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Exodus 38:1

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Exodus 38:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Bezalel constructed the altar of burnt offering from acacia wood. It was square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high.

King James Version KJV

And he made the altar of burnt offering of shittim wood: five cubits was the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; it was foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof.

American Standard Version ASV

And he made the altar of burnt-offering of acacia wood: five cubits was the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof, foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof.

Bible in Basic English BBE

The altar of burned offerings he made of hard wood; a square altar, five cubits long, five cubits wide and three cubits high,

Free Bible Version FBV

Bezalel made the altar of burnt offering from acacia wood. It was square, and measured five cubits long by five cubits wide by three cubits high.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Also he made the altar of the burnt offering of Shittim wood: fiue cubites was the length therof, and fiue cubites the breadth thereof: it was square and three cubites hie.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he maketh the altar of burnt-offering of shittim wood, five cubits its length, and five cubits its breadth (square), and three cubits its height;

World English Bible WEB

He made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood. It was square. Its length was five cubits, its width was five cubits, and its height was three cubits.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he made the altar of burnt-offering of shittim wood: five cubits was the length of it, and five cubits the breadth of it; it was foursquare; and its hight was three cubits.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

He made also the altar of holocaust of setim wood, five cubits square, and three in height:

Translation for Translators T4T

Several men helped Bezalel to make the altar for burning sacrifices. They made it from acacia wood. It was square, ◄7-1/2 feet/2.2 meters► on each side, and it was ◄4-1/2 feet/1.3 meters► high.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 38:1

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 38:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּ֛עַשׂ אֶת מִזְבַּ֥ח הָ/עֹלָ֖ה עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים חָמֵשׁ֩ אַמּ֨וֹת אָרְכּ֜/וֹ וְ/חָֽמֵשׁ אַמּ֤וֹת רָחְבּ/וֹ֙ רָב֔וּעַ וְ/שָׁלֹ֥שׁ אַמּ֖וֹת קֹמָתֽ/וֹ
וַ/יַּ֛עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
מִזְבַּ֥ח mizbêach H4196 altar N-ms
הָ/עֹלָ֖ה ʻôlâh H5930 burnt offering Art | N-fs
עֲצֵ֣י ʻêts H6086 tree N-mp
שִׁטִּ֑ים shiṭṭâh H7848 acacia N-fp
חָמֵשׁ֩ châmêsh H2568 five Adj
אַמּ֨וֹת ʼammâh H520 cubit N-fp
אָרְכּ֜/וֹ ʼôrek H753 length N-ms | Suff
וְ/חָֽמֵשׁ châmêsh H2568 five Conj | Adj
אַמּ֤וֹת ʼammâh H520 cubit N-fp
רָחְבּ/וֹ֙ rôchab H7341 width N-ms | Suff
רָב֔וּעַ râbaʻ H7251 to square V-Qal-Inf-c
וְ/שָׁלֹ֥שׁ shâlôwsh H7969 three Conj | Adj
אַמּ֖וֹת ʼammâh H520 cubit N-fp
קֹמָתֽ/וֹ qôwmâh H6967 height N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 38:1

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.
הָ/עֹלָ֖ה ʻôlâh H5930 "burnt offering" Art | N-fs
This word refers to a step or stairs, often used to describe the ascent to the altar for a burnt offering. In the Bible, it can also mean a holocaust or sacrifice, like in Leviticus.
Definition: whole burnt offering Aramaic equivalent: a.lah (עֲלָת "burnt offering" H5928)
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to. See also H5766 (עֶוֶל). See also: Genesis 8:20; Numbers 15:5; 2 Chronicles 29:7.
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.
חָמֵשׁ֩ châmêsh H2568 "five" Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
אַמּ֨וֹת ʼammâh H520 "cubit" N-fp
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/חָֽמֵשׁ châmêsh H2568 "five" Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
אַמּ֤וֹת ʼammâh H520 "cubit" N-fp
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.
רָב֔וּעַ 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/שָׁלֹ֥שׁ shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
אַמּ֖וֹת ʼammâh H520 "cubit" N-fp
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.
קֹמָתֽ/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.

Study Notes — Exodus 38:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — The Bronze Altar

1Bezalel constructed the altar of burnt offering from acacia wood. It was square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high.

2He made a horn at each of its four corners, so that the horns and altar were of one piece, and he overlaid the altar with bronze. 3He made all the altar’s utensils of bronze—its pots, shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks, and firepans.

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 27:1–8 “You are to build an altar of acacia wood. The altar must be square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high. Make a horn on each of its four corners, so that the horns are of one piece, and overlay it with bronze. Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots for removing ashes, its shovels, its sprinkling bowls, its meat forks, and its firepans. Construct for it a grate of bronze mesh, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the mesh. Set the grate beneath the ledge of the altar, so that the mesh comes halfway up the altar. Additionally, make poles of acacia wood for the altar and overlay them with bronze. The poles are to be inserted into the rings so that the poles are on two sides of the altar when it is carried. Construct the altar with boards so that it is hollow. It is to be made just as you were shown on the mountain.
2 Ezekiel 43:13–17 These are the measurements of the altar in long cubits (a cubit and a handbreadth): Its gutter shall be a cubit deep and a cubit wide, with a rim of one span around its edge. And this is the height of the altar: The space from the gutter on the ground to the lower ledge shall be two cubits, and the ledge one cubit wide. The space from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge shall be four cubits, and the ledge one cubit wide. The altar hearth shall be four cubits high, and four horns shall project upward from the hearth. The altar hearth shall be square at its four corners, twelve cubits long and twelve cubits wide. The ledge shall also be square, fourteen cubits long and fourteen cubits wide, with a rim of half a cubit and a gutter of a cubit all around it. The steps of the altar shall face east.”
3 Exodus 40:6 Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting.
4 Revelation 21:16 The city lies foursquare, with its width the same as its length. And he measured the city with the rod, and all its dimensions were equal—12,000 stadia in length and width and height.
5 2 Chronicles 4:1 He made a bronze altar twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and ten cubits high.
6 Exodus 40:29 He placed the altar of burnt offering near the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, just as the LORD had commanded him.
7 Hebrews 13:10 We have an altar from which those who serve at the tabernacle have no right to eat.
8 Romans 8:3–4 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
9 Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
10 Hebrews 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!

Exodus 38:1 Summary

The altar of burnt offering was a special table where the Israelites would offer sacrifices to God, showing their love and gratitude for His presence in their lives. According to Exodus 38:1, it was made of acacia wood and was very specific in its design, representing the order and perfection of God's creation. Just like the altar, our lives can be a symbol of God's presence and power when we surrender ourselves to Him and offer our lives as a sacrifice of worship, as seen in Romans 12:1-2. By doing so, we can experience the joy and freedom of being in a loving relationship with God, just like the Israelites did when they worshipped at the altar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the altar of burnt offering in Exodus 38:1?

The altar of burnt offering was a crucial part of the Israelites' worship, where they would offer sacrifices to God as an act of atonement and worship, as seen in Leviticus 1:1-17 and Exodus 29:38-42.

Why was the altar made of acacia wood?

Acacia wood was a durable and resilient material, symbolizing the enduring nature of God's covenant with the Israelites, much like the acacia wood used in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22.

What is the importance of the altar's dimensions in Exodus 38:1?

The altar's dimensions, being square and symmetrical, represent the order and perfection of God's creation, as seen in the precise measurements of the Tabernacle in Exodus 25-31 and the emphasis on symmetry in Ezekiel 40-48.

How does the construction of the altar relate to the overall theme of Exodus?

The construction of the altar is a part of the larger narrative of the Exodus, which tells the story of God's redemption and covenant with the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 19:1-6 and Exodus 24:1-18.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the altar of burnt offering represent in my own life, and how can I apply the principles of sacrifice and worship to my daily relationship with God?
  2. How can I, like Bezalel, use my skills and talents to construct a 'spiritual altar' in my heart, dedicating myself to God's service and worship?
  3. What are the 'horns' in my life that need to be surrendered to God, and how can I, like the altar, be a symbol of God's presence and power in my community?
  4. In what ways can I, like the Israelites, offer myself as a 'living sacrifice' to God, as seen in Romans 12:1-2, and how can I make my life a reflection of God's love and redemption?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 38:1

Ver. 1-7. And he made the altar of burnt offering,.... That is, Bezaleel made it, or it was made by his direction, he having the care and oversight of it, wherefore the making of it is ascribed to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 38:1

And he made the altar of burnt offering of shittim wood: five cubits was the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; it was foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof. The altar of burnt offering.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 38:1

(1-9) This passage corresponds to Exodus 38:1-8 of Exodus 27 in all main particulars, but is somewhat differently worded. The order of the clauses in Exodus 38:4-5 is changed, and a distinct statement is made, which was not contained in the instructims, that the rings were “for places for the staves.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 38:1

CHAPTER XXXVIII Bezaleel makes the altar of burnt-offering, 1-7. He makes the laver and its foot out of the mirrors given by the women, 8. The court, its pillars, hangings, c., 9-20. The whole tabernacle and its work finished by Bezaleel, Aholiab, and their assistants, 21-23. The amount of the gold contributed, 24. The amount of the silver, and how it was expended, 25-28. The amount of the brass, and how this was used, 29-31. NOTES ON CHAP. XXXVIII Verse 1. The altar of burnt-offering] See Clarke on Exodus 27:1 and for its horns, pots, shovels, basins, &c., see the meaning of the Hebrew terms explained, Exodus 27:3-5.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 38:1

1–7. (Exodus 27:1-8 a). The altar of burnt offering. In vv. 4, 5 there are some changes of order: Exodus 27:8 b is not repeated.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 38:1

For Exodus 38:1-7 and Exodus 38:9-20 see the notes to Exo. 27.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 38:1

THE ALTAR OF BURNT , Exodus 38:1-7. See notes on Exodus 27:1-7. THE LAVER, Exodus 38:8. See notes on Exodus 30:17-21. THE COURT OF THE , Exodus 38:9-20. See notes on Exodus 27:9-19.

Sermons on Exodus 38:1

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 38 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the structure and significance of the tabernacle in the Bible. The tabernacle was made up of various coverings and furniture, each representin
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 27:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the way of the cross as the only path to God. The brazen altar is highlighted as the place where access to God is made p
J. Vernon McGee (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
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 25:9 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle and its significance in the Bible. He emphasizes that the tabernacle was a pattern of the one in heaven, indicating the existen
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 37:1-29 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the structure and symbolism of the tabernacle in the Bible. The tabernacle had three compartments and three entrances: the outer court, the ho
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 38:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the significance of two articles of furniture in the outer court of the tabernacle: the altar of burnt offering and the laver. The altar rep
James Macginlay Can Two Walk Together? by James Macginlay In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and dismisses the idea of fake religions that rely on visions, dreams, and hallucinations. He encourages the congre
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