King James Version

What Does Exodus 27:1 Mean?

Exodus 27:1 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: an...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.”

Exodus 27:1 · KJV

Context

1

And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.

2

And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.

3

And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make of brass.

Read Exodus 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bronze altar (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach) of acacia wood overlaid with bronze stands at the tabernacle entrance—the first object worshipers encounter. Bronze consistently represents judgment; this altar where animals are consumed by fire prefigures Christ bearing God's judgment in our place. Measuring 5 × 5 × 3 cubits (approximately 7.5' square, 4.5' high), its size indicates the magnitude of sin requiring atonement. Christ's cross is our bronze altar where divine wrath was satisfied.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This altar stood in the outer court between the tabernacle entrance and the courtyard gate, visible to all Israel. Daily burnt offerings (morning and evening) were consumed here, maintaining covenant relationship between God and His people through substitutionary sacrifice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the bronze altar's prominent placement emphasize that atonement must precede worship?
  2. In what ways did Christ's cross serve as the ultimate 'bronze altar' bearing God's judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ1 of 17

“And thou shalt make”

H6213

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

אֶת2 of 17
H853

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ3 of 17

“an altar”

H4196

an altar

עֲצֵ֣י4 of 17

“wood”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

שִׁטִּ֑ים5 of 17

“of shittim”

H7848

the acacia (from its scourging thorns)

וְחָמֵ֧שׁ6 of 17

“and five”

H2568

five

אַמּ֖וֹת7 of 17

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

אֹ֜רֶךְ8 of 17

“long”

H753

length

וְחָמֵ֧שׁ9 of 17

“and five”

H2568

five

אַמּ֖וֹת10 of 17

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

רֹ֗חַב11 of 17

“broad”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

רָב֤וּעַ12 of 17

“shall be foursquare”

H7251

to be quadrate

יִֽהְיֶה֙13 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ14 of 17

“an altar”

H4196

an altar

וְשָׁלֹ֥שׁ15 of 17

“thereof shall be three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

אַמּ֖וֹת16 of 17

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

קֹֽמָתֽוֹ׃17 of 17

“and the height”

H6967

height

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 27:1 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 27:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 38:1-7Ezekiel 43:13-17Exodus 20:24-26Exodus 24:42 Chronicles 4:1Exodus 40:29

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Exodus 27 with CommentaryAll Exodus ChaptersComplete Exodus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes