The bronze altar's square design (5x5 cubits) uniquely mirrors the Holy of Holies' cubic proportions, creating geometric harmony between sacrifice and divine presence.
Exodus 27
The Bronze Altar
1“You shall make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long, and five cubits wide. The altar shall be square. Its height shall be three cubits.
2You shall make its horns on its four corners. Its horns shall be of one piece with it. You shall overlay it with bronze.
3You shall make its pots to take away its ashes; and its shovels, its basins, its meat hooks, and its fire pans. You shall make all its vessels of bronze.
4You shall make a grating for it of network of bronze. On the net you shall make four bronze rings in its four corners.
5You shall put it under the ledge around the altar beneath, that the net may reach halfway up the altar.
6You shall make poles for the altar, poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with bronze.
7Its poles shall be put into the rings, and the poles shall be on the two sides of the altar when carrying it.
8You shall make it hollow with planks. They shall make it as it has been shown you on the mountain.
The Court of the Tabernacle
9“You shall make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen one hundred cubits long for one side.
10Its pillars shall be twenty, and their sockets twenty, of bronze. The hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver.
11Likewise for the length of the north side, there shall be hangings one hundred cubits long, and its pillars twenty, and their sockets twenty, of bronze; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver.
12For the width of the court on the west side shall be hangings of fifty cubits; their pillars ten, and their sockets ten.
13The width of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits.
14The hangings for the one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.
15For the other side shall be hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.
16For the gate of the court shall be a screen of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer; their pillars four, and their sockets four.
17All the pillars of the court around shall be filleted with silver; their hooks of silver, and their sockets of bronze.
18The length of the court shall be one hundred cubits, and the width fifty throughout, and the height five cubits, of fine twined linen, and their sockets of bronze.
19All the instruments of the tabernacle in all its service, and all its pins, and all the pins of the court, shall be of bronze.
Oil for the Lamp
20“You shall command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually.
21In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil which is before the covenant, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute forever throughout their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.
Font Size 17pt
Line Spacing
Theme
God provides Moses with detailed instructions for constructing the bronze altar for burnt offerings, establishing the courtyard that will surround the tabernacle, and maintaining the perpetual lamp. The bronze altar, made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, will serve as the central place for Israel's sacrificial worship. The courtyard specifications create a sacred boundary around the tabernacle, while the command for pure olive oil ensures the lamp burns continually before the Lord.
Context
This chapter continues the tabernacle construction instructions begun in chapter 25, moving from the inner sanctuary furnishings to the outer courtyard and altar.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-8 The Bronze Altar Detailed specifications for constructing the altar of burnt offering, including dimensions, materials, and accessories.
- 9-19 The Court of the Tabernacle Instructions for creating the courtyard boundary with hangings, pillars, and gates that will surround the tabernacle.
- 20-21 Oil for the Lamp Command for Israel to provide pure olive oil to maintain the perpetual lamp in the tent of meeting.
The Bronze Altar
27:1–27:8 law instruction solemn
Specifications for constructing the bronze altar where sacrifices will be offered, including its dimensions, horns, and various bronze implements. This altar serves as the central place for burnt offerings and sacrificial worship in the tabernacle courtyard.
structural
The bronze altar's square design (5x5 cubits) uniquely mirrors the Holy of Holies' cubic proportions, creating geometric harmony between sacrifice and divine presence.
The Court of the Tabernacle
27:9–27:19 law instruction solemn
Detailed instructions for constructing the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle, including hangings, pillars, and gates with specific measurements and materials. The court creates a defined sacred space that separates the holy tabernacle from the common camp area.
structural
The tabernacle court's 100-cubit length perfectly matches the temple's inner court dimensions in Ezekiel's vision, suggesting divine architectural consistency across Israel's worship history.
Oil for the Lamp
27:20–27:21 law instruction solemn
Commands regarding the provision of pure olive oil for the continual lamp in the tabernacle, with Aaron and his sons responsible for maintaining it. This establishes the perpetual light as an eternal statute symbolizing God's constant presence among Israel.
person_contrast
Aaron's responsibility for maintaining the eternal flame marks a rare shift from his typical role as mediator of holiness laws to guardian of Israel's perpetual light before God.
Insights
The tabernacle court's 100-cubit length perfectly matches the temple's inner court dimensions in Ezekiel's vision, suggesting divine architectural consistency across Israel's worship history.
Aaron's responsibility for maintaining the eternal flame marks a rare shift from his typical role as mediator of holiness laws to guardian of Israel's perpetual light before God.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Exodus 27:1 5 references
Lexicals 5
Exodus 38:1 Lexical
He made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood. It was square. Its length was five cubits, its width was five cubits…
Exodus 37:25 Lexical
He made the altar of incense of acacia wood. It was square: its length was a cubit, and its width a cubit. Its height wa…
Exodus 37:10 Lexical
He made the table of acacia wood. Its length was two cubits, and its width was a cubit, and its height was a cubit and a…
Exodus 25:23 Lexical
“You shall make a table of acacia wood. Its length shall be two cubits, and its width a cubit, and its height one and a…
Exodus 25:10 Lexical
“They shall make an ark of acacia wood. Its length shall be two and a half cubits, its width a cubit and a half, and a c…
Exodus 27:2 2 references
Exodus 27:3 5 references
Lexicals 5
Exodus 38:3 Lexical
He made all the vessels of the altar: the pots, the shovels, the basins, the forks, and the fire pans. He made all its v…
Numbers 4:14 Lexical
They shall put on it all its vessels with which they minister about it, the fire pans, the meat hooks, the shovels, and…
2 Chronicles 4:16 Lexical
Huram-abi also made the pots, the shovels, the forks, and all its vessels for King Solomon, for the LORD’s house, of bri…
1 Kings 7:45 Lexical
the pots; the shovels; and the basins. All of these vessels, which Hiram made for King Solomon for the LORD’s house, wer…
Jeremiah 52:18 Lexical
They also took away the pots, the shovels, the snuffers, the basins, the spoons, and all the vessels of bronze with whic…
Exodus 27:4 2 references
Exodus 27:5 1 reference
Exodus 27:6 5 references
Lexicals 5
Exodus 38:6 Lexical
He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with bronze.
Exodus 25:28 Lexical
You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be carried with them.
Exodus 37:28 Lexical
He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold.
Exodus 25:13 Lexical
You shall make poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold.
Exodus 37:4 Lexical
He made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold.
Exodus 27:7 5 references
Lexicals 5
Exodus 38:7 Lexical
He put the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to carry it. He made it hollow with planks.
Exodus 30:4 Lexical
You shall make two golden rings for it under its molding; on its two ribs, on its two sides you shall make them; and the…
Exodus 25:14 Lexical
You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark.
Exodus 37:27 Lexical
He made two golden rings for it under its molding crown, on its two ribs, on its two sides, for places for poles with wh…
Exodus 37:5 Lexical
He put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.
Exodus 27:8 1 reference
Exodus 27:9 5 references
Lexicals 5
Exodus 38:9 Lexical
He made the court: for the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, one hundred cubits;
Exodus 38:18 Lexical
The screen for the gate of the court was the work of the embroiderer, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. T…
Exodus 38:16 Lexical
All the hangings around the court were of fine twined linen.
Exodus 36:23 Lexical
He made the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards for the south side southward.
Exodus 26:18 Lexical
You shall make twenty boards for the tabernacle, for the south side southward.
Exodus 27:10 5 references
Lexicals 5
Exodus 38:10 Lexical
their pillars were twenty, and their sockets twenty, of bronze; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silve…
Exodus 38:11 Lexical
For the north side one hundred cubits, their pillars twenty, and their sockets twenty, of bronze; the hooks of the pilla…
Exodus 38:17 Lexical
The sockets for the pillars were of bronze. The hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. Their capitals we…
Exodus 38:19 Lexical
Their pillars were four, and their sockets four, of bronze; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their capitals,…
Exodus 36:38 Lexical
and the five pillars of it with their hooks. He overlaid their capitals and their fillets with gold, and their five sock…
Exodus 27:11 5 references
Lexicals 5
Exodus 38:11 Lexical
For the north side one hundred cubits, their pillars twenty, and their sockets twenty, of bronze; the hooks of the pilla…
Exodus 38:12 Lexical
For the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars, and…
Exodus 38:10 Lexical
their pillars were twenty, and their sockets twenty, of bronze; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silve…
Exodus 38:17 Lexical
The sockets for the pillars were of bronze. The hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. Their capitals we…
Exodus 38:19 Lexical
Their pillars were four, and their sockets four, of bronze; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their capitals,…
Exodus 27:12 5 references
Lexicals 5
Exodus 38:12 Lexical
For the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars, and…
Exodus 38:15 Lexical
and so for the other side: on this hand and that hand by the gate of the court were hangings of fifteen cubits; their pi…
Exodus 38:14 Lexical
the hangings for the one side were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three;
Exodus 35:17 Lexical
the hangings of the court, its pillars, their sockets, and the screen for the gate of the court;
Exodus 39:40 Lexical
the hangings of the court, its pillars, its sockets, the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, its pins, and all…
Exodus 27:13 5 references
Lexicals 5
Exodus 38:13 Lexical
For the east side eastward fifty cubits,
Numbers 35:5 Lexical
You shall measure outside of the city for the east side two thousand cubits, and for the south side two thousand cubits,…
Ezekiel 41:12 Lexical
The building that was before the separate place at the side toward the west was seventy cubits wide; and the wall of the…
Exodus 38:12 Lexical
For the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars, and…
Exodus 38:9 Lexical
He made the court: for the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, one hundred cubits;
Exodus 27:14 5 references
Lexicals 5
Exodus 38:14 Lexical
the hangings for the one side were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three;
Exodus 38:15 Lexical
and so for the other side: on this hand and that hand by the gate of the court were hangings of fifteen cubits; their pi…
Exodus 38:12 Lexical
For the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars, and…
2 Kings 25:17 Lexical
The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and a capital of bronze was on it. The height of the capital was three…
Exodus 39:40 Lexical
the hangings of the court, its pillars, its sockets, the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, its pins, and all…
Exodus 27:15 5 references
Lexicals 5
Exodus 38:15 Lexical
and so for the other side: on this hand and that hand by the gate of the court were hangings of fifteen cubits; their pi…
Exodus 38:14 Lexical
the hangings for the one side were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three;
2 Kings 25:17 Lexical
The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and a capital of bronze was on it. The height of the capital was three…
Exodus 39:40 Lexical
the hangings of the court, its pillars, its sockets, the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, its pins, and all…
Exodus 38:12 Lexical
For the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars, and…
Exodus 27:16 5 references
Lexicals 5
Exodus 38:18 Lexical
The screen for the gate of the court was the work of the embroiderer, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. T…
Exodus 26:36 Lexical
“You shall make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of…
Exodus 36:37 Lexical
He made a screen for the door of the tent, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of an embroiderer;
Exodus 39:29 Lexical
the sash of fine twined linen, blue, purple, and scarlet, the work of the embroiderer, as the LORD commanded Moses.
Exodus 28:8 Lexical
The skillfully woven band, which is on it, shall be like its work and of the same piece; of gold, blue, purple, scarlet,…
Exodus 27:17 5 references
Lexicals 5
Exodus 38:17 Lexical
The sockets for the pillars were of bronze. The hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. Their capitals we…
Exodus 38:19 Lexical
Their pillars were four, and their sockets four, of bronze; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their capitals,…
Exodus 38:10 Lexical
their pillars were twenty, and their sockets twenty, of bronze; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silve…
Exodus 38:11 Lexical
For the north side one hundred cubits, their pillars twenty, and their sockets twenty, of bronze; the hooks of the pilla…
Exodus 26:37 Lexical
You shall make for the screen five pillars of acacia, and overlay them with gold. Their hooks shall be of gold. You shal…
Exodus 27:18 5 references
Lexicals 5
Exodus 38:18 Lexical
The screen for the gate of the court was the work of the embroiderer, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. T…
2 Chronicles 6:13 Lexical
(for Solomon had made a bronze platform, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high, and had set it in th…
1 Kings 7:27 Lexical
He made the ten bases of bronze. The length of one base was four cubits, four cubits its width, and three cubits its hei…
2 Chronicles 4:1 Lexical
Then he made an altar of bronze, twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and ten cubits high.
1 Kings 7:2 Lexical
For he built the House of the Forest of Lebanon. Its length was one hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its heig…
Exodus 27:19 5 references
Lexicals 5
Exodus 39:40 Lexical
the hangings of the court, its pillars, its sockets, the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, its pins, and all…
Exodus 38:20 Lexical
All the pins of the tabernacle, and around the court, were of bronze.
Numbers 4:32 Lexical
the pillars of the court around it, their sockets, their pins, their cords, with all their instruments, and with all the…
Numbers 4:26 Lexical
the hangings of the court, the screen for the door of the gate of the court which is by the tabernacle and around the al…
Exodus 35:18 Lexical
the pins of the tabernacle, the pins of the court, and their cords;
Exodus 27:20 5 references
Lexicals 5
Leviticus 24:2 Lexical
“Command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn con…
Exodus 35:14 Lexical
the lamp stand also for the light, with its vessels, its lamps, and the oil for the light;
Numbers 4:9 Lexical
“They shall take a blue cloth and cover the lamp stand of the light, its lamps, its snuffers, its snuff dishes, and all…
Exodus 39:37 Lexical
the pure lamp stand, its lamps, even the lamps to be set in order, all its vessels, the oil for the light,
Numbers 4:16 Lexical
“The duty of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be the oil for the light, the sweet incense, the continual meal o…
Exodus 27:21 5 references
Lexicals 5
Leviticus 24:3 Lexical
Outside of the veil of the Testimony, in the Tent of Meeting, Aaron shall keep it in order from evening to morning befor…
Leviticus 10:9 Lexical
“You and your sons are not to drink wine or strong drink whenever you go into the Tent of Meeting, or you will die. This…
Numbers 18:23 Lexical
But the Levites shall do the service of the Tent of Meeting, and they shall bear their iniquity. It shall be a statute f…
Exodus 28:43 Lexical
They shall be on Aaron and on his sons, when they go in to the Tent of Meeting, or when they come near to the altar to m…
Exodus 40:22 Lexical
He put the table in the Tent of Meeting, on the north side of the tabernacle, outside of the veil.
Interlinear
Word-by-word original language
v. 1
v. 2
v. 3
v. 4
v. 5
v. 6
v. 7
v. 8
v. 9
v. 10
v. 11
v. 12
v. 13
v. 14
v. 15
v. 16
v. 17
v. 18
v. 19
v. 20
v. 21
Lemma
Morphology
Semantic Range
Theological Significance
Translation Notes
Key Passages