King James Version

What Does Exodus 37:25 Mean?

Exodus 37:25 in the King James Version says “And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was fours...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same.”

Exodus 37:25 · KJV

Context

23

And he made his seven lamps, and his snuffers, and his snuffdishes, of pure gold.

24

Of a talent of pure gold made he it, and all the vessels thereof.

25

And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same.

26

And he overlaid it with pure gold, both the top of it, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns of it: also he made unto it a crown of gold round about.

27

And he made two rings of gold for it under the crown thereof, by the two corners of it, upon the two sides thereof, to be places for the staves to bear it withal.

Read Exodus 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The incense altar (מִזְבַּח קְטֹרֶת, mizbach ketoret) of shittim wood—continuing the pattern of acacia overlaid with gold—demonstrates that prayer and worship (symbolized by incense, Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8) also require humanity clothed in divinity. This altar's position before the veil, between Holy Place and Most Holy Place, represents prayer's access to God's presence through the mediator. Christ is our incense altar—His intercession carries believers' prayers to the Father like fragrant smoke ascending.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The golden incense altar stood in the Holy Place directly before the veil separating it from the Most Holy Place. Its position emphasized prayer's proximity to God's presence. The high priest burned incense on it twice daily (morning and evening, Exodus 30:7-8), filling the Holy Place with fragrant smoke.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the incense altar's position (before the veil, between Holy Place and God's presence) illustrate prayer's access through mediation?
  2. In what ways does Christ as our incense altar transform believers' prayers into acceptable worship before God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיַּ֛עַשׂ1 of 16

“And he made”

H6213

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

אֶת2 of 16
H853

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

מִזְבַּ֥ח3 of 16

“altar”

H4196

an altar

הַקְּטֹ֖רֶת4 of 16

“the incense”

H7004

a fumigation

עֲצֵ֣י5 of 16

“wood”

H6086

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

שִׁטִּ֑ים6 of 16

“of shittim”

H7848

the acacia (from its scourging thorns)

וְאַמָּתַ֙יִם֙7 of 16

“and two 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)

אָרְכּוֹ֩8 of 16

“the length”

H753

length

וְאַמָּתַ֙יִם֙9 of 16

“and two 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)

רָחְבּ֜וֹ10 of 16

“and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

רָב֗וּעַ11 of 16

“it was foursquare”

H7251

to be quadrate

וְאַמָּתַ֙יִם֙12 of 16

“and two 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)

קֹֽמָת֔וֹ13 of 16

“was the height”

H6967

height

מִמֶּ֖נּוּ14 of 16
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָי֥וּ15 of 16
H1961

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

קַרְנֹתָֽיו׃16 of 16

“of it the horns”

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

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 37:25 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 37:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 30:1-5Hebrews 7:25Revelation 8:3-41 Peter 2:5Luke 1:9-10Exodus 40:5

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