And the staves shall be put into the rings, and the staves shall be upon the two sides of the altar, to bear it.

EXODUS 27:7KJV
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Exodus 27:7 (KJV)

What does Exodus 27:7 mean?

Exodus 27:7 explains that poles ("staves") were to be placed into rings on the sides of the altar so that the altar could be carried. The design allowed the altar to be transported by lifting it with the poles, making it portable for the Israelites during their travels.

God is giving Moses detailed instructions for building the altar for burnt offerings in the tabernacle. The focus here is on how the altar should be moved: by inserting poles through rings attached to its sides. This method kept the altar from being touched directly, showing both practical care and reverence for holy objects.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 27:7

  • "Staves" (בַּד bad): This word means "poles" or "rods." The use of בַּד (bad) highlights that these were separate pieces designed specifically for carrying the altar, not permanent fixtures.
  • "Rings" (טַבַּעַת taba'at): These are circular attachments fixed to the altar. The presence of טַבַּעַת (taba'at) shows the altar was intentionally built to be portable, with a system for carrying.
  • "Bear" (נָשָׂא nasa): This verb means "to lift" or "to carry." נָשָׂא (nasa) emphasizes that the altar was not to be dragged or handled roughly, but carried with care and dignity.

Why Exodus 27:7 matters

  • Exodus 27:7 clarifies that the altar was meant to be portable, which fits the larger story of the Israelites moving through the wilderness and needing a movable place of worship.
  • The verse shows the careful planning and respect involved in handling sacred objects, as the altar was not to be touched directly but carried with poles.
  • This instruction connects to other tabernacle items, like the Ark of the Covenant, which were also carried with poles, highlighting a consistent approach to holiness and reverence in Israelite worship.

Where else these words appear

“sides” Hebrew H6763 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 2:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
  • Exodus 36:31 And he made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
  • 1 Kings 6:34 And the two doors were of fir tree: the two leaves of the one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding.

“rings” Hebrew H2885 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
  • Exodus 28:27 And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.
  • 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.

“staves” Hebrew H905 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 26:1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
  • Exodus 37:5 And he put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.
  • Numbers 11:14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.