Old Testament
Exodus 20:25
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If you make me an altar of stone, do not use cut stones. For if you use your tool on it, you have polluted it.
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And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.
What Exodus 20:25 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs the people on how to build an altar for worship. He emphasizes that the altar should be made of natural stones, not ones that have been shaped or altered by human tools. The reason for this is that using tools to cut the stones would make them impure. This reflects a deeper principle: God desires authenticity and purity in our worship. When we approach Him, it should be with what He has created, not what we have manipulated. This command serves as a reminder that our offerings to God should come from a place of sincerity and simplicity. It’s about honoring God in the way He desires, rather than how we think it should be done. The focus is on the heart behind the act of worship, rather than the act itself. By following these guidelines, the people are reminded to keep their worship genuine and untainted by human influence, which can distract from the true purpose of connecting with God in a meaningful way. This principle can apply to our lives today.
How to apply Exodus 20:25 to your life
When you engage in acts of worship or service, consider how genuine your intentions are. Avoid letting personal agendas or societal pressures shape your approach. Instead, focus on being true to your values and the essence of what you believe. Authenticity in your actions can lead to deeper connections with others and with God. Embrace simplicity in your worship and offerings, allowing them to reflect your true self and intentions.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
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Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 20:25 mean?
Exodus 20:25 instructs that altars made for worship should be constructed from natural stones, not cut or shaped by human tools. This emphasizes the importance of purity and authenticity in worship, suggesting that offerings to God should be untainted by human manipulation.
What is the significance of using uncut stones in Exodus 20:25?
Using uncut stones in Exodus 20:25 signifies that God desires worship to be genuine and pure, reflecting His creation rather than human alteration. This principle encourages worshippers to approach God with sincerity and simplicity.
How does Exodus 20:25 apply to modern worship?
Exodus 20:25 applies to modern worship by reminding individuals to focus on authenticity and sincerity in their acts of worship. It encourages believers to avoid letting external influences shape their worship, promoting a genuine connection with God.
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