King James Version

What Does Exodus 20:25 Mean?

Exodus 20:25 in the King James Version says “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,...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Exodus 20:25 · KJV

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

Even stone altars must be unhewn (לֹא־תִבְנֶה אֶתְהֶן גָּזִית, lo-tivneh ethen gazit)—natural stones, untouched by human tools. Why? 'Lift up thy tool...polluted it' (הֵנַפְתָּ חַרְבְּךָ עָלֶיהָ וַתְּחַלְלֶהָ, henafta charbeka aleha vatechaleha)—human shaping defiles. The word for 'tool' is literally 'sword' (charbekha)—instruments of violence shouldn't touch God's altar. The altar receives blood for sin; adding human craftsmanship suggests we contribute to atonement. We don't. Salvation is God's work alone. Hewn stones represent human achievement; unhewn stones represent divine provision. The gospel is 'not by works of righteousness which we have done' (Titus 3:5). God provides the altar and the sacrifice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Joshua later builds an altar of unhewn stones as commanded (Joshua 8:30-31). Solomon's temple used cut stones but the altar foundation was unhewn. The principle emphasizes God's sufficiency—human contribution doesn't improve divine provision.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does human craftsmanship 'pollute' the altar—what does this teach about works-based religion?
  2. How does the command for unhewn stones illustrate salvation by grace alone, apart from human works?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְאִם1 of 14
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

מִזְבַּ֤ח2 of 14

“me an altar”

H4196

an altar

אֲבָנִים֙3 of 14

“of stone”

H68

a stone

תַּֽעֲשֶׂה4 of 14

“And if thou wilt make”

H6213

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

לִּ֔י5 of 14
H0
לֹֽא6 of 14
H3808

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

תִבְנֶ֥ה7 of 14

“thou shalt not build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶתְהֶ֖ן8 of 14
H853

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

גָּזִ֑ית9 of 14

“it of hewn stone”

H1496

something cut, i.e., dressed stone

כִּ֧י10 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חַרְבְּךָ֛11 of 14

“thy tool”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

הֵנַ֥פְתָּ12 of 14

“for if thou 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

עָלֶ֖יהָ13 of 14
H5921

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

וַתְּחַֽלְלֶֽהָ׃14 of 14

“upon it thou hast polluted”

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

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 20:25 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 20:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 27:5-6Joshua 8:31

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