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.

EXODUS 38:7KJV
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Exodus 38:7 (KJV)

What does Exodus 38:7 mean?

Exodus 38:7 describes how the builders put poles through rings on the sides of the altar so it could be carried, and notes that the altar itself was made hollow, constructed from boards. This verse explains the practical design features that allowed the altar to be portable and lightweight for transport.

In this part of Exodus, the narrative is describing the construction of the altar for burnt offerings in the Tabernacle, following God’s instructions. The people building the altar, under Bezalel’s leadership, are making sure it can be moved as the Israelites travel. The details about the rings, poles, and hollow structure show careful planning for both function and mobility.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 38:7

  • "Staves" (‏מַטּוֹת‎, maṭṭot): This word refers to the poles used for carrying. Their presence emphasizes that the altar was meant to be portable, not fixed in one place.
  • "Rings" (‏טַבָּעוֹת‎, tabbaʿot): These are the metal rings attached to the altar’s sides. The rings are practical, allowing the poles to be inserted and removed as needed.
  • "Hollow" (‏נָב֔וּב‎, navuv): This word means empty or hollow. The altar was not solid metal or wood, but built with boards to be lighter and easier to carry.

Why Exodus 38:7 matters

  • Exodus 38:7 clears up any idea that the altar was a heavy, immovable structure; it was specifically designed for portability as the Israelites traveled in the wilderness.
  • The verse highlights the careful obedience to God’s detailed instructions, showing that even practical features like rings and poles were considered important.
  • This detail connects to the broader theme of the Tabernacle as a movable dwelling for God’s presence, emphasizing flexibility and readiness during the Israelites’ journey.

Where else these words appear

“hollow” Hebrew H5014 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 27:8 Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the mount, so shall they make it.
  • Job 11:12 For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass's colt.
  • Jeremiah 52:21 And concerning the pillars, the height of one pillar was eighteen cubits; and a fillet of twelve cubits did compass it; and the thickness thereof was four fingers: it was hollow.

“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 36:25 And for the other side of the tabernacle, which is toward the north corner, he made twenty boards,
  • 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.

“boards” Hebrew H3871 · used in 33 verses

  • Exodus 24:12 And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.
  • Deuteronomy 4:13 And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.
  • Deuteronomy 10:5 And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me.

“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 28:26 And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.
  • Exodus 38:5 And he cast four rings for the four ends of the grate of brass, to be places for the staves.