12 Bible Verses About Burning Incense

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about burning incense

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about burning incense:

1. Exodus 30:7 – “And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.”
2. Exodus 30:8 – “And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations.”
3. Leviticus 16:12-13 – “And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the Lord, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail: And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not.”
4. Numbers 16:46-47 – “And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the Lord; the plague is begun. And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.”
5. 2 Chronicles 26:16-18 – “But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense. And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the Lord, that were valiant men: And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the Lord, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the Lord God.”
6. Revelation 8:3-4 – “And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.”

7. Psalm 141:2 – “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”

8. Malachi 1:11 – “For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts.”

9. Luke 1:9-10 – “According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.”

10. Luke 1:11-13 – “And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.”

11. Hebrews 9:4 – “Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant.”

12. Revelation 5:8 – “And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.”

What does the bible say about burning incense?

The Bible mentions burning incense as a form of worship and offering to God.

It symbolizes prayers rising up to heaven and pleasing God.

It is also used in purification rituals and to create a pleasant aroma during religious ceremonies.

However, the Bible also warns against using incense in a disrespectful or insincere manner, emphasizing the importance of genuine worship and devotion.

Overall, burning incense is seen as a way to connect with God and show reverence in worship.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about burning incense?

1. Exodus 30:1-10 – This chapter describes the instructions given to Moses for building the altar of incense in the tabernacle. It details the specific ingredients and methods for burning incense as a form of worship to God.

2. Leviticus 16 – This chapter outlines the rituals and practices of the Day of Atonement, including the burning of incense by the high priest in the Holy of Holies. The burning of incense was a key element in the purification and atonement process.

3. Revelation 8 – In this chapter, the seventh seal is opened and seven angels are given seven trumpets. One of the angels offers incense with the prayers of the saints on the golden altar before the throne of God. This imagery symbolizes the prayers of believers rising up to God like the smoke of incense.

Studying these chapters can provide a deeper understanding of the significance and symbolism of burning incense in the Bible as a form of worship and communication with God. It highlights the importance of offering incense as a fragrant offering to honor and seek the presence of God.

Ideas and concepts related to burning incense that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Worship: In the Bible, burning incense is often associated with worship and offering prayers to God. The act of burning incense symbolizes the offering of one’s heart and soul to God in reverence and adoration.

2. Aroma: The pleasant aroma of burning incense is mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of the prayers and praises of the faithful rising up to God. Just as the sweet fragrance of incense fills a room, our prayers are said to ascend to heaven and be pleasing to God.

3. Cleansing: Burning incense is also seen as a way to purify and cleanse a space, both physically and spiritually. In the Bible, incense is used in rituals to cleanse and sanctify the temple and its worshippers, symbolizing the removal of sin and impurity.

4. Intercession: Burning incense is often associated with intercessory prayer, where individuals pray on behalf of others. In the Bible, the act of burning incense is seen as a way to intercede for others and seek God’s mercy and favor on their behalf.

Overall, the act of burning incense in the Bible is deeply symbolic of worship, prayer, purification, and intercession. It serves as a powerful reminder of the believer’s connection to God and the importance of offering one’s heart and prayers to Him.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.