King James Version

What Does Exodus 27:6 Mean?

Exodus 27:6 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with brass.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with brass.”

Exodus 27:6 · KJV

Context

4

And thou shalt make for it a grate of network of brass; and upon the net shalt thou make four brasen rings in the four corners thereof.

5

And thou shalt put it under the compass of the altar beneath, that the net may be even to the midst of the altar.

6

And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with brass.

7

And the staves shall be put into the rings, and the staves shall be upon the two sides of the altar, to bear it.

8

Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the mount, so shall they make it. it was: Heb. he shewed

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Staves for the altar—acacia wood overlaid with bronze. Again the pattern: wood (humanity) covered with bronze (judgment). The altar must be transportable, following God's people through wilderness wanderings. Sin's consequences travel with fallen humanity; we carry guilt wherever we go. But the altar (atonement provision) also travels with us—God's grace matches our need. The staves prefigure how Christ's atonement has historical particularity yet universal availability.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Kohathite Levites carried the bronze altar using these staves during Israel's wilderness journeys (Numbers 4:13-14). Though massive and heavy, the altar's mobility ensured sacrificial worship could continue wherever Israel camped—God's provision followed His people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the altar's 'mobility' show that God's grace follows you wherever you wander?
  2. What does bronze-covered (judgment-bearing) staves teach about approaching atonement?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ1 of 9

“And thou shalt make”

H6213

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

בַּדֵּ֖י2 of 9

“staves”

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

לַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ3 of 9

“for the altar”

H4196

an altar

בַּדֵּ֖י4 of 9

“staves”

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

עֲצֵ֣י5 of 9

“wood”

H6086

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

שִׁטִּ֑ים6 of 9

“of shittim”

H7848

the acacia (from its scourging thorns)

וְצִפִּיתָ֥7 of 9

“and overlay”

H6823

to sheet over (especially with metal)

אֹתָ֖ם8 of 9
H853

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

נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃9 of 9

“them with brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

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 27:6 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 27:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 30:4Exodus 35:13-15Numbers 4:44

Test Your Knowledge

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

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