The Tending of the Lamp

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

Other Translations of Exodus 27:20

King James Version

The Tending of the Lamp

20 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 to burn: Heb. to ascend up always.

English Standard Version

The Tending of the Lamp

20 "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.

The Message

The Tending of the Lamp

20 "Now, order the Israelites to bring you pure, clear olive oil for light so that the lamps can be kept burning.

New King James Version

The Tending of the Lamp

20 "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.

New Living Translation

The Tending of the Lamp

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

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 27:20

Commentary on Exodus 27:20-21

(Read Exodus 27:20-21)

The pure oil signified the gifts and graces of the Spirit, which all believers receive from Christ, the good Olive, and without which our light cannot shine before men. The priests were to light the lamps, and tend them. It is the work of ministers, by preaching and expounding the Scriptures, which are as a lamp, to enlighten the church, God's tabernacle upon earth. Blessed be God, this light is not now confined to the Jewish tabernacle, but is a light to lighten the gentiles, and for salvation unto the ends of the earth.