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Deuteronomy 27:6 - Whole stones, whole devotion?

Deuteronomy 27:6 - דברים 27:6

Hebrew Text

אֲבָנִים שְׁלֵמוֹת תִּבְנֶה אֶת־מִזְבַּח יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ וְהַעֲלִיתָ עָלָיו עוֹלֹת לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ׃

English Translation

Thou shalt build the altar of the Lord thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer burnt offerings upon it to the Lord thy God:

Transliteration

Avanim shlemot tivneh et-mizbeach Adonai Elohecha vehaalita alav olot la'Adonai Elohecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֲבָנִ֤ים שְׁלֵמוֹת֙ תִּבְנֶ֔ה אֶת־מִזְבַּ֖ח יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ וְהַעֲלִ֤יתָ עָלָיו֙ עוֹלֹ֔ת לַיהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃
אֲבָנִ֤ים שְׁלֵמוֹת֙ תִּבְנֶ֔ה אֶת־מִזְבַּ֖ח יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ וְהַעֲלִ֤יתָ עָלָיו֙ עוֹלֹ֔ת לַיהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Commandment of Whole Stones

The verse (Devarim 27:6) commands that the altar be built from whole stones (אֲבָנִים שְׁלֵמוֹת), without any iron tool shaping them. Rashi explains that iron shortens life, while the altar prolongs life (by facilitating atonement), so it is improper to wield iron upon the stones. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:14) further elaborates that even if a stone was accidentally chipped, it becomes invalid for altar use, emphasizing the requirement for wholeness.

Symbolism of Wholeness

The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 11) teaches that the unhewn stones represent unity and peace—just as the stones are whole, so too should the Jewish people strive for harmony. The altar, which brings atonement and draws people closer to Hashem, must reflect this ideal. The Sforno adds that using natural, untouched stones signifies that the sanctity of the altar comes solely from divine command, not human craftsmanship.

The Purpose of Burnt Offerings

The verse concludes with the instruction to offer burnt offerings (עוֹלֹת) upon the altar. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) explains that korbanot (offerings) serve as a means to direct human inclination toward divine service. The Olah offering, wholly consumed by fire, symbolizes complete devotion to Hashem. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the altar's construction and its use for offerings are interconnected—both require purity and sincerity.

  • Halachic Implications: The Gemara (Sotah 48a) derives from this verse that any altar built outside the Mishkan or Beit HaMikdash must follow these same rules of unhewn stones.
  • Moral Lesson: The Chofetz Chaim teaches that just as the stones must be whole, a person's service to Hashem must be complete—without division in heart or action.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Middot 33b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the construction of the Temple altar, emphasizing the requirement for whole stones without iron tools.
📖 Sotah 48a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the proper materials and methods for building altars, connecting it to broader Temple service laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah command us to use whole stones for the altar?
A: Rashi explains that using whole, unhewn stones for the altar teaches us that the sanctity comes from serving Hashem, not from human craftsmanship. Iron tools, which are often used for war and destruction, should not touch the altar, symbolizing peace and devotion to Hashem (Devarim 27:5-6, Rashi).
Q: What is the significance of offering burnt offerings on the altar?
A: Burnt offerings (עולות) represent complete dedication to Hashem, as the entire offering is consumed by fire on the altar. The Rambam teaches that sacrifices are meant to inspire us to reflect on our actions and draw closer to Hashem through repentance and service (Guide for the Perplexed 3:46).
Q: Does this verse still apply today if we don’t have the Temple?
A: While we cannot currently bring sacrifices without the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), the principles behind this mitzvah remain relevant. The Talmud teaches that prayer has replaced sacrifices in exile (Berachot 26a), and we should strive for the same sincerity and devotion in our tefillot (prayers) as in the offerings.
Q: Why is the altar specifically mentioned as belonging to 'Hashem your God'?
A: The phrase 'Hashem your God' emphasizes the personal relationship between the Jewish people and Hashem. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that the altar is a place of connection, where we acknowledge Hashem’s presence in our lives and seek atonement and closeness to Him.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the commandment to build the altar with whole stones?
A: The unhewn stones teach us that serving Hashem does not require perfection in human terms—what matters is sincerity and wholeness of heart. Just as the stones are complete in their natural state, our avodah (service) should be genuine and unaltered by arrogance or artificiality (based on Kli Yakar, Devarim 27:6).