Exodus 20:26 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And you shall not go up by steps to my altar, that your nakedness be not exposed on it.’

NIV: And do not go up to my altar on steps, or your private parts may be exposed.’

NASB: And you shall not go up by steps to My altar, so that your nakedness will not be exposed on it.’

CSB: Do not go up to my altar on steps, so that your nakedness is not exposed on it.

NLT: And do not approach my altar by going up steps. If you do, someone might look up under your clothing and see your nakedness.

KJV: Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.

NKJV: Nor shall you go up by steps to My altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed on it.’

Proper altars, according to the Lord, were made of natural stones and dirt (Exodus 20:24–25). This prevented the site of worship from becoming a distraction. Just as man was not to carve images of gods (Exodus 20:3–6, 23), man was not to turn altars into objects of self-expression. Here, another restriction follows the same ideas.

Prohibiting stairs or steps to the altar meant it could not be overly large. Rather than making massive, self-congratulating altars, Israel's sites were to be humble. A lack of stairs also prevented a priest or worshipper from being raised above others, risking exposure under their clothes.

God will provide details for a single altar of bronze and wood for use in the tabernacle (Exodus 27:1–8). Since this will not be built for some time, the people will need an appropriate means to offer sacrifice.

Exodus 20:22–26 records more details about God's covenant laws. The ones listed here reiterate the prohibition of idolatry and give instructions on how to create a proper altar. The Lord commands that His altars be made of earth or un-worked stones. They must be placed so they can be approached without using stairs. These requirements echo other laws emphasizing God's status as a holy Creator.

At Mount Sinai, God begins declaring the laws of His covenant with Israel. The first of these are the Ten Commandments. These establish core principles intended to guide the Lord's chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6). Further details will come in other chapters and books. This chapter ends with specifics about altars and idols. The following chapters will address various social and civil issues (Exodus 21—23)

Centuries after being enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1), Israel has been freed (Exodus 12). God leads the people across the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and into the wilderness of Sinai (Exodus 17—19). Here, He will give them laws which distinguish them from other nations. The first of these are the renowned Ten Commandments. The Lord will continue to provide details and statutes (Exodus 21—23) before confirming the covenant (Exodus 24) and establishing regulations for the tabernacle and priests (Exodus 25—31).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 6/30/2025 6:24:59 PM