King James Version

What Does Exodus 20:24 Mean?

Exodus 20:24 in the King James Version says “An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

Exodus 20:24 · KJV


Context

22

And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.

23

Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.

24

An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

25

And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it. build: Heb. build them with hewing

26

Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

God prescribes simple worship—earth altars, not elaborate structures. 'Altar of earth' (מִזְבַּח אֲדָמָה, mizbeach adamah) emphasizes humility and accessibility—earth is abundant, free, unstained by human art. The contrast with gold idols (v. 23) is deliberate. Burnt offerings (עֹלֹת, olot) ascend wholly to God; peace offerings (שְׁלָמִים, shelamim) are shared meals expressing fellowship. 'In all places where I record my name' (בְּכָל הַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר אַזְכִּיר אֶת־שְׁמִי, bekhol hamaqom asher azkhir et-shemi)—God designates where He'll meet them. The promise 'I will come and bless' shows worship's purpose: encounter with God resulting in blessing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Before the tabernacle centralized worship, patriarchs built altars at divine encounter sites (Bethel, Moriah). God initially permitted multiple worship sites before centralizing at Jerusalem. Earth altars predate Solomon's ornate temple.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's preference for simple earth altars over elaborate gold structures teach about worship?
  2. How does God 'coming to bless' where He records His name shape your expectations in corporate worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
מִזְבַּ֣ח1 of 23

An altar

H4196

an altar

אֲדָמָה֮2 of 23

of earth

H127

soil (from its general redness)

תַּֽעֲשֶׂה3 of 23

thou shalt make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לִּי֒4 of 23
H0
וְזָֽבַחְתָּ֣5 of 23

unto me and shalt sacrifice

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

עָלָ֗יו6 of 23
H5921

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

אֶת7 of 23
H853

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

עֹֽלֹתֶ֙יךָ֙8 of 23

thereon thy burnt offerings

H5930

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

וְאֶת9 of 23
H853

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

שְׁלָמֶ֔יךָ10 of 23

and thy peace offerings

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

אֶת11 of 23
H853

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

צֹֽאנְךָ֖12 of 23

thy sheep

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

וְאֶת13 of 23
H853

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

בְּקָרֶ֑ךָ14 of 23

and thine oxen

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

בְּכָל15 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַמָּקוֹם֙16 of 23

in all places

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר17 of 23
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אַזְכִּ֣יר18 of 23

where I record

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֶת19 of 23
H853

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

שְׁמִ֔י20 of 23

my name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אָב֥וֹא21 of 23

I will come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלֶ֖יךָ22 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וּבֵֽרַכְתִּֽיךָ׃23 of 23

unto thee and I will bless

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Exodus 20:24 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 Exodus 20:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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