Bible Dictionary
Altar
An altar is a structure or place for sacrifice and worship. Scripture describes simple earth or stone altars, the tabernacle and temple altars of burnt offering and incense, and the altar as a figure associated with Christ’s sacrifice and prayer.
Biblical Usage
Altars were erected by Noah, the patriarchs, Moses, and others for sacrifice, worship, or memorial purposes. The altar of burnt offering was central to tabernacle and temple worship. The altar of incense symbolized prayer, and Hebrews uses altar language in relation to Christ’s sacrifice. Paul used an Athenian altar to proclaim the true God.
Scripture References
Exodus 20:24
Genesis 22:9
Ezekiel 6:3
2 Kings 23:12
2 Kings 16:4
2 Kings 23:8
Acts 14:13
Hebrews 13:10
Acts 17:23
Genesis 8:20
Genesis 12:7
Genesis 13:4
Genesis 26:25
Exodus 17:15
Exodus 30:28
Exodus 39:39
Malachi 1:7
Exodus 27:1-8
Exodus 29:12
Leviticus 4:18
Exodus 27:3
1 Samuel 2:13
1 Samuel 2:14
Leviticus 16:12
Numbers 16:6
Numbers 16:7
2 Chronicles 4:1
1 Kings 8:22
1 Kings 8:64
2 Chronicles 15:8
2 Kings 16:14
Jeremiah 52:17
Ezra 3:3
Ezra 3:6
1Macc 4:47
Leviticus 6:9
1 Chronicles 21:22
Exodus 30:1-10
Numbers 4:11
Psalms 141:2
Revelation 5:8
Revelation 8:3
Revelation 8:4
Exodus 37:25
Exodus 37:26
1 Kings 6:20
1 Kings 7:48
Ezekiel 41:22
Exodus 30:1-6
1Macc 1:23
1Macc 4:49
Hebrews 9
Luke 1:11
Isaiah 6:6
Genesis 13:18
Genesis 35:1
Exodus 17:16
Exodus 20:25
Exodus 27:1
Exodus 38:1
Exodus 27:8
Exodus 27:2
Psalms 118:27
Exodus 20:26
Exodus 40:29
2 Chronicles 7:7
Leviticus 6:12
Leviticus 6:13
Exodus 38:30
Exodus 30:6
Exodus 40:5
1 Chronicles 28:18