Exodus 20:25 Meaning and Explanation
“And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If stone is used, the altar must be made of unhewn stone; working stone with tools pollutes it.
The Context of Exodus 20:25
Stone altars must be made of unhewn stone; using tools to work the stone pollutes the altar.
What Does Exodus 20:25 Mean?
The restriction on hewn or worked stone emphasizes the principle of simplicity and human non-intervention. Working stone with tools represents human skill and labor shaping the altar. By forbidding this, God ensures the altar is not a product of human artistry but of obedience to His command. The altar belongs to God, not to human makers.
This law reflects a theological principle: the sacred space is defined by God's designation, not by human labor. An altar polluted by human skill and effort suggests that human creativity or technical prowess cannot improve or consecrate what God has set apart. The holiness comes from obedience and faith, not from craftsmanship.
Exodus 20:25 in the Original Language
Gazit (גזית), 'hewn stone' — refers to stones shaped and finished by human tools; suggests the removal of natural form through labor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 20:25
What does Exodus 20:25 mean?
If stone is used, the altar must be made of unhewn stone; working stone with tools pollutes it.
What is the context of Exodus 20:25?
Stone altars must be made of unhewn stone; using tools to work the stone pollutes the altar.