Verse MeaningDeuteronomyComplex verse
Deuteronomy 27:5: Meaning Explained
And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool...
Deuteronomy 27:5
“And there shalt thou build an altar unto the Lord thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them.”
What Does This Verse Mean?
Build an altar to God using stones, but don't use any iron tools to cut them.
What’s Happening Here
The altar is built in a simple, natural way without modern tools.
Key Words
altarA table or place where offerings are made to God
iron toolMetal cutting or shaping tools
Why It Matters
This verse reminds us that true worship is about sincerity and devotion, not about using impressive or elaborate methods to make something look perfect for God.
Did You Know?
This command for an uncut stone altar is also found in Exodus 20:25, establishing it as a consistent principle for worship sites in the early history of Israel.
Word Study
H1129
And there shalt thou buildוּבָנִ֤יתָ
H4196
an altarמִזְבַּ֣ח
H3068
unto the LORDלַֽיהוָ֖ה
H430
thy Godאֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
H68
of stonesאֲבָנִ֔ים
H5130
thou shalt not lift upתָנִ֥יף
H1270
any ironבַּרְזֶֽל׃
Cross References
Continue Exploring
Read Deuteronomy 27:5 in the Bible reader, or explore the full chapter summary.