Exodus 27:5 (KJV)

What does Exodus 27:5 mean?

Exodus 27:5 instructs that a bronze netting or grate should be placed under the decorative edge (“compass”) of the altar, so that the net sits halfway up the side of the altar. This detail is part of God’s specific directions to Moses for building the altar used in Israel’s worship.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving him precise instructions for constructing the altar for burnt offerings in the tabernacle. The “compass” refers to a rim or border around the altar, and the “net” is a bronze grate. Placing the grate halfway up the altar would allow ashes to fall through and make it easier to manage the fire and sacrifices.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 27:5

• “Compass” (כַּרְכֹּב karqov) means a rim or border, indicating a structural feature around the altar that marks where the netting should be placed.
• “Net” (שְׂרָגָה seragah) refers to a lattice or grate, likely made of bronze, which served a practical function for burning sacrifices and collecting ashes.
• “Midst” (חֲצִי chatzi) means the middle or halfway point, clarifying that the net is not at the bottom or top, but at the midpoint of the altar’s height.

Why Exodus 27:5 matters

• This verse clears up how the altar was designed for both ritual and practical use, showing that the instructions were not just symbolic but also functional.
• The placement of the grate halfway up the altar emphasizes the careful planning involved in Israel’s worship, with each detail serving a purpose.
• Understanding this construction detail helps readers picture the tabernacle’s altar more accurately and see how the Israelites managed sacrifices according to God’s instructions.