Exodus 20:26
What does Exodus 20:26 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 20:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 20:26 means
This commandment prohibits the use of steps when ascending to God's altar, to prevent the priests' nakedness from being exposed. In ancient cultures, priests often wore simple garments, and steps would have revealed their legs or undergarments, considered immodest and disrespectful in God's presence. This detail underscores God's concern for modesty, purity, and reverence even in the practical aspects of worship, ensuring that all who serve Him do so with dignity and appropriate decorum, honoring His holiness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not uncovered thereon.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not uncovered thereon.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And do not go up by steps to my altar, for fear that your bodies may be seen uncovered.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862neither dost thou go up by steps on Mine altar, that thy nakedness be not revealed upon it.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou shalt not go up by steps unto my altar, lest thy nakedness be discovered.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
Context
This verse provides a final practical instruction concerning the construction of the altar and the conduct during worship. It follows the directives on the material of the altar, now focusing on the approach to it. This command highlights God's meticulous care for modesty and purity in sacred service, ensuring that even the physical posture of worship reflects holiness and respect. It concludes this section of initial worship instructions before the narrative would typically move to more detailed laws.
v.25And 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.
v.26This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 1:16
because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy.
- Leviticus 10:3
Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that Jehovah spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.
- Ecclesiastes 5:1
Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God; for to draw nigh to hear is better than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they know not that they do evil.
- Hebrews 12:28
Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe:
- Psalms 89:7
A God very terrible in the council of the holy ones, And to be feared above all them that are round about him?
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