Exodus 20:26
Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַעֲלֶ֥ה
Neither shalt thou go up
H5927
תַעֲלֶ֥ה
Neither shalt thou go up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
2 of 10
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
בְמַֽעֲלֹ֖ת
by steps
H4609
בְמַֽעֲלֹ֖ת
by steps
Strong's:
H4609
Word #:
3 of 10
elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִגָּלֶ֥ה
be not discovered
H1540
תִגָּלֶ֥ה
be not discovered
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
8 of 10
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
Cross References
1 Peter 1:16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.Psalms 89:7God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.Ecclesiastes 5:1Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
Historical Context
Pagan worship sometimes involved ritual nakedness and sexual acts. God's command protects worship's dignity and purity. The later bronze altar had a ramp, not steps (Exodus 27:1-8), implementing this command.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the prohibition on exposing nakedness at the altar teach about reverence in worship?
- How might modern worship violate the principle of modesty and reverence before God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
Stairs are prohibited lest 'nakedness be discovered' (לֹא־תַעֲלֶה בְמַעֲלֹת עַל־מִזְבְּחִי אֲשֶׁר לֹא־תִגָּלֶה עֶרְוָתְךָ עָלָיו, lo-ta'aleh vema'alot al-mizbechi asher lo-tigaleh ervatekha alav). Ancient Near Eastern garments (robes without undergarments) would expose priests climbing steps. Nakedness symbolizes shame (Genesis 3:7); God's presence requires modesty. The altar must preserve dignity—worship isn't exhibitionist. Later, priestly garments include linen undergarments (Exodus 28:42-43) to cover nakedness. The principle is reverence: casual exposure before holy God is inappropriate. Hebrews 4:13 says 'all is naked and exposed before Him'—God sees all, but we approach reverently, not presumptuously.