Exodus 37:25
Exodus 37:25 in Multiple Translations
He made the altar of incense out of acacia wood. It was square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns were of one piece.
¶ And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same.
And he made the altar of incense of acacia wood: a cubit was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, foursquare; and two cubits was the height thereof; the horns thereof were of one piece with it.
And he made the altar for the burning of spices, using the same hard wood; it was square, a cubit long and a cubit wide and two cubits high; the horns made of the same.
He made the altar for burning incense from acacia wood. It was square, measuring a cubit by a cubit, by two cubits high, with horns on its corners that were all one piece with the altar.
Furthermore he made the perfume altar of Shittim wood: the length of it was a cubite, and the breadth of it a cubite (it was square) and two cubites hie, and the hornes thereof were of ye same.
And he maketh the perfume-altar of shittim wood; a cubit its length, and a cubit its breadth (square), and two cubits its height; its horns have been of the same;
He made the altar of incense of acacia wood. It was square: its length was a cubit, and its width a cubit. Its height was two cubits. Its horns were of one piece with it.
And he made the incense-altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was the hight of it; the horns of it were of the same.
He made also the altar of incense of setim wood, being a cubit on every side foursquare, and in height two cubits: from the corners of which went out horns.
From acacia wood, Bezalel made the altar for burning incense. It was square, ◄18 in./45 cm.► on each side. It was ◄3 ft./90 cm.► high. He made a projection that looked like a horn on each of the top corners. The projections were carved from the same block of wood that the altar was made of.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 37:25
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 37:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֛עַשׂ
אֶת
מִזְבַּ֥ח
הַ/קְּטֹ֖רֶת
עֲצֵ֣י
שִׁטִּ֑ים
אַמָּ֣ה
אָרְכּ/וֹ֩
וְ/אַמָּ֨ה
רָחְבּ֜/וֹ
רָב֗וּעַ
וְ/אַמָּתַ֨יִם֙
קֹֽמָת֔/וֹ
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
הָי֥וּ
קַרְנֹתָֽי/ו
וַ/יַּ֛עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִזְבַּ֥ח
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
הַ/קְּטֹ֖רֶת
qᵉṭôreth
H7004
incense
Art | N-fs
עֲצֵ֣י
ʻêts
H6086
tree
N-mp
שִׁטִּ֑ים
shiṭṭâh
H7848
acacia
N-fp
אַמָּ֣ה
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
N-fs
אָרְכּ/וֹ֩
ʼôrek
H753
length
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אַמָּ֨ה
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
Conj | N-fs
רָחְבּ֜/וֹ
rôchab
H7341
width
N-ms | Suff
רָב֗וּעַ
râbaʻ
H7251
to square
V-Qal-Inf-c
וְ/אַמָּתַ֨יִם֙
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
Conj | N-fd
קֹֽמָת֔/וֹ
qôwmâh
H6967
height
N-fs | Suff
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
הָי֥וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
קַרְנֹתָֽי/ו
qeren
H7161
horn
N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 37:25
וַ/יַּ֛עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
מִזְבַּ֥ח
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.
הַ/קְּטֹ֖רֶת
qᵉṭôreth
H7004
"incense"
Art | N-fs
Incense refers to a sweet smoke from burning sacrifices, used in worship and perfume. It symbolizes a pleasing aroma to God, found in Leviticus and other books.
Definition: 1) incense, smoke, odour of (burning) sacrifice 1a) sweet smoke of sacrifice 1b) incense 1c) perfume
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (sweet) incense, perfume. See also: Exodus 25:6; Numbers 7:50; Psalms 66:15.
עֲצֵ֣י
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
N-mp
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
שִׁטִּ֑ים
shiṭṭâh
H7848
"acacia"
N-fp
The acacia tree, known for its thorns, is described by this word, which is also used to describe the wood used to build the Tabernacle in Exodus.
Definition: acacia tree, acacia wood
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: shittah, shittim. See also H1029 (בֵּית הַשִּׁטָּה). See also: Exodus 25:5; Exodus 35:24; Isaiah 41:19.
אַמָּ֣ה
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.
אָרְכּ/וֹ֩
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/אַמָּ֨ה
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.
רָחְבּ֜/וֹ
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.
רָב֗וּעַ
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.
וְ/אַמָּתַ֨יִם֙
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.
קֹֽמָת֔/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.
הָי֥וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
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.
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 37:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Altar of Incense
23He also made its seven lamps, its wick trimmers, and trays of pure gold.
24He made the lampstand and all its utensils from a talent of pure gold.
25He made the altar of incense out of acacia wood. It was square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns were of one piece.
26And he overlaid with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns. Then he made a molding of gold around it. 27He made two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 30:1–5 | “You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense. It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece. Overlay with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns, and make a molding of gold around it. And make two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it. Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. |
| 2 | Hebrews 7:25 | Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them. |
| 3 | Revelation 8:3–4 | Then another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel. |
| 4 | 1 Peter 2:5 | you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. |
| 5 | Exodus 40:26–27 | Moses placed the gold altar in the Tent of Meeting, in front of the veil, and he burned fragrant incense on it, just as the LORD had commanded him. |
| 6 | Luke 1:9–10 | he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And at the hour of the incense offering, the whole congregation was praying outside. |
| 7 | Matthew 23:19 | You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes it sacred? |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 26:16 | But when Uzziah grew powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. |
| 9 | Hebrews 13:10 | We have an altar from which those who serve at the tabernacle have no right to eat. |
| 10 | Exodus 40:5 | Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the Testimony, and hang the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. |
Exodus 37:25 Summary
[The altar of incense was a special table where the priests would burn incense to God, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising to Him. It was made of acacia wood, which was strong and durable, and its horns represented the power and strength of God. As believers, we can learn from this altar the importance of prayer and approaching God's throne with confidence, as seen in Hebrews 4:14-16. By offering our prayers and praises to God, we can experience His presence and power in our lives, just like the Israelites did in the tabernacle.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the altar of incense in the tabernacle?
The altar of incense was used for burning incense to the Lord, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising to God, as seen in Psalm 141:2 and Revelation 8:3-4. It was a reminder of the importance of prayer in the life of believers.
Why was the altar of incense made of acacia wood?
Acacia wood was a durable and resistant wood, often used in the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings, as seen in Exodus 25:10 and 37:1-9. It represented the earthly, human aspect of the altar, which was then overlaid with gold, symbolizing the divine presence.
What is the significance of the horns on the altar of incense?
The horns on the altar of incense, being of one piece with the altar, signified the unity and wholeness of the sacrifice and prayer being offered to God, as seen in Exodus 29:12 and Leviticus 4:7-10. They also represented the power and strength of God, who hears and answers the prayers of His people.
How does the altar of incense relate to the life of a believer today?
The altar of incense reminds believers of the importance of prayer and the privilege of approaching God's throne, as seen in Hebrews 4:14-16 and 10:19-22. It encourages believers to continually offer prayers and praises to God, knowing that He hears and responds to their cries.
Reflection Questions
- What role does prayer play in my life, and how can I make it a more integral part of my daily walk with God?
- How do I approach God's throne, and what confidence do I have in His presence, as seen in Hebrews 4:14-16?
- In what ways can I offer my life as a sacrifice of praise to God, as seen in Romans 12:1-2, and how can I make my prayers more pleasing to Him?
- What are some things that hinder my prayer life, and how can I overcome them, as seen in Isaiah 59:1-2 and Matthew 6:5-15?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 37:25
[See comments on Exodus 37:1].
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 37:25
(25-28) And he made . . . —The order of the instructions given on Mount Sinai is here departed from. In them the directions for the altar of incense were separated off from those concerning the table of shewbread and the golden candlestick. Here the construction of the three pieces of furniture belonging to the Holy Place is given consecutively. The present passage corresponds with Exodus 37:1-5 of Exodus 30, with which it is in the closest agreement.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 37:25
Verse 25. He made the incense altar] See this described Exodus 30:1. See Clarke on Exodus 30:1.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 37:25
THE ARK OF THE , Exodus 39:1-9. See notes on Exodus 25:10-22. THE TABLE OF , Exodus 39:10-16. See notes on Exodus 25:23-30. THE GOLDEN , Exodus 39:17-24. See notes on Exodus 25:31-40. THE ALTAR OF INCENSE, Exodus 39:25-28.
Sermons on Exodus 37:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 27:9-21 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of light in the Bible and its connection to Christ. The speaker explains that while Jesus was on earth, he referred to himsel |
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(Exodus) Exodus 30:34-38 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the altar of incense in the tabernacle. The altar of incense represents prayer and worship, where believers offer their pr |
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(Exodus) Exodus 30:1-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three articles of furniture in the main compartment of the tabernacle, which all represent worship. The lampstand and the table of showbre |
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(Exodus) Exodus 25:23-28 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of settling the sin question before being able to worship God. He explains that in the tabernacle, there are two articles of f |
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The Altar of Incense by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of the altar of incense in the temple, representing the prayers of the saints as a sweet aroma to God. He explains how the incense symbolize |
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The Yardstick for Measuring Your Life by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing our sins before approaching God. He compares the labor in the tabernacle, which was used for was |
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Hints on the Tabernacle Exodus 25-34 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby explores the significance of the tabernacle as a divine pattern reflecting heavenly realities, emphasizing that the tabernacle serves as a shadow of good things t |