Translations
Modern
Moreover, you are to build there an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones. You must not use any iron tool on them.
Traditional
And there shalt thou build an altar unto the Lord thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them.
Literal
And you shall build there an altar to YHWH your God, an altar of stones; you shall not wave over them iron.
Latin
…et ædificabis ibi altare Domino Deo tuo de lapidibus, quos ferrum non tetigit,
Original
Hebrew
English
Moreover, you are to build there an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones. You must not use any iron tool on them.
Notes
an altar of stones. You must not use any iron tool on them: Archaeological research has found many Canaanite altars made of cut blocks. In contrast, the Israelites were to build their altars only with rough stones from the field (Exodus 20:22–26; see “Altars” Theme Note).
Theme notes and profiles
Parallels
Glossary
Archaeology and the Bible Deuteronomy, Book of Education Idols, Idolatry Joshua (Person) Joshua, Book of Mount Ebal Worship
Topics
Altar: Built by Joshua Altar: Mosaic Commandments Prescribing the Construction of Altars: To be Made of Earth, or Unhewn Stone Curse: Curses of the Mosaic Law Instruction in Religion Law: Engraved Upon Monuments Obedience: Enjoined Pillar by Joshua, the Crossing of the Jordan River