Deuteronomy 27:6
Deuteronomy 27:6 in Multiple Translations
You shall build the altar of the LORD your God with uncut stones and offer upon it burnt offerings to the LORD your God.
Thou shalt build the altar of the LORD thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD thy God:
Thou shalt build the altar of Jehovah thy God of unhewn stones; and thou shalt offer burnt-offerings thereon unto Jehovah thy God:
You are to make the altar of the Lord your God of uncut stones; offering on it burned offerings to the Lord your God:
Build the altar of the Lord your God with uncut stones and sacrifice burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God.
Thou shalt make the altar of the Lord thy God of whole stones, and offer burnt offerings thereon vnto the Lord thy God.
Of complete stones thou buildest the altar of Jehovah thy God, and hast caused to ascend on it burnt-offerings to Jehovah thy God,
You shall build the LORD your God’s altar of uncut stones. You shall offer burnt offerings on it to the LORD your God.
Thou shalt build the altar of the LORD thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer on it burnt-offerings to the LORD thy God.
And of stones not fashioned nor polished: and thou shalt offer upon it holocausts to the Lord thy God:
The altar that you make to burn sacrifices to Yahweh our God must be made with uncut stones.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 27:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 27:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲבָנִ֤ים
שְׁלֵמוֹת֙
תִּבְנֶ֔ה
אֶת
מִזְבַּ֖ח
יְהוָ֣ה
אֱלֹהֶ֑י/ךָ
וְ/הַעֲלִ֤יתָ
עָלָי/ו֙
עוֹלֹ֔ת
לַ/יהוָ֖ה
אֱלֹהֶֽי/ךָ
אֲבָנִ֤ים
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fp
שְׁלֵמוֹת֙
shâlêm
H8003
complete
Adj
תִּבְנֶ֔ה
bânâh
H1129
to build
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִזְבַּ֖ח
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
וְ/הַעֲלִ֤יתָ
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
עָלָי/ו֙
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
עוֹלֹ֔ת
ʻôlâh
H5930
burnt offering
N-fp
לַ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
אֱלֹהֶֽי/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 27:6
אֲבָנִ֤ים
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
שְׁלֵמוֹת֙
shâlêm
H8003
"complete"
Adj
Complete means being whole, safe, and at peace, like the covenant relationship between God and his people. It's used to describe something or someone that is perfect and unharmed. The Bible uses this word to talk about keeping promises and being faithful.
Definition: 1) complete, safe, peaceful, perfect, whole, full, at peace 1a) complete 1a1) full, perfect 1a2) finished 1b) safe, unharmed 1c) peace (of covenant of peace, mind) 1c1) perfect, complete (of keeping covenant relation)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: full, just, made ready, peaceable, perfect(-ed), quiet, Shalem (by mistake for a name), whole. See also: Genesis 15:16; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Proverbs 11:1.
תִּבְנֶ֔ה
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִזְבַּ֖ח
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/הַעֲלִ֤יתָ
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
עָלָי/ו֙
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עוֹלֹ֔ת
ʻôlâh
H5930
"burnt offering"
N-fp
This word refers to a step or stairs, often used to describe the ascent to the altar for a burnt offering. In the Bible, it can also mean a holocaust or sacrifice, like in Leviticus.
Definition: whole burnt offering Aramaic equivalent: a.lah (עֲלָת "burnt offering" H5928)
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to. See also H5766 (עֶוֶל). See also: Genesis 8:20; Numbers 15:5; 2 Chronicles 29:7.
לַ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֶֽי/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 27:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 27:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 27:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 27:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:6
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 27:6
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 27:6
Context — The Altar on Mount Ebal
4And when you have crossed the Jordan, you are to set up these stones on Mount Ebal, as I am commanding you today, and you are to coat them with plaster.
5Moreover, you are to build there an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones. You must not use any iron tool on them.
6You shall build the altar of the LORD your God with uncut stones and offer upon it burnt offerings to the LORD your God.
7There you are to sacrifice your peace offerings, eating them and rejoicing in the presence of the LORD your God. 8And you shall write distinctly upon these stones all the words of this law.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 5:2 | and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God. |
| 2 | Leviticus 1:1–17 | Then the LORD called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying, “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When any of you brings an offering to the LORD, you may bring as your offering an animal from the herd or the flock. If one’s offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to present an unblemished male. He must bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for its acceptance before the LORD. He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him. And he shall slaughter the young bull before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests are to present the blood and sprinkle it on all sides of the altar at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Next, he is to skin the burnt offering and cut it into pieces. The sons of Aaron the priest shall put a fire on the altar and arrange wood on the fire. Then Aaron’s sons the priests are to arrange the pieces, including the head and the fat, atop the burning wood on the altar. The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. If, however, one’s offering is a burnt offering from the flock—from the sheep or goats—he is to present an unblemished male. He shall slaughter it on the north side of the altar before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests are to sprinkle its blood against the altar on all sides. He is to cut the animal into pieces, and the priest shall arrange them, including the head and fat, atop the burning wood that is on the altar. The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall bring all of it and burn it on the altar; it is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. If, instead, one’s offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, he is to present a turtledove or a young pigeon. Then the priest shall bring it to the altar, twist off its head, and burn it on the altar; its blood should be drained out on the side of the altar. And he is to remove the crop with its contents and throw it to the east side of the altar, in the place for ashes. He shall tear it open by its wings, without dividing the bird completely. And the priest is to burn it on the altar atop the burning wood. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. |
Deuteronomy 27:6 Summary
[This verse is telling us that when the Israelites entered the promised land, they were to build an altar to worship God, using stones that had not been cut or shaped by human hands. This was a way of showing that their worship was pure and simple, and that they were dedicated to following God's commands. Just like the Israelites, we can worship God with simplicity and purity by focusing on our relationship with Him and following His instructions, as seen in verses like Matthew 22:37-40, where Jesus teaches us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Israelites instructed to build the altar with uncut stones?
The use of uncut stones was likely a symbol of the purity and simplicity of worship, untainted by human craftsmanship, as seen in Exodus 20:25, where similar instructions were given for the altar at Mount Sinai.
What is the significance of offering burnt offerings to the LORD?
Burnt offerings, as described in Leviticus 1:1-17, were a type of sacrifice that represented the worshiper's complete dedication to God, and in this context, it emphasizes the Israelites' commitment to worshiping the one true God.
How does this verse relate to the concept of worship in the New Testament?
While the specific practices of the Old Testament, such as building altars and offering burnt offerings, are not directly applicable to New Testament worship, the principle of worshiping God with simplicity, purity, and dedication remains, as seen in Romans 12:1-2, where believers are called to offer their bodies as living sacrifices to God.
What can we learn from the Israelites' obedience to God's instructions in this verse?
The Israelites' obedience to God's instructions, as seen in Deuteronomy 27:6, demonstrates the importance of following God's commands, even when they may not fully understand the reasons behind them, and trusting in His wisdom and goodness, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I simplify my worship and focus on the purity of my relationship with God?
- How can I, like the Israelites, demonstrate my commitment to worshiping the one true God in my daily life?
- What are some modern-day equivalents of 'uncut stones' that can help me maintain a pure and simple approach to worship?
- In what ways can I offer myself as a 'living sacrifice' to God, as described in Romans 12:1-2, and how can this verse inform my understanding of worship?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 27:6
Thou shall build the altar of the Lord thy God of whole stones,.... And of such Joshua did build it, Joshua 8:31; and thou shalt offer burnt offerings thereon unto the Lord thy God; and very likely
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 27:6
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. There shalt thou build an altar ... of whole stones.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:6
Whole stones; i.e. not hewed or polished.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:6
(6) Burnt offerings.—The idea of these is the dedication of man’s life to God.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 27:6
6. unhewn stones] See R.V. margin. Exodus 20:25 : thou shalt not build it of hewn stones. burnt offerings] Heb. ‘olôth; see on Deuteronomy 12:6.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 27:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 27:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the way of the cross as the only path to God. The brazen altar is highlighted as the place where access to God is made p |
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(Basics) 37. Jesus Valued All People by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of balancing grace and truth in our lives, using the example of Jesus as the perfect model. He compares the need for bones in |
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A Sacrifice Like a Perfume by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of sacrificial giving and worshiping God with a fragrant aroma, focusing on the story of the widow's offering in Mark 12. It challenges believ |
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Ye Are the Light of the World - Part 2 by Roy Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of embodying the love of Christ in our actions, rather than just speaking about Jesus. It shares powerful stories of individuals like Will McF |
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Love Is the Greatest by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining a deep love for Jesus by understanding the depth of His sacrifice on the cross and the significance of forgiveness. It highligh |
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The Lord's Heart for Spiritual Service - Part 3 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving according to God's vision. He acknowledges that as humans, our service often falls short of God's expectations. He |
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Walking With God - Enoch by Doc Greenway | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a little boy who prays loudly for a bike, unaware that his grandfather is sleeping nearby. The preacher then emphasizes the import |