Exodus 20:26
ESV
And you shall not go up by steps to my altar, that your nakedness be not exposed on it.’
NIV
And do not go up to my altar on steps, or your private parts may be exposed.’
NASB
And you shall not go up by steps to My altar, so that your nakedness will not be exposed on it.’
CSB
Do not go up to my altar on steps, so that your nakedness is not exposed on it.
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.
KJV
Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
NKJV
Nor shall you go up by steps to My altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed on it.’
What does Exodus 20:26 mean?
Proper altars, according to the Lord, were made of natural stones and dirt (Exodus 20:24–25). This prevented the site of worship from becoming a distraction. Just as man was not to carve images of gods (Exodus 20:3–6, 23), man was not to turn altars into objects of self-expression. Here, another restriction follows the same ideas.Prohibiting stairs or steps to the altar meant it could not be overly large. Rather than making massive, self-congratulating altars, Israel's sites were to be humble. A lack of stairs also prevented a priest or worshipper from being raised above others, risking exposure under their clothes.
God will provide details for a single altar of bronze and wood for use in the tabernacle (Exodus 27:1–8). Since this will not be built for some time, the people will need an appropriate means to offer sacrifice.
