Exodus 20:25
Exodus 20:25 in Multiple Translations
Now if you make an altar of stones for Me, you must not build it with stones shaped by tools; for if you use a chisel on it, you will defile it.
And 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.
And 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.
And 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.
Now if you make an altar out of stones for me, you must not build it with cut stones, because if you use a chisel to cut the stone, you make it unholy.
But if thou wilt make mee an altar of stone, thou shalt not buylde it of hewen stones: for if thou lift vp thy toole vpon them, thou hast polluted them.
'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;
If you make me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of cut stones; for if you lift up your tool on it, you have polluted it.
And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou shalt lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.
And 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.
If you make for me an altar from stones, do not make it from stones that you have cut to make them look nice, because you will make the altar unsuitable for worshiping me if you use tools to cut the stones.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 20:25
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 20:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
מִזְבַּ֤ח
אֲבָנִים֙
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה
לִּ֔/י
לֹֽא
תִבְנֶ֥ה
אֶתְ/הֶ֖ן
גָּזִ֑ית
כִּ֧י
חַרְבְּ/ךָ֛
הֵנַ֥פְתָּ
עָלֶ֖י/הָ
וַ/תְּחַֽלְלֶֽ/הָ
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
מִזְבַּ֤ח
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
אֲבָנִים֙
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fp
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לִּ֔/י
Prep | Suff
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִבְנֶ֥ה
bânâh
H1129
to build
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֶתְ/הֶ֖ן
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
גָּזִ֑ית
gâzîyth
H1496
cutting
N-fs
כִּ֧י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
חַרְבְּ/ךָ֛
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs | Suff
הֵנַ֥פְתָּ
nûwph
H5130
to sprinkle
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
עָלֶ֖י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
וַ/תְּחַֽלְלֶֽ/הָ
châlal
H2490
to bore
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 20:25
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
מִזְבַּ֤ח
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
אֲבָנִים֙
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לִּ֔/י
""
Prep | Suff
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִבְנֶ֥ה
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
אֶתְ/הֶ֖ן
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
גָּזִ֑ית
gâzîyth
H1496
"cutting"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to cut or dressed stone, often used in construction, like the temple in 1 Kings 5:17. It describes something that has been carefully prepared. This word is about precision and craftsmanship.
Definition: a cutting, hewing
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: hewed, hewn stone, wrought. See also: Exodus 20:25; 1 Kings 7:12; Isaiah 9:9.
כִּ֧י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
חַרְבְּ/ךָ֛
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs | Suff
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
הֵנַ֥פְתָּ
nûwph
H5130
"to sprinkle"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
To wave means to move something back and forth, like waving a hand or an offering to God, as described in the book of Leviticus. It can also mean to sprinkle or shake something, like sprinkling water for purification.
Definition: 1) to sprinkle 1a) (Qal) to besprinkle, sprinkle
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: lift up, move, offer, perfume, send, shake, sift, strike, wave. See also: Exodus 20:25; Numbers 8:11; Psalms 68:10.
עָלֶ֖י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וַ/תְּחַֽלְלֶֽ/הָ
châlal
H2490
"to bore"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.
Study Notes — Exodus 20:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 20:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 20:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 20:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 20:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 20:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 20:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 20:25
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 20:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 20:25
- Sermons on Exodus 20:25
Context — Idolatry Forbidden
23You are not to make any gods alongside Me; you are not to make for yourselves gods of silver or gold.
24You are to make for Me an altar of earth, and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.
25Now if you make an altar of stones for Me, you must not build it with stones shaped by tools; for if you use a chisel on it, you will defile it.
26And you must not go up to My altar on steps, lest your nakedness be exposed on it.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 8:31 | just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the Israelites. He built it according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses: “an altar of uncut stones on which no iron tool has been used.” And on it they offered burnt offerings to the LORD, and they sacrificed peace offerings. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 27:5–6 | Moreover, you are to build there an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones. You must not use any iron tool on them. You shall build the altar of the LORD your God with uncut stones and offer upon it burnt offerings to the LORD your God. |
Exodus 20:25 Summary
This verse is saying that if we want to build an altar to worship God, we should not use stones that have been shaped by human tools, because that would make the altar unclean. This is because God wants us to rely on Him, not on our own abilities or ingenuity, as seen in Exodus 20:24 where God instructs to make an altar of earth. It's like when we try to make ourselves look good to God by doing lots of 'good' things, but really, God just wants our hearts and our simple, genuine worship, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31. By keeping our worship simple and humble, we can avoid 'defiling' it with our own self-effort, and instead, focus on glorifying God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God specify that the altar of stones should not be built with stones shaped by tools?
This is because God wants to emphasize the importance of not using human ingenuity or craftsmanship to create something that is meant to be a symbol of His presence and worship, as seen in Exodus 20:25, and is consistent with the theme of not making idols in Exodus 20:23.
What does it mean to 'defile' the altar by using a chisel on it?
To defile the altar means to make it unclean or unfit for use in worship, as using a chisel would imply that human effort is necessary to make the altar acceptable to God, rather than relying on God's provision and design, as seen in Exodus 20:24 where God instructs to make an altar of earth.
Is this commandment still relevant for Christians today?
While the specific commandment about building an altar of stones may not be directly applicable to Christians, the principle of not relying on human ingenuity or craftsmanship to create a means of worship is still relevant, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31, where we are instructed to do everything for the glory of God.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the commandments in Exodus 20?
This verse is part of a larger section of commands related to worship and the construction of the altar, emphasizing the importance of purity and simplicity in worship, as seen in Exodus 20:24-26, and is connected to the commandment to not make idols in Exodus 20:4-5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be relying on human ingenuity or craftsmanship in my own worship, rather than relying on God's provision and design?
- How can I apply the principle of not defiling the altar to my own life and worship, and what are some potential 'chisels' that I may be using to try to make myself acceptable to God?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of simplicity and humility in worship, and how can I cultivate these qualities in my own life?
- How does this verse relate to the idea of 'heart' worship, as opposed to just going through the motions of external rituals, as seen in Matthew 15:8-9?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 20:25
And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone,.... If they chose instead of an earthen one to make one of stone, as they might in rocky places, where they came, and in such an one where they now were,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 20:25
And 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. If thou wilt make me an altar of stone ... not ... of hewn stone.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 20:25
An altar of stone in those rocky parts might be as easy for them to make as one of earth. Hewn stone would require both time, and cost, and art. The reasons of this precept are in part the same with the former, . If thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it, by thy disobedience to my express command now given; and howsoever they think to gratify me by this curiosity, I shall not look upon it as a sacred thing, by which the sacrifices offered on it shall be sanctified, but as a profane thing which will defile them. So little doth God value or approve the inventions of men in his worship, how colourable soever they be.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 20:25
Exodus 20:25 And 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.Ver. 25. Thou hast polluted.] Not polished it. So in preaching. Epistolae ornamentum est ornamentis carere: Plainness commends an epistle. Nimio mundo studentes, ab immundo propius absunt. Some mar all by over doing it. Politian. Colerus.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 20:25
(25) If thou wilt make me an altar of stone.—Among civilised nations altars were almost always of stone, which superseded earth, as more durable. God does not absolutely prohibit the employment of stone altars by the Israelites, who are found to use them upon certain occasions (Joshua 8:31; 1 Kings 18:32). He is content to forbid the shaping of the stones by an implement, that so they may not give rise to idolatry. (See Note on Exodus 20:24.) Thou hast polluted it.—Nature is God’s handiwork, and, therefore, pure and holy. Man, by contact with it, imparts to it of his impurity. The altar, whereby sin was to be expiated, required to be free from all taint of human corruption. For the construction of the altar afterwards sanctioned, see the comment on Exodus 27:1.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 20:25
Verse 25. Thou shalt not build it of hewn stone] Because they were now in a wandering state, and had as yet no fixed residence; and therefore no time should be wasted to rear costly altars, which could not be transported with them, and which they must soon leave. Besides, they must not lavish skill or expense on the construction of an altar; the altar of itself, whether costly or mean, was nothing in the worship; it was only the place on which the victim should be laid, and their mind must be attentively fixed on that God to whom the sacrifice was offered, and on the sacrifice itself, as that appointed by the Lord to make an atonement for their sins.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 20:25
25. tool] The word (ḥ ?éreb) commonly rendered ‘sword,’ occasionally used of other sharp instruments, Joshua 5:2-3 (‘knives’): in Deuteronomy 27:5 E (Joshua 8:31) the word is replaced by ‘iron.’ Cf. 1Ma 4:47. The prohibition may be a survival either from a time when instruments of iron were not in general use, or from the time when the altar was a natural rock or boulder (cf. on v. 24), supposed to be the abode of numen or deity, and it was imagined that to alter its shape would have the effect of driving the numen from it (Nowack, Arch. ii. 17; DB. i. 76a, EB. i. 124). But naturally this is not the belief which actuates the prohibition here. An altar of stones, seemingly unhewn, was built by Elijah (1 Kings 18:32). it (twice)] The pron. (which is fem. in the Heb.) refers not to ‘altar but to ‘stone’: it is the stone which is profaned by being worked with a tool.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 20:25
25. If thou wilt make me an altar of stone — Such an altar would be as simple and easy of construction as one of turf, and more so in places where stones abounded.
Sermons on Exodus 20:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 20:25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on the message of Jesus Christ and his crucifixion. He criticizes churches that prioritize external factors like t |
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God's Work in the Darkness by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that entertainment is a substitute for true joy and that the glory of God needs to be restored. He mentions the importance of being anointed |
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The Form or the Fire by Brian Long | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of wavering and being undecided in one's faith. He highlights how many people in the world see the church as having form and progra |