Exodus 20:26 kjv

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

Exodus 20:26 nkjv

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

Exodus 20:26 niv

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

Exodus 20:26 esv

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

Exodus 20:26 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.

Exodus 20 verses

Exodus 20 26 Meaning

Exodus 20:26 instructs the Israelites, particularly the priests, not to build or approach the altar using steps, to prevent their "nakedness" from being exposed. This command underscores God's demand for modesty, purity, and holiness in worship. It contrasts with potential pagan practices and ensures reverence in the sacred space where God meets His people, even addressing the practicalities of priestly attire in a solemn act of worship.

Exodus 20 26 Context

Exodus chapter 20 delivers the Ten Commandments (vv. 1-17), serving as the foundational moral and spiritual laws for Israel. Immediately following these commandments, God provides specific instructions for worship, beginning with the construction of altars (vv. 24-26). These verses, known as "The Altar Laws," are the very first ceremonial instructions given to the Israelites, even before the detailed specifications for the Tabernacle. They address how a holy God is to be approached. The specific instruction in verse 26, forbidding steps to the altar to prevent exposed "nakedness," emphasizes God's immediate concern for reverence, purity, and decency in sacred worship. This regulation set the Israelite worship apart from common ancient Near Eastern cultic practices, some of which might have involved explicit or immodest acts, ensuring that God's people would worship Him distinctively and without defilement. The context foreshadows the extensive laws regarding priestly attire and conduct that would be revealed later.

Exodus 20 26 Word analysis

• Neither shalt thou go up (וְלֹֽא־תַעֲלֶ֖ה wə·lō- ta·‘ă·leh): This is a direct, imperative prohibition. The verb "go up" (עלה ‘alāh) is common for ascending a height. Its prohibition here refers specifically to a structural method of ascending the altar, indicating a design choice with religious implications.
• by steps (בְמַעֲלֹ֔ת bə·ma·‘ă·lōth): The Hebrew word maʿaloth means "steps," "stairs," or "ascents." This specifies the forbidden method of reaching the top of the altar. The implication is that a ramp would be acceptable, as it would allow for a continuous ascent without the problematic exposure. Altars were often elevated to be seen.
• unto mine altar (עַל־מִזְבְּחִ֖י ‘al-miz·bə·ḥî): "Altar" (מִזְבַּח mizbeaḥ) is a place for sacrifice, derived from a root meaning "to slaughter." The possessive "mine" (or "my") signifies God's ownership and sanctity of this holy object, emphasizing His divine presence there and therefore the strictures for approaching it.
• that thy nakedness (לֹֽא־תִגָּלֶ֥ה עֶרְוָתֶֽךָ lo’ tiq·qa·leh ‘er·wā·ṯe·ḵā): "Nakedness" (‘erwāh) implies shame, exposure, indecency, or impurity. It's not merely physical nudity but an impropriety that brings dishonor. It can signify spiritual disgrace (e.g., in Prophetic literature regarding a nation's sins).
  This phrase connects directly to the purpose of the prohibition: "nakedness" here refers to the potential exposure of the lower body, particularly in ancient times when common attire (long robes) could part when one lifted a leg to ascend steps.
• be not discovered thereon (lo’ tiq·qa·leh - "be not uncovered/revealed"): The verb gālâ means "to uncover, reveal, expose." The passive voice emphasizes the unwanted consequence of approaching via steps. This act of "discovering nakedness" was associated with defilement and shame in biblical law. The very act of worship required decency and purity before a holy God.

Exodus 20 26 Bonus section

• Contrast with Paganism: This command implicitly served as a polemic against common pagan religious practices in the ancient Near East. Some pagan cults involved ritual nudity or sexually charged acts as part of their fertility rites, often on "high places" or altars with steps. God's specific instruction to Israel set them apart, demanding purity and decency that starkly contrasted with such defiled worship. Israel's worship was to be singularly holy, reflecting the purity of their God.
• Architectural Implications: While steps were forbidden, the tabernacle's Brazen Altar and later Solomon's Temple altar were elevated (e.g., 1 Kgs 8:22 refers to ascending steps to the platform for worship, not necessarily the altar itself). Commentaries suggest that instead of steps, ramps would have been used to reach these elevated altars. Ramps allowed a continuous ascent without causing the outer garment to separate and reveal the legs.
• Foundation of Holiness Laws: This initial altar law highlights that reverence and respect for God are paramount. It's not just about grand rituals but the very practical details of how His servants present themselves. It forms a theological foundation for all subsequent purity laws and instructions for sacred space and attire, reinforcing the absolute holiness of God and the decorum expected of those who serve Him.

Exodus 20 26 Commentary

Exodus 20:26 serves as a foundational command regarding the proper approach to God in worship. Following the declaration of the Ten Commandments, this verse emphasizes the holiness and purity required when man draws near to God's presence, specifically at the altar. The prohibition against using steps to ascend the altar was primarily practical, given the traditional flowing robes worn by men in that culture. Climbing steps would naturally cause such garments to rise and reveal the legs or lower body, which was considered indecent and immodest in the sacred context of worship before a holy God. The subsequent provision of linen breeches for the priests (Exo 28:42-43; Ezek 44:17-18) confirms this interpretation, as these garments were explicitly designed "to cover their nakedness."

Beyond the practical concern, this command carries profound spiritual symbolism. "Nakedness" in the Bible often signifies vulnerability, shame, defilement, or spiritual impurity. For example, Adam and Eve felt shame at their nakedness after the Fall (Gen 3:7), and spiritual "nakedness" signifies lack of righteousness or spiritual poverty (Rev 3:18). Therefore, approaching God without covering one's nakedness implicitly meant approaching Him in an immodest, shameful, or even defiant manner, contrasting with the required reverence and holiness. This instruction establishes a precedent for approaching God with utmost respect, covering physical and symbolic nakedness, and reflecting His holiness in every detail of worship. It illustrates that God is concerned not only with the heart of worship but also with the conduct, appearance, and reverence shown in His sacred space. This foreshadows the spiritual truth that we must be covered by Christ's righteousness when we approach God, lest our own spiritual "nakedness" (sinfulness) be exposed.