Exodus 27:8 (KJV)

What does Exodus 27:8 mean?

Exodus 27:8 instructs that the altar for the tabernacle should be made hollow, constructed with boards, following the exact pattern shown to Moses on the mountain. The verse emphasizes that the builders must carefully follow the specific design God revealed to Moses.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving him detailed instructions for building the altar used in Israelite worship. The focus is on making the altar hollow (not solid) and using boards, which would make it lighter and easier to transport. The command to follow the pattern shown on the mountain highlights the importance of obedience to God’s revealed instructions.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 27:8

• "Hollow" (נָבֻב, navuv): This word means empty or hollow, indicating the altar was not to be solid metal but constructed with an empty space inside, likely to make it portable.
• "Boards" (לוּחַ, luach): This refers to planks or panels, showing the altar was to be framed with wooden boards rather than being a single block.
• "Shewed" (רָאָה, ra’ah): This word means to show or reveal. It underscores that Moses received a direct, visual pattern from God, not just verbal instructions.
• "Mount" (הַר, har): This refers to Mount Sinai, reminding the reader that these instructions come from a specific encounter between God and Moses.

Why Exodus 27:8 matters

• The verse clarifies that the altar’s design was not left to human creativity but was a direct revelation from God, stressing the importance of following divine instructions exactly.
• By specifying the altar should be hollow and made with boards, the verse reveals practical considerations for worship in the wilderness, such as portability.
• This instruction connects to the larger theme in Exodus of God giving precise patterns for worship, showing that even the smallest details were significant in Israel’s relationship with God.