Vayikra 16a) adds that the ketoret has the power to atone and bring divine favor, particularly when offered with proper intent.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • The ketoret may only be prepared by Kohanim (priests) for Temple service (Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 1:3).
  • Even studying the formula of the ketoret is considered a meritorious act, as the Talmud (Menachot 110a) states that one who recites the passage of the ketoret daily is protected from harm.
  • In the absence of the Beit HaMikdash, some have the custom to study the laws of the ketoret as a remembrance of the Temple service (Mishnah Berurah, Orach Chaim 48:1).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Keritot 6b
The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibition against making the sacred incense for personal use, emphasizing its sanctity and exclusive dedication to God.
📖 Yoma 38a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the preparation and use of the incense in the Temple, highlighting its unique status and the severe consequences of improper use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 30:37 mean when it says not to make the incense for ourselves?
A: This verse teaches that the special incense (ketoret) used in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was sacred and could only be used for serving Hashem. Rashi explains that it was forbidden to make this exact formula for personal use because it was designated exclusively for Divine service.
Q: Why was the ketoret (incense) so special in Judaism?
A: The ketoret had a unique spiritual significance. The Talmud (Keritot 6b) describes how its ingredients and preparation were precisely commanded by Hashem. It was used daily in the Temple service to atone for sins and create a connection between the Jewish people and Hashem. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 43:7) also teaches that the ketoret had the power to ward off plagues.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Exodus 30:37 today?
A: This verse teaches us about respecting sacred things. Just as the ketoret formula couldn't be used for personal benefit, we learn that certain holy matters (like Torah study, prayer, or mitzvot) should be approached with proper reverence and not treated casually or for selfish purposes. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 2:5) derives from this that we must treat all holy items with special care.
Q: Were there consequences for making this incense improperly?
A: Yes, the Torah takes this prohibition very seriously. The Talmud (Keritut 6a) states that someone who makes this exact incense formula for personal use is liable for karet (spiritual excision). This severe punishment shows how seriously we must respect the boundaries between holy and mundane matters.
Q: How many ingredients were in the ketoret mentioned in this verse?
A: The ketoret had 11 ingredients, as detailed in Exodus 30:34-36. Rashi explains that one ingredient (the חלבנה/galbanum) had a bad smell, teaching us that we must include all types of Jews in our community. The exact proportions and preparation method were divinely specified to create this sacred blend.