King James Version
Exodus 20:26 in the King James Version says “Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.”
Exodus 20:26 · KJV
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.
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
Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
KJV Study — Public Domain
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“Neither shalt thou go up”
H5927to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
“by steps”
H4609elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“be not discovered”
H1540to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
“that thy nakedness”
H6172nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
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.
Exodus 20:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Exodus 20:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge