Exodus – Chapter 27

Old Testament • 21 Verses

Chapter Summary

Exodus 27 opens with the words: "Thou shalt make also an altar of setim wood, which shall be five cubits long, and as many broad, that is four square, and three cubits high." Aaron stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 21 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and family and covenant relationships. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Thou shalt make also an altar of setim wood, which shall be five cubits long, and as many broad, that is four square, and three cubits high.

2And there shall be horns at the four corners of the same: and thou shalt cover it with brass.

3And thou shalt make for the uses thereof pans to receive the ashes, and tongs and fleshhooks, and firepans: all its vessels thou shalt make of brass.

4And a grate of brass in manner of a net; at the four corners of which, shall be four rings of brass,

5Which thou shalt put under the hearth of the altar: and the grate shall be even to the midst of the altar.

6Thou shalt make also two bars for the altar, of setim wood, which thou shalt cover with plates of brass:

7And thou shalt draw them through rings, and they shall be on both sides of the altar to carry it.

8Thou shalt not make it solid, but empty and hollow in the inside, as it was shewn thee in the mount.

9Thou shalt make also the court of the tabernacle, in the south side whereof southward there shall be hangings of fine twisted linen of a hundred cubits long for one side.

10And twenty pillars with as many sockets of brass, the heads of which, with their engraving, shall be of silver.

11In like manner also on the north side there shall be hangings of a hundred cubits long, twenty pillars, and as many sockets of brass, and their heads with their engraving of silver.

12But in the breadth of the court, that looketh to the west, there shall be hangings of fifty cubits, and ten pillars, and as many sockets.

13In that breadth also of the court, which looketh to the east, there shall be fifty cubits.

14In which there shall be for one side, hangings of fifteen cubits, and three pillars, and as many sockets.

15And in the other side, there shall be hangings of fifteen cubits, with three pillars, and as many sockets.

16And in the entrance of the court there shall be made a hanging of twenty cubits of violet and purple, and scarlet twice dyed, and fine twisted linen, with embroidered work: it shall have four pillars, with as many sockets.

17All the pillars of the court round about shall be garnished with plates of silver, silver heads, and sockets of brass.

18In length the court shall take up a hundred cubits, in breadth fifty, the height shall be of five cubits, and it shall be made of fine twisted linen, and shall have sockets of brass.

19All the vessels of the tabernacle for all uses and ceremonies, and the pins both of it and of the court, thou shalt make of brass.

20Command the children of Israel that they bring thee the purest oil of the olives, and beaten with a pestle: that a lamp may burn always,

21In the tabernacle of the testimony, without the veil that hangs before the testimony. And Aaron and his sons shall order it, that it may give light before the Lord until the morning. It shall be a perpetual observance throughout their successions among the children of Israel.

Important Verses in Exodus 27

“Thou shalt make also an altar of setim wood, which shall be five cubits long, and as many broad, that is four square, and three cubits high.”

Exodus 27:1

“Which thou shalt put under the hearth of the altar: and the grate shall be even to the midst of the altar.”

Exodus 27:5

“Thou shalt not make it solid, but empty and hollow in the inside, as it was shewn thee in the mount.”

Exodus 27:8

“In the tabernacle of the testimony, without the veil that hangs before the testimony. And Aaron and his sons shall order it, that it may give light before the Lord until the morning. It shall be a perpetual observance throughout their successions among the children of Israel. ”

Exodus 27:21

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Exodus was written with israel in every generation, commanded to remember the Passover as a perpetual memorial in view. Chapter 27 of 40 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a legal and cultic instruction given to Israel regarding worship, holiness, and daily life with 21 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Aaron appear at the center of the events recorded here. The chapter begins: "Thou shalt make also an altar of setim wood, which shall be five cubits long, and as many broad, that is four square,…" It concludes: "In the tabernacle of the testimony, without the veil that hangs before the testimony. And Aaron and his sons shall…" Read against its original backdrop, Exodus recounts the defining event of the Old Testament: God's liberation of Israel from slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh, most likely Ramesses II. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Describes events of the 13th century BC; reached final written form between the 10th and 5th centuries BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Moses, with later inspired editing

When It Was Written

Describes events of the 13th century BC; reached final written form between the 10th and 5th centuries BC

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, Exodus 27 delivers commandments and ritual instructions given under the old covenant. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Thou shalt make also an altar of setim wood, which shall be five cubits long, and as many broad, that is four square, and three cubits high." The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 2105). Here, the Church sees the Exodus as prefiguring Baptism and the Eucharist (CIC 1221, 1363). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize worship and praise as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God delivers His people from slavery. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Exodus 27 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • ✓From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.

People in This Chapter

Aaron1 mention

Reflection for Today

Exodus Chapter 27, containing 21 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 2215). Here the emphasis falls on lectio divina and meditation on God's Word, which shapes how the Church understands liberation, law, and worship.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of lectio divina and meditation on God's Word bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Exodus Chapter 27 about?

Exodus 27 contains 21 verses. It opens with "Thou shalt make also an altar of setim wood, which shall be five cubits long, and as many broad, that is four square,…" and closes with "In the tabernacle of the testimony, without the veil that hangs before the testimony. And Aaron and his sons shall…". The book as a whole is narrative, law, and liturgical instruction.

What is a key verse in Exodus 27?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Thou shalt make also an altar of setim wood, which shall be five cubits long, and as many broad, that is four square, and three cubits high." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Exodus Chapter 27?

This chapter mentions Aaron.

Who wrote Exodus and when?

Traditionally attributed to Moses, with later inspired editing. Describes events of the 13th century BC; reached final written form between the 10th and 5th centuries BC.

Related Chapters

Leviticus 7Shares people and themes with this chapterNumbers 4Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Chronicles 6Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises🙏Prayer for the Family🙏Novena to the Holy Family

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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