King James Version

What Does Exodus 37:26 Mean?

Exodus 37:26 in the King James Version says “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 m...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 37:26 · KJV

Context

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.

28

And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.

Read Exodus 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Overlaying the altar with pure gold (זָהָב טָהוֹר, zahav tahor)—its top, sides, and horns—demonstrates that every aspect of prayer must be purified through divine righteousness. The horns (קַרְנֹתָיו, karnotav) represent power and authority; golden horns teach that effective prayer draws power from God's character, not human eloquence. The crown of gold round about emphasizes that prayer is royal privilege, not beggarly petition—believers approach as children of the King, clothed in Christ's righteousness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The incense altar measured approximately 1.5' × 1.5' × 3' high (1 × 1 × 2 cubits), smaller in base but taller than the bronze altar. Its horns (projections at four corners) were places where blood was applied on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:18), connecting prayer with atonement.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does overlaying all parts of the altar with gold teach about prayer requiring complete purification through divine righteousness?
  2. How do golden horns (symbolizing power) illustrate that effective prayer draws authority from God's character, not human ability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיְצַ֨ף1 of 16

“And he overlaid”

H6823

to sheet over (especially with metal)

אֹת֜וֹ2 of 16
H853

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

זָהָ֖ב3 of 16

“gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

טָה֗וֹר4 of 16

“it with pure”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

אֶת5 of 16
H853

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

גַּגּ֧וֹ6 of 16

“both the top”

H1406

a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar

וְאֶת7 of 16
H853

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

קִֽירֹתָ֛יו8 of 16

“of it and the sides”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

סָבִֽיב׃9 of 16

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

וְאֶת10 of 16
H853

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

קַרְנֹתָ֑יו11 of 16

“and 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

וַיַּ֥עַשׂ12 of 16

“of it also he made”

H6213

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

ל֛וֹ13 of 16
H0
זֵ֥ר14 of 16

“unto it a crown”

H2213

a chaplet (as spread around the top), i.e., (specifically) a border moulding

זָהָ֖ב15 of 16

“gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

סָבִֽיב׃16 of 16

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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 37:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 37 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Exodus 37 with CommentaryAll Exodus ChaptersComplete Exodus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes