Exodus 38:1 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Bezalel constructed the altar for burnt offerings using acacia wood with precise dimensions.
The Context of Exodus 38:1
The construction of the burnt offering altar in the tabernacle courtyard.
What Does Exodus 38:1 Mean?
The burnt offering altar was central to the tabernacle's sacrificial system. Built from acacia wood and measuring five cubits square with a height of three cubits (about 7.5 by 7.5 by 4.5 feet), it provided a designated place for offerings that symbolized devotion and atonement.
This altar's location and design made it the first piece of furniture encountered in the tabernacle courtyard. Its square shape and specific proportions reflected the careful planning and obedience required in approaching God through prescribed ritual.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 38:1
What does Exodus 38:1 mean?
Bezalel constructed the altar for burnt offerings using acacia wood with precise dimensions.
What is the context of Exodus 38:1?
The construction of the burnt offering altar in the tabernacle courtyard.