King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 27:6 Mean?

Deuteronomy 27:6 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt build the altar of the LORD thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer burnt offerings thereon unto the LO...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Deuteronomy 27:6 · King James Version

Context

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.

8

And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly.

Read Deuteronomy 27 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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. Whole stones reinforces the unhewn requirement - the stones must be complete and unaltered. Fragmented or modified stones are inappropriate for God's altar, teaching that human brokenness and manipulation cannot serve as foundation for worship.

The designation altar of the LORD thy God emphasizes ownership - this is God's altar built according to His specifications. Though Israel constructs it, the altar belongs to God and must conform to His design, not human preferences.

The purpose offer burnt offerings thereon indicates this altar serves sacrificial worship. Burnt offerings represented complete consecration - the entire animal consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God. The unhewn altar hosts offerings of complete surrender.

Reformed theology sees the burnt offering as type of Christ's complete self-offering. He gave Himself wholly to God in perfect obedience, providing the complete consecration we cannot achieve.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Burnt offerings ('olah - that which ascends) were entirely consumed on the altar with nothing reserved for human consumption. This represented complete dedication and atonement for sin.

The Mount Ebal altar would be the first altar in the Promised Land, making it foundational for Israel's worship in their new home.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the requirement for 'whole' unhewn stones teach about foundations for worship?
  2. How does the altar belonging to God shape how it must be constructed?
  3. What does the burnt offering symbolize about complete consecration to God?
  4. How does Christ as burnt offering fulfill the type of complete self-giving?
  5. Why must worship foundations be unaltered by human manipulation?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אֲבָנִ֤ים1 of 12

“stones”

H68

a stone

שְׁלֵמוֹת֙2 of 12

“of whole”

H8003

complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly

תִּבְנֶ֔ה3 of 12

“Thou shalt build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת4 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִזְבַּ֖ח5 of 12

“the altar”

H4196

an altar

לַֽיהוָ֖ה6 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃7 of 12

“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

וְהַֽעֲלִ֤יתָ8 of 12

“and thou shalt offer”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עָלָיו֙9 of 12
H5921

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

עוֹלֹ֔ת10 of 12

“burnt offerings”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

לַֽיהוָ֖ה11 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃12 of 12

“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

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 27:6 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 27:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 1:1-17Ephesians 5:2

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