Exodus 37:25

Authorized King James Version

And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֛עַשׂ
And he made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
מִזְבַּ֥ח
altar
an altar
#4
הַקְּטֹ֖רֶת
the incense
a fumigation
#5
עֲצֵ֣י
wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#6
שִׁטִּ֑ים
of shittim
the acacia (from its scourging thorns)
#7
וְאַמָּתַ֙יִם֙
and two cubits
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
#8
אָרְכּוֹ֩
the length
length
#9
וְאַמָּתַ֙יִם֙
and two cubits
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
#10
רָחְבּ֜וֹ
and the breadth
width (literally or figuratively)
#11
רָב֗וּעַ
it was foursquare
to be quadrate
#12
וְאַמָּתַ֙יִם֙
and two cubits
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
#13
קֹֽמָת֔וֹ
was the height
height
#14
מִמֶּ֖נּוּ
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#15
הָי֥וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#16
קַרְנֹתָֽיו׃
of it the horns
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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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