What number verse is Exodus 27:5 in the Bible?

Exodus 27:5 is the 2,278th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Exodus 27:5 sits at position 2,278.

27:427:4

Exodus 27:5

Q: What was the purpose of the "compass" or ledge mentioned in the verse?

The "compass" (Hebrew: karkôb') refers to an internal ledge or rim within the altar's structure. Its primary purpose was to provide a stable support system for the bronze grating, allowing it to be suspended or rest securely at the specified height. Exodus 27:5 indicates that the grating was to be placed "under the compass," meaning it was to be situated beneath this internal ledge. This structural element was crucial for maintaining the grating's precise position, ensuring the proper ventilation and burning of the sacrifices, and facilitating the collection of ashes below. All these functions were vital for the altar's continuous and ritually correct operation within the Israelite sacrificial system, highlighting the interconnectedness of all its divinely designed components.

27:627:6

Translation

King James Version

And thou shalt put it under the compass of the altar beneath, that the net may be even to the midst of the altar.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt put ^H5414 it under the compass ^H3749 of the altar ^H4196 beneath ^H4295, that the net ^H7568 may be even to ^H5704 the midst ^H2677 of the altar ^H4196.

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Complete Jewish Bible

Put it under the rim of the altar, so that the netting reaches halfway up the altar.

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Berean Standard Bible

Set the grate beneath the ledge of the altar, so that the mesh comes halfway up the altar.

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American Standard Version

And thou shalt put it under the ledge round the altar beneath, that the net may reach halfway up the altar.

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World English Bible Messianic

You shall put it under the ledge around the altar beneath, that the net may reach halfway up the altar.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And thou shalt put it vnder the compasse of the altar beneath, that the grate may be in the middes of the altar.

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Young's Literal Translation

and hast put it under the compass of the altar beneath, and the net hath been unto the middle of the altar.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Exodus 27:5 provides a meticulous divine instruction for the precise placement of the bronze grating within the Altar of Burnt Offering. This verse specifies that the grating, a crucial component for supporting sacrifices and allowing for the collection of ashes, was to be positioned beneath an internal rim, extending exactly to the midpoint of the altar's height. This detailed directive underscores God's demand for absolute precision, holiness, and functional perfection in the Tabernacle's construction, highlighting the sacred order required for Israelite worship and the profound significance of every element within the divinely ordained sacrificial system.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Exodus 27:5 is situated within a comprehensive block of divine instructions, Exodus 25, Exodus 26, Exodus 27, Exodus 28, Exodus 29, Exodus 30, Exodus 31, where the Lord meticulously dictates the design and construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings to Moses. Specifically, this verse elaborates on the Altar of Burnt Offering, whose general specifications are introduced in Exodus 27:1-3. Following the description of the altar's dimensions and materials, Exodus 27:4 introduces the "grating of network of brass," and verse 5 then precisely details its internal placement. This progression from the general to the highly specific demonstrates the exhaustive nature of God's architectural blueprint, leaving no aspect of the sacred space to human conjecture or improvisation.
Historical & Cultural Context: The instructions for the Tabernacle were given to the Israelites shortly after their miraculous exodus from Egypt and the establishment of the covenant at Mount Sinai. As a nomadic people, the Tabernacle served as God's portable dwelling place, symbolizing His immediate presence among them and providing a central, divinely appointed location for worship, sacrifice, and atonement. The Altar of Burnt Offering was the primary interface for the common Israelite with the sacrificial system, where animal offerings were made to atone for sin, as meticulously prescribed in Leviticus 1. While altars were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, the Israelite altar was distinct in its divine origin and purpose. The meticulous instructions, down to the internal grating's exact placement in Exodus 27:5, ensured that the Tabernacle was not a human invention but a divinely ordained sanctuary, set apart from pagan practices and emphasizing the absolute holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Divine Precision and Order, evident in God's exhaustive and uncompromising architectural directives for the Tabernacle, reflecting His own orderly and holy character. The instructions emphasize Holiness and Separation, as every detail of the Tabernacle, including the altar, was designed to facilitate a consecrated approach to a holy God, distinct from common or profane spaces. Furthermore, the altar itself is central to the theme of Atonement and Reconciliation, providing the means for sinful humanity to find forgiveness and fellowship with God through prescribed sacrifices. The meticulous design, including the grating's placement, ensured the altar's functional efficacy for this vital purpose, underscoring the seriousness and specificity of God's provision for dealing with sin.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

put (Hebrew, nâthan', H5414): This primitive root is remarkably versatile, meaning "to give," but used with a wide latitude of application, including "to place," "to set," or "to appoint." In this context, it signifies the deliberate and authoritative act of positioning the grating. The divine command to "put" it in a specific place underscores the intentionality and non-negotiable nature of God's instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, leaving no room for human discretion in its assembly.
compass (Hebrew, karkôb', H3749): This term refers to a rim, ledge, or top margin, specifically a structural projection or shelf within the altar. It denotes an integral part of the altar's internal framework designed to support or suspend the bronze grating. The mention of the "compass" highlights the intricate design of the altar, where one component was precisely fitted in relation to another to ensure the overall structural integrity and functional efficiency of the sacred apparatus.
midst (Hebrew, chêtsîy', H2677): Derived from a root meaning "to divide" or "to halve," this word precisely indicates the exact middle or half. In the context of the altar, it specifies the vertical placement of the grating at precisely half the total height of the altar. This precise measurement was not arbitrary but crucial for the optimal operation of the altar, ensuring proper ventilation for complete combustion of sacrifices and efficient collection of ashes, thereby maintaining the ritual purity and functional effectiveness of the sacrificial process.

Verse Breakdown

"And thou shalt put it under the compass of the altar beneath": This phrase conveys a direct command to Moses, instructing the placement of the bronze grating (the "net" mentioned in Exodus 27:4) within the altar's structure. "Under the compass" indicates that the grating was to be suspended from or rest upon an internal ledge or rim, positioned below the altar's upper edge. The word "beneath" further emphasizes its lower, internal positioning within the altar's hollow framework, ensuring it was not visible from the top but served its function internally.
"that the net may be even to the midst of the altar": This clause specifies the exact vertical dimension for the grating's installation. The "net," or bronze grating, was to be positioned precisely at the halfway point of the altar's total height. This meticulous detail underscores God's demand for absolute precision in the Tabernacle's construction, ensuring that every component was perfectly aligned and functioned optimally according to His divine design for the sacrificial system, facilitating the proper burning of offerings and management of ashes.

Literary Devices

The most prominent literary device in Exodus 27:5, characteristic of the entire Tabernacle blueprint, is Architectural Exactitude or Divine Precision. The highly prescriptive and technical language, detailing the precise placement of an internal component ("under the compass... even to the midst"), emphasizes God's meticulous attention to every minute detail. This is not merely a construction manual but a theological declaration: God is a God of perfect order, absolute holiness, and intentional design. The Repetition of specific measurements, materials, and placement instructions throughout Exodus 25, Exodus 26, Exodus 27, Exodus 28, Exodus 29, Exodus 30, Exodus 31 reinforces this theme, underscoring the non-negotiable nature of divine revelation. Furthermore, the altar itself functions as profound Symbolism, representing the divinely appointed place of atonement and reconciliation between a holy God and sinful humanity. The exactness of its construction, down to the grating's precise placement, symbolizes the absolute necessity of adhering to God's prescribed way for worship and salvation, foreshadowing the perfect and precise sacrifice of Christ.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Exodus 27:5, despite its technical nature, profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of order, holiness, and intentionality. The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle, down to the precise placement of an internal grating, reveal that every detail of worship and atonement is divinely ordained and significant. This precision underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of approaching a holy God on His terms, not human ones. It also highlights the functional perfection required for the sacrificial system to operate effectively, pointing to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice to come, which would perfectly fulfill all these types and shadows.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The seemingly minute detail of Exodus 27:5 invites us to ponder the profound implications of God's meticulous nature. If the Creator of the universe cares so deeply about the exact positioning of a bronze grating within an altar, how much more does He care about the details of our lives, our worship, and our obedience? This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial engagement with God, encouraging a deeper reverence and intentionality in all aspects of our faith. It reminds us that true worship is not about human preference or convenience, but about conforming to God's revealed will and design. Just as the altar was perfectly constructed for its sacred purpose, so too are we called to live lives of intentional holiness, recognizing that God's design for us is precise and purposeful, leading to effective service and genuine communion with Him. This level of divine care should inspire both awe and a diligent pursuit of His perfect will in our daily walk.

Questions for Reflection

What does God's attention to such minute details in the Tabernacle's construction reveal about His character and His expectations for our worship today?
How does the principle of divine precision in Exodus 27:5 challenge our own approach to obedience and intentionality in our spiritual lives?
In what ways might we be tempted to overlook or disregard "small" details in our faith or service, and what might be the consequences of such neglect?

FAQ

Why was the bronze grating placed precisely in the middle of the altar?

Answer: The precise placement of the bronze grating "even to the midst of the altar" (Exodus 27:5) served several crucial practical and symbolic purposes. Practically, positioning it at the midpoint ensured optimal airflow around the sacrificial offerings, facilitating their complete and efficient combustion and preventing them from being smothered. This was essential for the continuous and proper functioning of the sacrificial system. It also allowed ashes and other remnants to fall through to a collection point below, keeping the primary burning surface clear. Symbolically, this exactitude underscored the divine origin and perfect design of the Tabernacle. Every detail was divinely ordained, emphasizing the holiness of the sacred space and the seriousness of the atonement process conducted there. It reflected God's desire for order, perfection, and adherence to His specific will in all matters pertaining to His worship.

What was the purpose of the "compass" or ledge mentioned in the verse?

Answer: The "compass" (Hebrew: karkôb') refers to an internal ledge or rim within the altar's structure. Its primary purpose was to provide a stable support system for the bronze grating, allowing it to be suspended or rest securely at the specified height. Exodus 27:5 indicates that the grating was to be placed "under the compass," meaning it was to be situated beneath this internal ledge. This structural element was crucial for maintaining the grating's precise position, ensuring the proper ventilation and burning of the sacrifices, and facilitating the collection of ashes below. All these functions were vital for the altar's continuous and ritually correct operation within the Israelite sacrificial system, highlighting the interconnectedness of all its divinely designed components.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Exodus 27:5, with its precise instruction for the Altar of Burnt Offering, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The altar, where animal sacrifices were meticulously prepared and consumed by fire for atonement, served as a powerful type of Christ's singular, perfect, and all-sufficient sacrifice. Just as the bronze grating was precisely positioned to ensure the effective burning of offerings for atonement, so too was Christ's sacrifice on the cross perfectly ordained and executed according to God's divine plan. His death was not a random event but a meticulously prepared act of redemption, the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The exactness of the altar's construction foreshadowed the absolute perfection and efficacy of Christ's atonement, which needed no repetition (Hebrews 10:10). Through His blood, shed once for all, we now have bold access to the Father, fulfilling the purpose that the physical altar could only symbolize. The meticulous details of the Old Covenant altar point to the flawless and complete work of our High Priest, Jesus, who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins, providing eternal redemption.

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Commentary on Exodus 27 verses 1–8

1 ¶ And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.

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.

3 And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make of brass.

4 And thou shalt make for it a grate of network of brass; and upon the net shalt thou make four brasen rings in the four corners thereof.

5 And thou shalt put it under the compass of the altar beneath, that the net may be even to the midst of the altar.

6 And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with brass.

7 And the staves shall be put into the rings, and the staves shall be upon the two sides of the altar, to bear it.

8 Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the mount, so shall they make it.

As God intended in the tabernacle to manifest his presence among his people, so there they were to pay their devotions to him, not in the tabernacle itself (into that only the priests entered as God's domestic servants), but in the court before the tabernacle, where, as common subjects, they attended. There an altar was ordered to be set up, to which they must bring their sacrifices, and on which their priests must offer them to God: and this altar was to sanctify their gifts. Here they were to present their services to God, as from the mercy-seat he gave his oracles to them; and thus a communion was settled between God and Israel. Moses is here directed about, 1. The dimensions of it; it was square, Exo 27:1. 2. The horns of it (Exo 27:2), which were for ornament and for use; the sacrifices were bound with cords to the horns of the altar, and to them malefactors fled for refuge. 3. The materials; it was of wood overlaid with brass, Exo 27:1, Exo 27:2. 4. The appurtenances of it (Exo 27:3), which were all of brass. 5. The grate, which was let into the hollow of the altar, about the middle of it, in which the fire was kept, and the sacrifice burnt; it was made of network like a sieve, and hung hollow, that the fire might burn the better, and that the ashes might fall through into the hollow of the altar, Exo 27:4, Exo 27:5. 6. The staves with which it must be carried, Exo 27:6, Exo 27:7. And, lastly, he is referred to the pattern shown him, Exo 27:8.

Now this brazen altar was a type of Christ dying to make atonement for our sins: the wood would have been consumed by the fire from heaven if it had not been secured by the brass; nor could the human nature of Christ have borne the wrath of God if it had not been supported by a divine power. Christ sanctified himself for his church, as their altar (Joh 17:19), and by his mediation sanctifies the daily services of his people, who have also a right to eat of this altar (Heb 13:10), for they serve at it as spiritual priests. To the horns of this altar poor sinners fly for refuge when justice pursues them, and they are safe in virtue of the sacrifice there offered.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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