Definition: And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 20:25. It’s a really important rule set by God in the Bible and it focuses on how we should worship Him. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God wants us to not build temples – structures designed for worship – out of stone. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone…” - This refers to building a special structure, like a temple, dedicated to God. “…thou shalt not build it of hewn stone:” – "Hewn stone" means regular, made from granite or another hard material. Building something out of this kind of stone would be considered dirty and disrespectful because it wouldn’t be pure and meant for worship. "...for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.” - This is the crucial part! If you start building with tools (like hammers or chisels) on the altar, you're essentially making it impure. It’s like contaminating something sacred – God wants our worship to be pure and untouched by anything that could detract from it. What does this mean practically? It’s a reminder of the importance of: Cleanliness: We should approach worship with a clear mind and spirit, free from any distractions or imperfections. Respect: We need to treat God and His presence with reverence and honor. Focus on Spirit: The real focus is on connecting with God through prayer, meditation, and fellowship – not on physical structures. In essence, the verse encourages a simple and pure approach to worship. It’s about maintaining a spiritual space that's dedicated to God and reflects His holiness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this verse in relation to other parts of the Old Testament? Answer any specific questions you might have about it?