King James Version

What Does Exodus 24:4 Mean?

Exodus 24:4 in the King James Version says “And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and tw... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Exodus 24:4 · KJV


Context

2

And Moses alone shall come near the LORD: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.

3

And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.

4

And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

5

And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD.

6

And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Moses 'wrote all the words' (וַיִּכְתֹּב, vayikhtov)—creating the first Scripture. Written revelation prevents oral corruption. He builds an altar (for sacrifice) and twelve pillars/standing stones (מַצֵּבָה, matzevah) representing twelve tribes. The altar is one (God's unity), pillars are twelve (tribal diversity)—unity and diversity coexist in covenant community. The altar 'under the hill' positions Israel below Sinai, under God's authority. The twelve pillars witness covenant ratification—stone witnesses that outlast human memory (Joshua 24:27). The gospel creates one body (altar) from many members (pillars)—church unity in diversity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Standing stones (pillars/matzevot) served as witnesses and memorials throughout Israel's history (Genesis 28:18, 31:45, Joshua 4:20). Twelve pillars representing twelve tribes symbolized national covenant participation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Moses write God's words rather than relying on oral tradition—what does written revelation accomplish?
  2. How do the one altar and twelve pillars illustrate the relationship between unity and diversity in God's people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיִּכְתֹּ֣ב1 of 19

wrote

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

מֹשֶׁ֗ה2 of 19

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֵ֚ת3 of 19
H853

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

כָּל4 of 19
H3605

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

דִּבְרֵ֣י5 of 19

all the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֔ה6 of 19

of the LORD

H3068

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

וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֣ם7 of 19

and rose up early

H7925

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

בַּבֹּ֔קֶר8 of 19

in the morning

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וַיִּ֥בֶן9 of 19

and builded

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

מִזְבֵּ֖חַ10 of 19

an altar

H4196

an altar

תַּ֣חַת11 of 19
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הָהָ֑ר12 of 19

under the hill

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

לִשְׁנֵ֥ים13 of 19

according to the twelve

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֶשְׂרֵה֙14 of 19
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

מַצֵּבָ֔ה15 of 19

and twelve pillars

H4676

something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol

לִשְׁנֵ֥ים16 of 19

according to the twelve

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עָשָׂ֖ר17 of 19
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

שִׁבְטֵ֥י18 of 19

tribes

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃19 of 19

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


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 24:4 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 24:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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