King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 27:5 Mean?

Deuteronomy 27:5 in the King James Version says “And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them.”

Deuteronomy 27:5 · KJV

Context

3

And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee.

4

Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaister them with plaister.

5

And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them.

6

Thou shalt build the altar of the LORD thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD thy God:

7

And thou shalt offer peace offerings, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the LORD thy God.

Read Deuteronomy 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them. The altar of unhewn stones demonstrates that human craftsmanship must not alter what God uses for worship. Uncut stones represent unmodified divine creation, while iron tools represent human manipulation and improvement.

The prohibition against iron tools on altar stones teaches that worship approaches God on His terms, not through human achievement or artistic enhancement. We come not through our works or refinements but through simple faith in God's provision.

This principle anticipates the gospel - salvation comes not through human work or self-improvement but through God's provision alone. Christ is the living stone, rejected by men but chosen by God (1 Peter 2:4), and believers are living stones built into spiritual house.

The simplicity of unhewn stones contrasts with ornate pagan altars. True worship requires no impressive human contributions but humble acceptance of God's ordained means.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Exodus 20:25 similarly commands altars of unhewn stone. This contrasted with Canaanite altars often elaborately carved and decorated, reflecting pagan theology that deity could be manipulated through impressive offerings and artwork.

The prohibition prevented Israel from adopting pagan worship aesthetics that emphasized human contribution over divine initiative.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the prohibition against hewn stones teach about approaching God on His terms?
  2. How do unhewn stones symbolize coming to God without human achievement or works?
  3. Why must worship avoid impressive human contributions that draw attention from God?
  4. How does this principle anticipate the gospel of salvation by grace through faith alone?
  5. What dangers exist when worship emphasizes human artistic achievement over simple obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וּבָנִ֤יתָ1 of 11

“And there shalt thou build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

שָּׁם֙2 of 11
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מִזְבַּ֣ח3 of 11

“an altar”

H4196

an altar

לַֽיהוָ֖ה4 of 11

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ5 of 11

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

מִזְבַּ֣ח6 of 11

“an altar”

H4196

an altar

אֲבָנִ֔ים7 of 11

“of stones”

H68

a stone

לֹֽא8 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָנִ֥יף9 of 11

“thou shalt not lift up”

H5130

to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad

עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם10 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בַּרְזֶֽל׃11 of 11

“any iron”

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 27:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 27:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 20:25Exodus 24:4Joshua 8:30-311 Kings 18:31-32

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 27 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes