Deuteronomy 27:5 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →An altar of natural stones, unworked by iron tools, must be built to worship the LORD.
The Context of Deuteronomy 27:5
An altar of unworked stone is built at Ebal to receive offerings alongside the inscribed law.
What Does Deuteronomy 27:5 Mean?
The prohibition against iron tools reflects an ancient principle that human craftsmanship can defile sacred space. Stone selected in its natural state maintains purity and dependence on God's provision rather than human skill. This altar, like the stones bearing the law, is built from materials God provides directly.
Offering sacrifice at this altar immediately after writing the law binds worship to covenant commitment. The natural stone altar represents both the people's submission to God's design and the proper order of approach—the law must be written, witnessed, and honored before any sacrifice is valid. The altar stands as a place where Israel acknowledges both their commitment to the commandments and their need for God's mercy.
Deuteronomy 27:5 in the Original Language
iron tool (בַרְזֶל, barzel) — iron, the hardest metal known, symbolizing human strength and craftsmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 27:5
What does Deuteronomy 27:5 mean?
An altar of natural stones, unworked by iron tools, must be built to worship the LORD.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 27:5?
An altar of unworked stone is built at Ebal to receive offerings alongside the inscribed law.