King James Version

What Does Exodus 38:1 Mean?

Exodus 38:1 in the King James Version says “And he made the altar of burnt offering of shittim wood: five cubits was the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he made the altar of burnt offering of shittim wood: five cubits was the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; it was foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof.”

Exodus 38:1 · KJV

Context

1

And he made the altar of burnt offering of shittim wood: five cubits was the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; it was foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof.

2

And he made the horns thereof on the four corners of it; the horns thereof were of the same: and he overlaid it with brass.

3

And he made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, and the shovels, and the basons, and the fleshhooks, and the firepans: all the vessels thereof made he of brass.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bronze altar (מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה, mizbach ha-olah, 'altar of the burnt offering') of shittim wood overlaid with bronze represents judgment—bronze symbolizes divine judgment throughout Scripture (Numbers 21:9, Revelation 1:15). At five cubits square and three cubits high (approximately 7.5' × 7.5' × 4.5'), this altar dwarfs interior furnishings, teaching that dealing with sin must be massive and public. The foursquare design (רָבוּעַ, ravu'a) symbolizes universality—Christ's sacrifice sufficient for all humanity, all directions, all peoples. This altar is where blood met fire, prefiguring Christ who endured both bleeding and burning of divine wrath.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The bronze altar stood in the tabernacle courtyard, immediately inside the entrance—the first object worshipers encountered. Its size and bronze construction allowed withstanding continuous fire for burnt offerings. Unlike the golden interior furnishings, this altar's bronze reflected its function: bearing judgment for sin.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the bronze altar's size (larger than interior furnishings) teach about the magnitude of dealing with sin?
  2. How does the foursquare design illustrate the universal sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice for all peoples?

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

“the altar”

H4196

an altar

הָֽעֹלָ֖ה4 of 16

“of burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

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)

וְחָֽמֵשׁ7 of 16

“five”

H2568

five

אַמּ֖וֹת8 of 16

“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)

אָרְכּ֜וֹ9 of 16

“was the length”

H753

length

וְחָֽמֵשׁ10 of 16

“five”

H2568

five

אַמּ֖וֹת11 of 16

“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)

רָחְבּוֹ֙12 of 16

“the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

רָב֔וּעַ13 of 16

“thereof it was foursquare”

H7251

to be quadrate

וְשָׁלֹ֥שׁ14 of 16

“and three”

H7969

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

אַמּ֖וֹת15 of 16

“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׃16 of 16

“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 38:1 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 38:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 27:1-8Ezekiel 43:13-172 Chronicles 4:1Exodus 40:29Hebrews 13:10Revelation 21:16

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 38 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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