Exodus 30:2
Exodus 30:2 in Multiple Translations
It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece.
A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of the same.
A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be; and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of one piece with it.
The altar is to be square, a cubit long and a cubit wide, and two cubits high, and its horns are to be made of the same.
It shall be square, measuring a cubit by a cubit, by two cubits high, with horns on its corners that are all one piece with the altar.
The length therof a cubite and the breadth thereof a cubite (it shalbe foure square) and the height thereof two cubites: the hornes thereof shalbe of the same,
a cubit its length, and a cubit its breadth, (it is square), and two cubits its height; its horns [are] of the same.
Its length shall be a cubit, and its width a cubit. It shall be square, and its height shall be two cubits. Its horns shall be of one piece with it.
A cubit shall be its length, and a cubit its breadth; foursquare shall it be; and two cubits shall be its hight: its horns shall be of the same.
It shall be a cubit in length, and another in breadth, that is, foursquare, and two in height. Horns shall go out of the same.
It is to be square, ◄18 in./45 cm.► on each side. It is to be ◄3 feet/90 cm.► high. Tell them to make a projection that looks like a horn on each of the top corners. The projections must be carved from the same block of wood that the altar is made from.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 30:2
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 30:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַמָּ֨ה
אָרְכּ֜/וֹ
וְ/אַמָּ֤ה
רָחְבּ/וֹ֙
רָב֣וּעַ
יִהְיֶ֔ה
וְ/אַמָּתַ֖יִם
קֹמָת֑/וֹ
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
קַרְנֹתָֽי/ו
אַמָּ֨ה
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
N-fs
אָרְכּ֜/וֹ
ʼôrek
H753
length
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אַמָּ֤ה
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
Conj | N-fs
רָחְבּ/וֹ֙
rôchab
H7341
width
N-ms | Suff
רָב֣וּעַ
râbaʻ
H7251
to square
V-Qal-Inf-c
יִהְיֶ֔ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/אַמָּתַ֖יִם
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
Conj | N-fd
קֹמָת֑/וֹ
qôwmâh
H6967
height
N-fs | Suff
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
קַרְנֹתָֽי/ו
qeren
H7161
horn
N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 30:2
אַמָּ֨ה
ʼammâh
H520
"cubit"
N-fs
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
אָרְכּ֜/וֹ
ʼôrek
H753
"length"
N-ms | Suff
Length can refer to physical distance or a long period of time, and also to patience and self-restraint, like waiting forever for something to happen.
Definition: 1) length 1a) physical length 1b) of time 2) forbearance, self-restraint (of patience)
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] forever, length, long. See also: Genesis 6:15; Psalms 93:5; Psalms 21:5.
וְ/אַמָּ֤ה
ʼammâh
H520
"cubit"
Conj | N-fs
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
רָחְבּ/וֹ֙
rôchab
H7341
"width"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means width or breadth, used to describe physical size or space. It appears in the Bible to describe the width of the earth or a room. In the KJV, it is translated as breadth or broad.
Definition: breadth, width, expanse
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: breadth, broad, largeness, thickness, wideness. See also: Genesis 6:15; Ezekiel 40:13; Isaiah 8:8.
רָב֣וּעַ
râbaʻ
H7251
"to square"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to make something square or four-sided, like a square-shaped building. It is used to describe something with four equal sides. In the Bible, it is used to describe the shape of the altar in Ezekiel's vision.
Definition: 1) to square, be squared 1a) (Qal) square (participle) 1b) (Pual) square (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: (four-) square(-d). See also: Exodus 27:1; 1 Kings 7:5; Ezekiel 45:2.
יִהְיֶ֔ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
וְ/אַמָּתַ֖יִם
ʼammâh
H520
"cubit"
Conj | N-fd
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
קֹמָת֑/וֹ
qôwmâh
H6967
"height"
N-fs | Suff
Qomah refers to height or stature, describing how tall someone or something is, like the height of a person or a building in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, stature 1b) height
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] along, height, high, stature, tall. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:23; Isaiah 10:33.
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
קַרְנֹתָֽי/ו
qeren
H7161
"horn"
N-cp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a horn or a corner, and can also refer to power or a mountain peak. It's used to describe a place called Karnaim, which was conquered by Israel. The KJV translation uses phrases like 'hill' or 'horn' to convey the idea.
Definition: 1) horn 1a) horn 1b) of strength (fig) 1c) flask (container for oil) 1d) horn (as musical instrument) 1e) horn (of horn-like projections on the altar) 1f) of rays of light 1g) hill Aramaic equivalent: qe.ren (קֶ֫רֶן "horn" H7162)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] hill, horn. See also: Genesis 22:13; Psalms 75:5; Psalms 18:3.
Study Notes — Exodus 30:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 30:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 30:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 30:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 30:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 30:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 30:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 30:2
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 30:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 30:2
Context — The Altar of Incense
1“You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense.
2It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece.
3Overlay with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns, and make a molding of gold around it. 4And make two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 27:2 | Make a horn on each of its four corners, so that the horns are of one piece, and overlay it with bronze. |
Exodus 30:2 Summary
This verse describes the altar of incense, which was a special table where the priests would burn incense to symbolize the prayers of the people rising to God (as seen in Psalm 141:2 and Revelation 8:3-4). The altar was made to be square, which represents stability and balance, and its horns were made of one piece, symbolizing the unity and wholeness of God. This altar was an important part of the tabernacle, and it reminds us that our prayers are a way of connecting with God and offering Him our praise and worship, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6 and Hebrews 13:15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the altar being square in shape?
The square shape of the altar represents stability and balance, much like the New Testament concept of being grounded in faith, as seen in Ephesians 3:17 and Colossians 1:23.
Why did the altar's horns need to be of one piece?
The unity of the horns symbolizes the unity and wholeness of God, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:4 and Isaiah 45:5-6, highlighting His singular and indivisible nature.
What is the spiritual significance of the altar's dimensions?
The dimensions of the altar, being a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high, may symbolize the balance between God's presence and human approach, as seen in the tabernacle's design in Exodus 25-31 and the heavenly throne room in Revelation 4:1-11.
How does this altar relate to the rest of the tabernacle?
This altar of incense is a crucial part of the tabernacle, as it represents the prayers of the people rising to God, much like the incense in Revelation 8:3-4, and is situated in front of the veil, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, as described in Exodus 26:31-35 and Hebrews 9:1-5.
Reflection Questions
- What does the unity of the altar's horns teach me about God's nature and my relationship with Him?
- How can I apply the concept of balance and stability in my own spiritual life, as represented by the square shape of the altar?
- In what ways can I offer my prayers and praises to God as a sweet incense, as symbolized by this altar?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's presence in my life, as represented by the altar and the tabernacle?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 30:2
A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, four square shall it be,.... It was one Jewish square cubit, which is in surface, according to Bishop Cumberland, three English
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 30:2
A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of the same.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 30:2
See . Though these horns, as they were for another use, so they seem to be here of another form, and for ornament more than for service.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 30:2
Exodus 30:2 A cubit [shall be] the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits [shall be] the height thereof: the horns thereof [shall be] of the same.Ver. 2. A cubit shall be the length.] That in Ezekiel is much larger, as setting forth the service of God under the gospel.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 30:2
(2) Foursquare shall it be.—Of the same shape with “the brazen altar” (Exodus 27:1), but much smaller—two cubits high instead of three cubits, and a cubit square at top instead of five cubits. This small space was ample for the burning of so precious a material, which could only be offered in small quantities. The horns thereof.—Comp. Exodus 27:2, and Note 1, ad loc.Shall be of the same—i.e., of one piece with the altar, not made separately, and then attached to it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 30:2
Verse 2. Four-square] That is, on the upper or under surface, as it showed four equal sides; but it was twice as high as it was broad, being twenty-one inches broad, and three feet six inches high. It was called, not only the altar of incense, but also the golden altar, Numbers 4:11. For the crown, horns, staves, &c., see on the altar of burnt-offering, chap. xxvii. See Clarke on Exodus 27:1, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 30:2
2. the horns, &c.] see on Exodus 27:2; also, for of one piece with it, Exodus 25:31. The blood of the sin-offering was sprinkled upon the horns of this altar in the cases specified in Exodus 30:10, Leviticus 4:7; Leviticus 4:18.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 30:2
2-5. Horns… rings… staves — In these respects it was fashioned after the manner of the greater altar in the court, and also of some portions of the ark, (Exodus 25:12-15.) The crown of gold round