Exodus 20:25
What does Exodus 20:25 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 20:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 20:25 means
God provides a specific regulation for altars made of stone: they must not be built with cut or hewn stones. The use of tools, which shapes and adorns the stone, is defined as polluting the altar. This command encourages simplicity and natural construction, preventing human artistry from detracting from the divine act of worship. It ensures that the altar remains a symbol of humble offering to God, unadorned by human effort, maintaining the focus on God's holiness rather than human skill.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And if thou make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stones; for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And if thou make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stones; for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And if you make me an altar of stone do not make it of cut stones: for the touch of an instrument will make it unclean.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And if an altar of stones thou dost make to Me, thou dost not build them of hewn work; when thy tool thou hast waved over it, then thou dost pollute it;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And if thou make an altar of stone unto me, thou shalt not build it of hewn stones; for if thou lift up a tool upon it, it shall be defiled.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And if thou make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone; for if thou lift up thy sharp tool upon it, thou hast profaned it.
Context
This verse elaborates on the instructions for building an altar, specifically addressing the use of stone. It refines the previous command for simple altars by adding a prohibition against human artifice. This detail emphasizes that God desires purity and simplicity in worship, discouraging anything that might glorify human effort over divine command. It sets the tone for a sacrificial system that prioritizes divine instruction above human aesthetic preference, before addressing another practical aspect of altar construction.
v.24An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt-offerings, and thy peace-offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in every place where I record my name I will come unto thee and I will bless thee.
v.25This passage
v.26Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not uncovered thereon.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Deuteronomy 27:5
And there shalt thou build an altar unto Jehovah thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt lift up no iron tool upon them.
- Joshua 8:31
as Moses the servant of Jehovah commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of unhewn stones, upon which no man had lifted up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt-offerings unto Jehovah, and sacrificed peace-offerings.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Exodus 20
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Exodus 20.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
Topic
Bible Verses About Covetousness
Covetousness is an excessive desire for possessions or power, often leading to other sins and hindering one's relationship with God.
Topic
Bible Verses About Greed
The Bible consistently warns against greed, depicting it as a destructive force that hinders one’s relationship with God and others.
What the Bible says about…