Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version It is to be square, a cubit long and a cubit wide, and two cubits high —its horns of one piece with it. New Living Translation Make it 18 inches square and 36 inches high, with horns at the corners carved from the same piece of wood as the altar itself. English Standard Version A cubit shall be its length, and a cubit its breadth. It shall be square, and two cubits shall be its height. Its horns shall be of one piece with it. Berean Standard Bible It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece. Berean Literal Bible A cubit its length, and a cubit its width. It shall be square, and two cubits its height. from it its horns shall be. King James Bible A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of the same. New King James Version A cubit shall be its length and a cubit its width—it shall be square—and two cubits shall be its height. Its horns shall be of one piece with it. New American Standard Bible Its length shall be a cubit, and its width a cubit; it shall be square, and its height shall be two cubits; its horns shall be of one piece with it. NASB 1995 “Its length shall be a cubit, and its width a cubit, it shall be square, and its height shall be two cubits; its horns shall be of one piece with it. NASB 1977 “Its length shall be a cubit, and its width a cubit, it shall be square, and its height shall be two cubits; its horns shall be of one piece with it. Legacy Standard Bible Its length shall be a cubit, and its width a cubit; it shall be square. And its height shall be two cubits; its horns shall be of the same piece. Amplified Bible It shall be a cubit long and a cubit wide. It shall be square and it shall be two cubits high. Its horns of one piece with it. Berean Annotated Bible It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high <1.5 ft x 1.5 ft x 3 ft / 45.7 cm x 45.7 cm x 91.4 cm>. Its horns must be of one piece. Christian Standard Bible It must be square, eighteen inches long and eighteen inches wide; it must be thirty-six inches high. Its horns must be of one piece with it. Holman Christian Standard Bible It must be square, 18 inches long and 18 inches wide; it must be 36 inches high. Its horns must be of one piece. American Standard Version A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be; and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of one piece with it. Contemporary English Version Make it 45 centimeters square and 90 centimeters high, and make each of its four corners stick up like the horn of a bull. English Revised Version A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of one piece with it. GOD'S WORD® Translation Make it 18 inches square and 36 inches high. The horns and altar must be made out of one piece [of wood]. Good News Translation It is to be square, 18 inches long and 18 inches wide, and it is to be 36 inches high. Its projections at the four corners are to form one piece with it. International Standard Version It is to be a square, one cubit long and one cubit wide, and it is to be two cubits high, with its horns of one piece with it. NET Bible Its length is to be a foot and a half and its width a foot and a half; it will be square. Its height is to be three feet, with its horns of one piece with it. New Heart English Bible Its length shall be a twenty-one inches, and its breadth twenty-one inches. It shall be square, and its height shall be three feet five inches. Webster's Bible Translation A cubit shall be its length, and a cubit its breadth; foursquare shall it be; and two cubits shall be its hight: its horns shall be of the same. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIt is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece. World English Bible Its length shall be a cubit, and its width a cubit. It shall be square, and its height shall be two cubits. Its horns shall be of one piece with it. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versiona cubit its length and a cubit its breadth (it is square), and two cubits its height; its horns [are] of the same. Berean Literal Bible A cubit its length, and a cubit its width. It shall be square, and two cubits its height. from it its horns shall be. Young's Literal Translation a cubit its length, and a cubit its breadth, (it is square), and two cubits its height; its horns are of the same. Smith's Literal Translation A cubit its length, a cubit its breadth; it shall be four-square; and two cubits its height: its horns out of it. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIt shall be a cubit in length, and another in breadth, that is, foursquare, and two in height. Horns shall go out of the same. Catholic Public Domain Version having one cubit in length, and another in width, that is, four equal sides, and two cubits in height. Horns shall proceed from the same. New American Bible with a square surface, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high, with horns that are of one piece with it. New Revised Standard Version It shall be one cubit long, and one cubit wide; it shall be square, and shall be two cubits high; its horns shall be of one piece with it. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA cubit long, and a cubit wide; foursquare shall it be; and its height shall be two cubits; the horns thereof shall be of one piece of the same material. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated A cubit its length, a cubit its width; it shall be square, and its height two cubits; its horns shall be part of it. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be; and two cubits shall be the height thereof; the horns thereof shall be of one piece with it. Brenton Septuagint Translation And thou shalt make it a cubit in length, and a cubit in breadth: it shall be square; and the height of it shall be of two cubits, its horns shall be of the same piece. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Altar of Incense1“You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense. 2It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece. 3Overlay with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns, and make a molding of gold around it.… Cross References It is to be square, Exodus 27:1 “You are to build an altar of acacia wood. The altar must be square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high. Ezekiel 43:16 The altar hearth shall be square at its four corners, twelve cubits long and twelve cubits wide. Revelation 21:16 The city lies foursquare, with its width the same as its length. And he measured the city with the rod, and all its dimensions were equal—12,000 stadia in length and width and height. a cubit long, a cubit wide, Exodus 37:25 He made the altar of incense out of acacia wood. It was square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns were of one piece. 1 Kings 6:20 The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold, and he also overlaid the altar of cedar. 2 Chronicles 3:8 Then he made the Most Holy Place; its length corresponded to the width of the temple—twenty cubits long and twenty cubits wide. And he overlaid the inside with six hundred talents of fine gold. and two cubits high. Ezekiel 43:13-14 These are the measurements of the altar in long cubits (a cubit and a handbreadth): Its gutter shall be a cubit deep and a cubit wide, with a rim of one span around its edge. And this is the height of the altar: / The space from the gutter on the ground to the lower ledge shall be two cubits, and the ledge one cubit wide. The space from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge shall be four cubits, and the ledge one cubit wide. Ezekiel 41:22 There was an altar of wood three cubits high and two cubits square. Its corners, base, and sides were of wood. And the man told me, “This is the table that is before the LORD.” 1 Kings 6:2 The house that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece. Exodus 27:2 Make a horn on each of its four corners, so that the horns are of one piece, and overlay it with bronze. Exodus 37:26 And he overlaid with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns. Then he made a molding of gold around it. 1 Kings 2:28 When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. Hebrews 9:4 containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. Revelation 8:3-4 Then another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. / And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel. Exodus 25:10-11 And they are to construct an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. / Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it. 2 Chronicles 4:19 Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of God: the golden altar; the tables on which was placed the Bread of the Presence; Treasury of Scripture A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of the same. the horns Exodus 27:2 And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass. Jump to Previous Altar Breadth Cubit Cubits Foursquare Height High Hight Horns Length Piece Square Thereof Wide WidthJump to Next Altar Breadth Cubit Cubits Foursquare Height High Hight Horns Length Piece Square Thereof Wide WidthExodus 30 1. The altar of incense11. The ransom of souls 17. The bronze basin 22. The holy anointing oil 34. The composition of the incense It is to be square The altar's square shape signifies stability and balance, reflecting God's order and perfection. In biblical symbolism, the square often represents the earth and the four corners of the world, indicating the universality of God's presence and the comprehensive nature of His covenant with Israel. The square design also ensures uniformity and symmetry, which are important in the construction of sacred objects. a cubit long, a cubit wide and two cubits high Its horns must be of one piece Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, including the altar of incense, from God on Mount Sinai. 2. Tabernacle The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the altar of incense was to be placed. 3. Altar of Incense A sacred object within the Tabernacle, used for burning incense as a symbol of prayer and worship ascending to God. 4. Bezalel and Oholiab Skilled artisans appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the altar of incense. 5. Israelites The chosen people of God, who were to follow the laws and instructions given through Moses, including the use of the altar of incense in their worship practices. Teaching Points Symbolism of IncenseThe altar of incense represents the prayers of the people rising to God. Just as the incense was a pleasing aroma, our prayers should be sincere and pleasing to God. Holiness and Reverence The specific dimensions and design of the altar highlight the importance of approaching God with reverence and following His instructions carefully. Unity in Worship The altar's horns being of one piece with it signifies the unity and completeness required in our worship and dedication to God. Consistency in Prayer Just as the incense was to be burned regularly, our prayer life should be consistent and persistent, reflecting a continual relationship with God. Craftsmanship and Obedience The detailed construction of the altar underscores the value of using our skills and talents in obedience to God's commands and for His glory. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 30:2?2. How does Exodus 30:2's altar dimensions reflect God's attention to detail? 3. What is the significance of the altar's square shape in Exodus 30:2? 4. How does Exodus 30:2 connect to the broader theme of worship in Exodus? 5. How can we apply the principle of precise obedience from Exodus 30:2 today? 6. What does Exodus 30:2 teach about God's holiness and our approach to Him? 7. What is the significance of the altar's dimensions in Exodus 30:2 for worship practices? 8. How does Exodus 30:2 reflect God's attention to detail in religious observance? 9. Why does Exodus 30:2 specify acacia wood for the altar's construction? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 30? 11. What are the Biblical weights and measures? 12. What is the purpose of the Altar of Incense? 13. Why is the altar of burnt offering significant? 14. Exodus 25:23 - Why do later biblical accounts give no clear record of the table for the Bread of the Presence, suggesting a potential inconsistency or loss in Israel's history? What Does Exodus 30:2 Mean It is to be squareExodus 30:2 opens, “It is to be square.” God intentionally chose a shape with four equal sides, mirroring the bronze altar in Exodus 27:1 and foreshadowing the perfectly square New Jerusalem of Revelation 21:16. • A square communicates balance, order, and stability—qualities God desired in all aspects of Israel’s worship (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:33). • Symmetry also helped position the altar centrally before the veil (Exodus 30:6), ensuring the rising incense filled the Holy Place evenly. a cubit long “One cubit long” (about 18 in/45 cm) shows God’s concern for exact obedience (cf. Exodus 25:40). • The same unit governed the ark (Exodus 25:10) and table of showbread (Exodus 25:23), underscoring unity among the furnishings. • Precise length reminded the priests that God—not human whim—determines acceptable worship (Deuteronomy 12:32). a cubit wide “One cubit wide” matches the length, confirming the square footprint. • Uniform sides eliminated favoritism in service; priests approached from any direction, illustrating that all who are cleansed may draw near (Hebrews 10:22). • This measurement also ensured portability with poles (Exodus 30:4–5), keeping the altar usable in every wilderness camp (Numbers 9:17). and two cubits high The altar’s height, “two cubits,” doubled its length and width. • Elevated incense rose above other furnishings, picturing prayers ascending to God’s throne (Revelation 8:3–4). • The height kept the coals and incense in full view, reminding priests of continual intercession (Psalm 141:2). • It also matched the mercy seat’s approximate elevation once set on the ark (Exodus 25:21), hinting that prayer and atonement are inseparable (Hebrews 4:16). Its horns must be of one piece “Its horns must be of one piece” with the altar (cf. Exodus 27:2). • Horns symbolized strength and refuge; fugitives grabbed them seeking mercy (1 Kings 1:50). • Being “of one piece” meant no joints or seams—unity echoed in Christ, our flawless High Priest (Hebrews 7:26–27). • The horns were later smeared with blood on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 4:7), proclaiming that effective prayer rests on shed blood (Hebrews 9:22). summary Exodus 30:2 teaches that God cares about the smallest details of worship. The square shape, exact cubit measurements, elevated height, and seamless horns all point to order, accessibility, intercession, and atonement—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who brings our prayers before the Father with perfect strength and symmetry. (2) Foursquare shall it be.--Of the same shape with "the brazen altar" (Exodus 27:1), but much smaller--two cubits high instead of three cubits, and a cubit square at top instead of five cubits. This small space was ample for the burning of so precious a material, which could only be offered in small quantities.The horns thereof.--Comp. Exodus 27:2, and Note 1, ad loc. Shall be of the same--i.e., of one piece with the altar, not made separately, and then attached to it. Verse 2. - Four square shall it be. Like the altar of burnt-offering. See the comment on Exodus 27:1. Two cubits shall be the height thereof. Altars of this small size are often represented on ancient vases and other remains. (See Dr. Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities, pp. 117 and 1174.) The horns thereof. It seems to be assumed that an altar must have horns. Those of the altar of incense were to have the blood of certain sin-offerings smeared upon them (Leviticus 4:7, 18). Shall be of the same - i.e. "shall be of one piece with the top of the table" - not projections added to it. Compare Exodus 27:2.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew It is to beיִהְיֶ֔ה (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be square, רָב֣וּעַ (rā·ḇū·a‘) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular Strong's 7251: To be quadrate a cubit אַמָּ֨ה (’am·māh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 520: A mother, a cubit, a door-base long, אָרְכּ֜וֹ (’ā·rə·kōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 753: Length a cubit וְאַמָּ֤ה (wə·’am·māh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 520: A mother, a cubit, a door-base wide, רָחְבּוֹ֙ (rā·ḥə·bōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7341: Breadth, width and two cubits וְאַמָּתַ֖יִם (wə·’am·mā·ṯa·yim) Conjunctive waw | Noun - fd Strong's 520: A mother, a cubit, a door-base high. קֹמָת֑וֹ (qō·mā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6967: Height Its horns קַרְנֹתָֽיו׃ (qar·nō·ṯāw) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7161: A horn, a flask, cornet, an elephant's tooth, a corner, a peak, a ray, power must be of one piece. מִמֶּ֖נּוּ (mim·men·nū) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of Links Exodus 30:2 NIVExodus 30:2 NLT Exodus 30:2 ESV Exodus 30:2 NASB Exodus 30:2 KJV Exodus 30:2 BibleApps.com Exodus 30:2 Biblia Paralela Exodus 30:2 Chinese Bible Exodus 30:2 French Bible Exodus 30:2 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 30:2 Its length shall be a cubit (Exo. 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