Mannora Bible
Back to Bible dictionary

Objects & worship

Altar

A raised or designated place where offerings were presented to God.

Also called · place of sacrifice

What it means

Biblical altars could be built of earth or uncut stones and were used for sacrifices and offerings.

Before the tabernacle, figures such as Noah and Abraham built altars in response to God.

How it appears in the Bible

Later Israelite worship distinguished the altar for animal offerings from the altar used for incense.

Translation note

The general word “altar” includes several structures with different functions.