Exodus 38:1 · Bible study
Exodus 38:1 Commentary: Altar of Burnt Offering
Hebrew · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why does Exodus 38:1 repeat the altar's dimensions from Exodus 27:1? Explore the square shape, measurements, and theology of sacrifice.
Research Summary
- Meaning: The altar’s construction faithfully follows God’s pattern, symbolizing perfect atonement through Christ.
- Key words: altar (H4196), burnt offering (H5930), square (H7251), acacia wood (H7848), cubits (H0520).
- Main debate: The square shape is seen as symbolizing perfection and stability versus practical access; traditions agree on typology of Christ.
- Theological theme: Obedience to divine pattern; Christ as fulfillment of the sacrificial system.
- Best use: Preaching on faithful worship, the necessity of atonement, and the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
Bezalel constructed the altar of burnt offering from acacia wood. It was square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high.
WEB World English Bible 2000
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.
KJV King James Version 1769
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.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
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.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
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;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
And he made the altar of burnt-offering of acacia-wood; five cubits the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof, square, and three cubits the height thereof.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
He made also the altar of holocaust of setim wood, five cubits square, and three in height:
Translations in other languages (10 available)
IGUALMENTE hizo el altar del holocausto de madera de Sittim: su longitud de cinco codos, y su anchura de otros cinco codos, cuadrado, y de tres codos de altura.
Igualmente fez o altar do holocausto de madeira de acácia: seu comprimento de cinco côvados, e sua largura de outros cinco côvados, quadrado, e de três côvados de altura.
Il fit l’ autel des holocaustes de bois d’ acacia; sa longueur était de cinq coudées, et sa largeur de cinq coudées; il était carré, et sa hauteur était de trois coudées.
Und er machte den Brandopferaltar von Akazienholz, fünf Ellen lang und breit, gleich viereckig, und drei Ellen hoch.
Hij maakte ook het brandofferaltaar van sittimhout; vijf ellen was deszelfs lengte, en vijf ellen zijn breedte, vierkant, en drie ellen zijn hoogte.
Poi fece l’altare degli olocausti, di legno d’acacia; la sua lunghezza era di cinque cubiti; e la sua larghezza di cinque cubiti; era quadro, e avea un’altezza di tre cubiti.
Uczynił też ołtarz na całopalenie z drzewa sytym, na pięć łokci wzdłuż, i na pięć łokci wszerz, czworogranisty, a na trzy łokcie wzwyż.
И сделал жертвенник всесожжения из дерева ситтим длиною в пять локтей и шириною в пять локтей, четыреугольный, вышиною в три локтя;
他用皂莢 木 做 燔祭 壇，是四方的，長 五 肘，寬 五 肘，高 三 肘，
The altar of burned offerings he made of hard wood; a square altar, five cubits long, five cubits wide and three cubits high,
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Exodus 38:1
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that Exodus 38:1, 7 records the faithful execution of the divine blueprint given in Exodus 27:1, 8. Matthew Henry notes that on this altar 'all their sacrifices were offered,' and Wesley adds that 'Christ was himself the altar to his own sacrifice of atonement.' Calvin states that the exact replication gave the people confidence to offer their sacrifices. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown observe the 'exact conformity of the execution to the order.' The square shape (five cubits by five cubits) is consistently understood as symbolizing stability and perfection. The three-cubit height made the altar accessible while keeping it central to courtyard worship. The repetition underscores the importance of obeying God's instructions precisely in matters of worship.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: The verse records that Bezalel constructed the altar of burnt offering exactly as commanded, using acacia wood and the specified square dimensions.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| The significance of the square shape | Commentators agree the square symbolizes perfection, stability, and completeness. | Some emphasize practical function (access from all sides) over symbolism; no major disagreement in the supplied sources. |
| The typological connection to Christ | Christian interpreters across traditions see the altar as a type of Christ's sacrifice. | Differences exist in how directly the typology is applied: some see a direct prophecy, others an analogy or pattern. |
| The repetition of dimensions | All agree it highlights faithful obedience to God's command. | Not debated in the supplied data; traditions uniformly see it as emphasizing precise adherence to divine instruction. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The altar of burnt offering stood at the center of the tabernacle courtyard, directly before the entrance of the tent of meeting (
and"You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting."
— Exodus 40:6 (WEB)
). Made of acacia wood (shittim), a durable desert timber, and overlaid with bronze, it measured five cubits square (roughly 2.5 m per side) and three cubits high (about 1.5 m). Its square shape distinguished it from the round or rectangular altars of neighboring cultures. The hollow construction allowed for easy transport using bronze-ringed poles, as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness. The horns at the four corners, noted in verse 2, were a distinctive feature of Israelite altars, likely serving both practical and symbolic purposes, holding offerings or providing refuge for those seeking asylum. The repetition of the dimensions from Exodus 27:1 highlights the builders' meticulous adherence to the pattern 'shown on the mountain' (Exodus 27:8). This faithfulness assured the people that their worship was conducted according to divine instruction, not human invention. The altar's placement at the entrance reminded each worshipper that approach to God required a sacrifice. The bronze grating described in later verses allowed air and blood drainage, and the network around it held the wood and offerings. The entire structure was portable, reflecting the pilgrim nature of Israel's journey. The use of bronze (rather than gold used inside the tabernacle) visually marked the altar as belonging to the outer court, accessible to all Israelites. The exact dimensions and materials thus carried theological weight: God prescribed a specific way for sin to be atoned, and the people followed it precisely."He set the altar of burnt offering at the door of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the meal offering, as Yahweh commanded Moses."
— Exodus 40:29 (WEB)
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for Exodus 38:1. The verse appears consistent across Hebrew manuscripts and ancient versions.
Reception History
In the history of interpretation, the exact dimensions have been seen as emphasizing the importance of following God’s pattern precisely. The square shape has been understood symbolically as representing stability, perfection, or the universality of the gospel. Early Christian writers saw this altar as a type of the cross or of Christ’s body. Medieval exegetes often linked the four equal sides to the four gospels or the four corners of the earth, signifying that salvation is for all nations. The Reformed tradition, represented by Calvin and Matthew Henry, focused on the altar as a means of grace given to assure worshippers that their offerings were accepted according to God’s design. Modern scholarship typically reads the passage as an example of the priestly writer’s concern for order and obedience. Across eras, the repeated description has served to remind readers that worship is not left to human creativity but is shaped by divine revelation.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Obedience to the Pattern, The altar was made exactly as commanded (Exodus 27:1 repeated here), showing that worship must follow God’s design. The square shape and dimensions were not optional; they came from God’s own instruction.
- The Significance of the Square, Five cubits square represents stability and completeness. Each side equal: the altar offers access to God from every direction. The height of three cubits made it visible yet approachable, reminding Israel that atonement is both central and accessible.
- Christ as the True Altar, As Matthew Henry and Wesley note, Christ is both the altar and the sacrifice. Our offerings are acceptable only through him. This altar foreshadows the cross where the perfect sacrifice was offered once for all.
Five-point outline
- Materials and Construction, Acacia wood and bronze, portable yet durable, point to a worship that travels with God’s people.
- Placement in the Court, The altar stood just inside the gate, unavoidable for every worshipper approaching the tabernacle.
- Square Shape, Equality of sides suggests that God’s grace is available to all who come, from any direction.
- Portability, Poles and rings remind us that worship accompanies God’s people on the move; the altar was not chained to one place.
- Fulfillment in Christ, The continuous sacrifices on this altar find their ultimate meaning in Jesus, who offered himself once for all (Hebrews 9:11-14).
Illustration hooks
- A master craftsman following an architect’s blueprint exactly, not cutting corners because every measurement matters for the building’s integrity.
- A square foundation stone for a building: it provides stability and a level base for everything above.
- Following a trusted recipe precisely when preparing a family meal; the exact amounts, not approximations, make the dish come out right.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why does God care about the exact measurements of an altar? What does that say about how we approach him?
- How does this Old Testament altar connect to our worship today? Is it just ancient history, or does it still teach us something?
- Why does Exodus repeat the same description twice (chapters 27 and 38)? What point is being emphasized?
Leading a Discussion
This verse might seem like a tedious repetition, but it holds deep significance about God’s desire for obedient worship and his provision of atonement. As you discuss, consider why the Bible includes such detailed records of construction.
Discussion questions
- What catches your attention in this verse? Why do you think the Bible includes these specific numbers and materials?
- Why do you think the dimensions are repeated from Exodus 27:1? What does the repetition emphasize about the builders’ work?
- What does the square shape (five cubits by five cubits) suggest about God’s nature or his plan for atonement?
- How does the altar’s placement at the court entrance (Exodus 40:6) shape your understanding of approaching God?
- In what ways does this altar point to Christ? How does the New Testament use the imagery of altar and sacrifice?
- What does this passage teach about obedience in worship today? Are there “patterns” of worship we are called to follow?
- How might this altar have given confidence to an ancient Israelite bringing a sacrifice? How can we have similar confidence in Christ today?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Exodus 27:1 | “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. |
| Exodus 27:8 | You shall make it hollow with planks. They shall make it as it has been shown you on the mountain. |
| Exodus 40:6 | “You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting. |
| Exodus 40:29 | He set the altar of burnt offering at the door of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the meal offering, as Yahweh commanded Moses. |
| II Chronicles 4:1 | Then he made an altar of bronze, twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and ten cubits high. |
| Ezekiel 43:13 | “These are the measurements of the altar by cubits (the cubit is a cubit and a hand width): the bottom shall be a cubit, and the width a cubit, and its border around its edge a span; and this shall be the base of the altar. |
| Ezekiel 43:16 | The altar hearth shall be twelve cubits long by twelve wide, square in its four sides. |
| Ezekiel 43:17 | The ledge shall be fourteen cubits long by fourteen wide in its four sides; and the border about it shall be half a cubit; and its bottom shall be a cubit around; and its steps shall look toward the east.” |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
10 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke refers readers to his earlier notes on Exodus 27 for a full explanation of the altar of burnt offering and its utensils. His distinctive contribution here is not fresh comment but a careful cross reference, directing serious students to the detailed treatment of Hebrew terms already provided.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes does not offer new comments on these verses. He directs the reader back to his earlier notes on Exodus 27, where the construction of the altar of burnt offering and related items is already explained.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin insists the women's mirrors were literal metal objects donated for the laver, not symbols of self-examination leading to repentance. He dismisses the allegorical reading as forced, arguing the text simply records a practical contribution to the sanctuary's furnishings.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentary notes that the phrase "altar of burnt offering" distinguishes it from the smaller incense altar, while Exodus 27:1 simply calls it "the altar." There are also minor rearrangements in the order of verses 4 and 5, and verse 8b is not repeated.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Bible records that the altar of burnt offering was made of acacia wood and measured five cubits square, with a height of three cubits. This precise description highlights the altar's
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill points out that the making of the altar of burnt offering is ascribed to Bezaleel, who directed its construction. He had the oversight of the work, and for the details of its horns, vessels, rings, and staves, Gill refers the reader back to his earlier comments on Exodus 27.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB observes that the repeated descriptions in this chapter serve one clear purpose: to demonstrate that every piece of tabernacle furniture was built in exact conformity to the original command. The altar of burnt offering is a prime example of this precise obedience.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange notes that the repeated emphasis in this passage is not just on the people's enthusiasm and joy in giving, but on their punctilious obedience to every detail God commanded. This combination of willing devotion with exact compliance shows that the Sinai covenant, the new order of things, was now firmly established among Israel.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Matthew Henry notes that Bezalel made the gold furnishings first, which lay mostly out of sight inside the tabernacle, before the bronze altar and laver that stood in the open court. He sees the altar as a type of Christ, who was himself the altar for his atoning sacrifice and still sanctifies every sacrifice of praise we offer through him.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley sees Christ as fulfilling the role of the Old Testament altar of burnt offering. Christ was both the altar and the sacrifice for atonement, and he remains the altar through whom believers present their offerings of praise. We must direct our offerings through him, for God accepts them in Christ.