Original Word: הַרְאֵל
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: har'el
Pronunciation: har-ale'
Phonetic Spelling: (har-ale')
KJV: altar
Word Origin: [from H2022 (הַר - mountains) and H410 (אֵל - God)]

1. mount of God
2. (figuratively) the altar of burnt-offering

altar

From har and 'el; mount of God; figuratively, the altar of burnt-offering -- altar. Compare 'ariy'el.

see HEBREW har

see HEBREW 'el

see HEBREW 'ariy'el

Word Origin
another reading for ariel, q.v.

הַרְאֵל Ezekiel 43:15 see אֲרִאֵיל below II. ארה.

Meaning and Symbolism

Harʾel combines the Hebrew words for “mountain” and “God,” evoking the idea of a raised, sacred elevation—an altar that functions as a miniature “mountain of the LORD.” In Ezekiel’s temple vision it designates the upper platform, or hearth, on which the sacrifices are consumed. As such, Harʾel represents the highest point of approach between worshiper and covenant God, where atonement is visibly enacted and divine fire meets the offered blood.

Place in Ezekiel’s Vision (Ezekiel 40–48)

The prophet, writing to exiles longing for restoration, is shown a future temple in exacting detail. Within that blueprint the altar forms the geometric and theological center, and its summit is named Harʾel. Its measurements (Ezekiel 43:13–17) reveal a four-step, tiered structure crowned by four horns, symbolizing strength, universality, and mercy (cf. Psalm 118:27). The designation Harʾel therefore underlines both altitude and holiness, portraying the sacrificial hearth as a sanctified “mountain” inside the sanctuary courts.

Relationship to Other Altar Terms

Harʾel is distinct from the more common mizbeach (“altar”) and from the poetic ariel (“lion of God”), though Ezekiel juxtaposes the latter with Harʾel to stress complementary imagery: the altar is simultaneously God’s mountain (Harʾel) and His consuming hearth (Ariel). Together the terms enrich the symbolism of sacrificial worship—strength, judgment, and secure access all converge in one place.

Theological Themes

1. Holiness and Separation: By naming the hearth a “mountain of God,” the text hints at Sinai, where law and covenant originally descended. Harʾel pictures a micro-Sinai permanently located in the temple courts, reminding Israel that holy fire still burns for cleansing.
2. Atonement and Restoration: The very next words record, “Then He said to me, ‘Son of man, this is the place of My throne… where I will dwell among the Israelites forever’” (Ezekiel 43:7). The restored altar stands as pledge that restored fellowship is possible.
3. Universality: Elevated on four sides, Harʾel invites participation from “north, south, east, and west,” anticipating the worldwide worship Isaiah envisions (Isaiah 2:2).

Christological Foreshadowing

The altar’s summit anticipates Christ, “our Passover lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7), who was lifted up on a hill outside Jerusalem and became both priest and offering. Hebrews teaches, “We have an altar from which those who serve at the tabernacle have no right to eat” (Hebrews 13:10). The imagery of Harʾel therefore finds fulfillment at Calvary, where the true mountain-altar secured everlasting atonement.

Ministry Applications

• Centrality of Worship: Just as Harʾel occupies the center of Ezekiel’s sanctuary, corporate worship and regular remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice must remain central in church life (Acts 2:42).
• Holiness of Approach: The altar’s exact dimensions and steps impress the need for ordered, obedient worship. “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1).
• Hope of Restoration: Harʾel appears in a vision of future glory given to people in exile. Likewise, believers cling to the promise of a perfected dwelling where “the Lord Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Revelation 21:22).

Related Concepts for Further Study

Mizbeach (altar), Sinai typology, sacrificial horns, altar hearth (Ariel), millennial temple, priestly consecration rites, day of atonement, heavenly mount Zion (Hebrews 12:22).

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts