### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term mizbêach (`{{H4196}}`) is a masculine noun derived from the verbal root zâbach (`{{H2076}}`), meaning "to slaughter, sacrifice, kill." Consequently, mizbêach literally signifies "a place of slaughter" or "a place for sacrifice." Its semantic range is singularly focused on the concept of an "altar," a raised structure or platform used for offering sacrifices or burning incense to a deity. In the biblical context, this primarily refers to altars dedicated to Yahweh, though it can also denote altars erected for foreign gods. The term encompasses both the large altar of burnt offering (often called the "bronze altar") and the smaller altar of incense (the "golden altar") within the Tabernacle and Temple complexes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word mizbêach (`{{H4196}}`) appears extensively throughout the Old Testament, with its first occurrence in [[Genesis 8:20]] where Noah builds an altar to the Lord after the flood. This initial use sets a pattern for the patriarchs, who frequently constructed altars as acts of worship, markers of divine encounters, and places for covenant ratification. Abraham built altars at Shechem ([[Genesis 12:7]]), Bethel ([[Genesis 12:8]], [[Genesis 13:4]]), and Moriah ([[Genesis 22:9]]). Isaac ([[Genesis 26:25]]) and Jacob ([[Genesis 33:20]], [[Genesis 35:1]], [[Genesis 35:3]], [[Genesis 35:7]]) likewise erected altars. These early altars were often simple structures of earth or unhewn stones, as prescribed in [[Exodus 20:24-26]], emphasizing their natural, unadorned function as a meeting place with God.
With the establishment of the Mosaic Law, the design and function of altars became highly regulated. The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, featured two principal altars:
1. **The Altar of Burnt Offering:** Located in the outer court ([[Exodus 27:1-8]], [[Exodus 38:1-7]]), this large altar was made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze. It was the primary site for animal sacrifices, symbolizing atonement for sin and the consecration of the worshiper. The blood of the sacrifice was often applied to its horns ([[Leviticus 4:7]]).
2. **The Altar of Incense:** Situated in the Holy Place, before the veil ([[Exodus 30:1-10]], [[Exodus 37:25-28]]), this smaller altar was made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. Incense was burned daily upon it, symbolizing the prayers of the saints ascending to God ([[Psalm 141:2]], [[Revelation 8:3-4]]).
The biblical narrative also highlights the stark contrast between altars dedicated to Yahweh and those erected for idolatrous purposes. The Law strictly prohibited and commanded the destruction of pagan altars ([[Exodus 34:13]], [[Deuteronomy 7:5]], [[Deuteronomy 12:3]]). Prophets and kings often demonstrated their faithfulness by tearing down these illicit altars ([[Judges 6:25-26]], [[1 Kings 18:30]], [[2 Kings 23:12]]). In rare instances, mizbêach can be used metaphorically, as in [[Isaiah 6:6]], where a seraph takes a live coal "from the altar," likely referring to the divine presence and purification.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning and function of mizbêach (`{{H4196}}`) are deeply intertwined with several other key biblical terms:
* **zâbach (`{{H2076}}`):** The verbal root from which mizbêach is derived, meaning "to slaughter, sacrifice." This highlights the primary activity performed at the altar.
* **qorbân (`{{H7133}}`):** "Offering, sacrifice, gift." This term refers to the objects or animals brought *to* the altar for dedication or atonement.
* **'olah (`{{H5930}}`):** "Burnt offering." A specific type of sacrifice entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication.
* **minchah (`{{H4503}}`):** "Grain offering, tribute." Often accompanied animal sacrifices, also offered on the altar.
* **dam (`{{H1818}}`):** "Blood." A crucial element in the sacrificial system, often applied to the altar's horns, symbolizing life given for atonement.
* **kâphar (`{{H3722}}`):** "To atone, make atonement, cover." The purpose of many sacrifices performed at the altar, signifying the covering or expiation of sin.
* **mishkan (`{{H4908}}`):** "Tabernacle, dwelling place." The portable sanctuary where the altars were central to Israel's worship.
* **hekal (`{{H1964}}`):** "Temple, palace." The permanent structure that replaced the Tabernacle, also featuring prominent altars.
* **qodesh (`{{H6944}}`):** "Holiness, sacredness." The altars were consecrated objects, and anything touching them became holy ([[Exodus 29:37]]), underscoring their sacred function.
### Theological Significance
The mizbêach (`{{H4196}}`) holds profound theological significance, serving as a multifaceted symbol and instrument of divine-human interaction:
* **Point of Divine Encounter:** From the earliest patriarchal narratives, altars marked places where God revealed Himself, spoke to His people, and entered into covenant with them. They were sacred spaces where the earthly met the divine.
* **Means of Atonement and Reconciliation:** The altar of burnt offering was central to the sacrificial system, which provided a divinely ordained means for dealing with sin. The shedding of blood upon the altar visually and experientially taught the principle that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" ([[Hebrews 9:22]]). It symbolized the substitutionary nature of sacrifice, where an innocent life was given for the guilty, allowing for reconciliation with a holy God.
* **Expression of Worship and Consecration:** Building and utilizing an altar was an act of worship, an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, gratitude for His blessings, and a dedication of oneself and one's possessions to Him. It was a place for prayer, praise, and the renewal of covenant vows.
* **Symbol of Purity and Holiness:** The altars themselves were consecrated and considered holy, sanctifying whatever touched them. This emphasized the absolute holiness of God and the necessity of purity and separation for those who would approach Him.
* **Foreshadowing of Christ's Sacrifice:** The Old Testament altars and their associated sacrifices are widely understood as powerful types and shadows pointing to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([[John 1:29]]), and His cross serves as the ultimate "altar" where the once-for-all atonement was accomplished ([[Hebrews 9:26]], [[Hebrews 13:10]]). The incense altar, with its ascending smoke of prayer, can be seen as a type of Christ's intercession for His people and the prayers of the saints offered through Him.
### Summary
The Hebrew word mizbêach (`{{H4196}}`) denotes an "altar," a sacred structure derived from the verb "to sacrifice." From the rudimentary altars of the patriarchs, which marked divine encounters and acts of worship, to the meticulously prescribed bronze and golden altars of the Tabernacle and Temple, the mizbêach served as the indispensable focal point for Israel's worship and sacrificial system. It was the designated place for the offering of sacrifices, symbolizing atonement, consecration, and communion with a holy God. The altars underscored the gravity of sin, the necessity of blood atonement, and God's gracious provision for reconciliation. Theologically, the mizbêach stands as a profound prefigurement of the cross of Jesus Christ, the ultimate altar upon which the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice was offered, securing eternal atonement and providing access to God for all who believe.
TRV