Exodus 27:2
And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ
And thou shalt make
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
קַרְנֹתָ֑יו
the horns
H7161
קַרְנֹתָ֑יו
the horns
Strong's:
H7161
Word #:
2 of 11
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
עַ֚ל
H5921
עַ֚ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פִּנֹּתָ֔יו
corners
H6438
פִּנֹּתָ֔יו
corners
Strong's:
H6438
Word #:
5 of 11
an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain
מִמֶּ֖נּוּ
H4480
מִמֶּ֖נּוּ
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
תִּֽהְיֶ֣יןָ
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶ֣יןָ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
קַרְנֹתָ֑יו
the horns
H7161
קַרְנֹתָ֑יו
the horns
Strong's:
H7161
Word #:
8 of 11
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
וְצִפִּיתָ֥
shall be of the same and thou shalt overlay
H6823
וְצִפִּיתָ֥
shall be of the same and thou shalt overlay
Strong's:
H6823
Word #:
9 of 11
to sheet over (especially with metal)
Cross References
Psalms 118:27God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.Exodus 29:12And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.1 Kings 1:50And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.Leviticus 4:7And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Historical Context
Sacrificial blood was applied to the horns (Leviticus 4:7), symbolizing the covenant being 'bound' to the altar. Those seeking sanctuary could grasp the horns, trusting in the altar's protection—prefiguring our grasping Christ's cross for salvation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the altar's horns represent both God's power to save and the cross's inherent strength?
- What does 'grasping the horns' teach about actively laying hold of Christ's atonement?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Four horns at the altar's corners, all one piece with it, overlaid with bronze. Horns in Scripture symbolize power and strength (Psalm 18:2); the altar's horns represent salvation's power—refuge for those grasping them (1 Kings 1:50-51). The four corners suggest universal availability—salvation extends to earth's four corners. That horns are one piece with the altar shows power inherent in the cross itself, not added externally. Christ's atonement contains intrinsic saving power.