Exodus 38:7
And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבֵ֨א
And he put
H935
וַיָּבֵ֨א
And he put
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַבַּדִּ֜ים
the staves
H905
הַבַּדִּ֜ים
the staves
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
בַּטַּבָּעֹ֗ת
into the rings
H2885
בַּטַּבָּעֹ֗ת
into the rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
עַ֚ל
H5921
עַ֚ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
צַלְעֹ֣ת
on the sides
H6763
צַלְעֹ֣ת
on the sides
Strong's:
H6763
Word #:
6 of 14
a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje
לָשֵׂ֥את
to bear
H5375
לָשֵׂ֥את
to bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
8 of 14
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֹת֖וֹ
H853
אֹת֖וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נְב֥וּב
the altar hollow
H5014
נְב֥וּב
the altar hollow
Strong's:
H5014
Word #:
11 of 14
to pierce; to be hollow, or (figuratively) foolish
לֻחֹ֖ת
with boards
H3871
לֻחֹ֖ת
with boards
Strong's:
H3871
Word #:
12 of 14
probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal
Cross References
Acts 9:15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:1 Corinthians 2:2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.1 Corinthians 1:24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Historical Context
The hollow construction with bronze-overlaid boards created a strong yet portable structure. When filled with earth or stones during use (Exodus 20:24-25), the altar became solid, but could be emptied for transport. This engineering balanced theological symbolism with practical necessity for a traveling sanctuary.
Questions for Reflection
- What might the hollow construction teach about the sacrificial system's genuine yet incomplete nature?
- How does requiring exact correspondence to the heavenly pattern emphasize the importance of following God's prescribed worship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The altar's hollow construction with boards (נְבוּב לֻחֹת, nevuv luchot) demonstrates that God's design combines strength with lightness—massive appearance, practical portability. This hollow center may picture that sacrificial system, though solid in appearance, contained emptiness requiring fulfillment. The altar's impressive exterior concealed internal void, just as animal sacrifices, though genuinely commanded, couldn't ultimately take away sins (Hebrews 10:4)—they pointed to Christ, the solid sacrifice filling every void. The phrase 'as it was shewed thee in the mount' emphasizes exact correspondence to heavenly pattern (Hebrews 8:5).