Exodus 27:3
Exodus 27:3 in Multiple Translations
Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots for removing ashes, its shovels, its sprinkling bowls, its meat forks, and its firepans.
And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make of brass.
And thou shalt make its pots to take away its ashes, and its shovels, and its basins, and its flesh-hooks, and its firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make of brass.
And make all its vessels, the baskets for taking away the dust of the fire, the spades and basins and meat-hooks and fire-trays, of brass.
Make all its utensils of bronze: buckets for removing ashes, shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks, and firepans.
Also thou shalt make his ashpannes for his ashes and his besoms, and his basens, and his flesh-hookes, and his censers: thou shalt make all the instruments thereof of brasse.
And thou hast made its pots to remove its ashes, and its shovels, and its bowls, and its forks, and its fire-pans, even all its vessels thou dost make of brass.
You shall make its pots to take away its ashes; and its shovels, its basins, its meat hooks, and its fire pans. You shall make all its vessels of bronze.
And thou shalt make its pans to receive its ashes, and its shovels, and its basins, and its flesh-hooks, and its fire-pans: all its vessels thou shalt make of brass.
And thou shalt make for the uses thereof pans to receive the ashes, and tongs and fleshhooks, and firepans: all its vessels thou shalt make of brass.
They must make pans in which to put the greasy ashes from the animal sacrifices. Also they must make shovels for cleaning out the ashes, basins and forks for turning the meat as it cooks, and buckets for carrying hot coals/ashes. All of these things must be made from bronze.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 27:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 27:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עָשִׂ֤יתָ
סִּֽירֹתָי/ו֙
לְ/דַשְּׁנ֔/וֹ
וְ/יָעָי/ו֙
וּ/מִזְרְקֹתָ֔י/ו
וּ/מִזְלְגֹתָ֖י/ו
וּ/מַחְתֹּתָ֑י/ו
לְ/כָל
כֵּלָ֖י/ו
תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה
נְחֹֽשֶׁת
וְ/עָשִׂ֤יתָ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
סִּֽירֹתָי/ו֙
çîyr
H5518
pot
N-cp | Suff
לְ/דַשְּׁנ֔/וֹ
dâshên
H1878
to prosper
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
וְ/יָעָי/ו֙
yâʻ
H3257
shovel
Conj | N-mp | Suff
וּ/מִזְרְקֹתָ֔י/ו
mizrâq
H4219
bowl
Conj | N-mp | Suff
וּ/מִזְלְגֹתָ֖י/ו
mazlêg
H4207
fork
Conj | N-fp | Suff
וּ/מַחְתֹּתָ֑י/ו
machtâh
H4289
censer
Conj | N-fp | Suff
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
כֵּלָ֖י/ו
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-mp | Suff
תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
נְחֹֽשֶׁת
nᵉchôsheth
H5178
bronze
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 27:3
וְ/עָשִׂ֤יתָ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
סִּֽירֹתָי/ו֙
çîyr
H5518
"pot"
N-cp | Suff
This word refers to a thorn or a hook, something that springs up rapidly. It can also mean a pot or a pan, and is used in various contexts in the Bible, including cooking and fishing.
Definition: 1) pot 1a) pot (household utensil) 1b) pot (of temple)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: caldron, fishhook, pan, (wash-)pot, thorn. See also: Exodus 16:3; Ecclesiastes 7:6; Psalms 58:10.
לְ/דַשְּׁנ֔/וֹ
dâshên
H1878
"to prosper"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
To prosper or be fat is the meaning of this word, which can also mean to anoint or satisfy. It is often used to describe God's blessing and prosperity.
Definition: 1) to be fat, grow fat, become fat, become prosperous, anoint 1a) (Qal) of prosperity (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make fat, anoint 1b2) to find fat (of offering-acceptable) 1b3) to take away ashes (from altar) 1c) (Pual) to be made fat 1d) (Hothpael) to fatten oneself (of Jehovah's sword)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: accept, anoint, take away the (receive) ashes (from), make (wax) fat. See also: Exodus 27:3; Proverbs 11:25; Psalms 20:4.
וְ/יָעָי/ו֙
yâʻ
H3257
"shovel"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
A shovel is a tool used for digging or lifting, like the ones used in Exodus to build the tabernacle. It's a simple, everyday item mentioned in the Bible.
Definition: shovel
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: shovel. See also: Exodus 27:3; 1 Kings 7:45; Jeremiah 52:18.
וּ/מִזְרְקֹתָ֔י/ו
mizrâq
H4219
"bowl"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
This word means a bowl or basin, often used for holding liquids like wine. It is also used for tossing or throwing a liquid, like in a ceremonial act. The KJV translates it as 'bason' or 'bowl'.
Definition: 1) bowl, basin 1a) bowl (for wine) 1b) basin (vessel for throwing or tossing a liquid)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bason, bowl. See also: Exodus 27:3; Numbers 7:85; Jeremiah 52:18.
וּ/מִזְלְגֹתָ֖י/ו
mazlêg
H4207
"fork"
Conj | N-fp | Suff
A fork, specifically a three-pronged fork, was used in ancient Israelite sacrifices, as described in the book of Leviticus. This word is used to describe the tool used by priests to handle meat during sacrifices.
Definition: three-pronged fork Another spelling of miz.la.gah (מִזְלָגָה "fork" H4207B)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: fleshhook. See also: Exodus 27:3; 1 Samuel 2:13; 2 Chronicles 4:16.
וּ/מַחְתֹּתָ֑י/ו
machtâh
H4289
"censer"
Conj | N-fp | Suff
A machta was a metal pan used to hold live coals, often used for burning incense in worship. It is translated as 'censer' or 'firepan' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) fire-holder, censer, firepan, snuff dish, tray 1a) snuff-dish 1b) fire-pans 1c) censer
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: censer, firepan, snuffdish. See also: Exodus 25:38; Numbers 16:17; Jeremiah 52:19.
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
כֵּלָ֖י/ו
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
נְחֹֽשֶׁת
nᵉchôsheth
H5178
"bronze"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to copper or something made of it, like a coin or chain. It can also symbolize something base or impure, as in lust or filthiness. It appears in various KJV translations, including brasen and brass.
Definition: 1) copper, bronze 1a) copper (ore), bronze (as copper alloy) 1b) fetters (of copper or bronze) 1c) copper (as value)
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: brasen, brass, chain, copper, fetter (of brass), filthiness, steel. See also: Genesis 4:22; 1 Kings 7:38; Psalms 107:16.
Study Notes — Exodus 27:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 27:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 27:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 27:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 27:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 27:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 27:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 27:3
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 27:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 27:3
- Sermons on Exodus 27:3
Context — The Bronze Altar
1“You are to build an altar of acacia wood. The altar must be square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high.
2Make a horn on each of its four corners, so that the horns are of one piece, and overlay it with bronze.
3Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots for removing ashes, its shovels, its sprinkling bowls, its meat forks, and its firepans.
4Construct for it a grate of bronze mesh, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the mesh. 5Set the grate beneath the ledge of the altar, so that the mesh comes halfway up the altar.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 7:45 | and the pots, shovels, and sprinkling bowls. All the articles that Huram made for King Solomon in the house of the LORD were made of burnished bronze. |
| 2 | Numbers 4:14 | and place on it all the vessels used to serve there: the firepans, meat forks, shovels, and sprinkling bowls—all the equipment of the altar. They are to spread over it a covering of fine leather and insert the poles. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 28:17 | the weight of the pure gold for the forks, sprinkling bowls, and pitchers; the weight of each gold dish; the weight of each silver bowl; |
| 4 | Exodus 38:3 | He made all the altar’s utensils of bronze—its pots, shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks, and firepans. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 2:13–14 | or for the custom of the priests with the people. When any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling and plunge it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or cooking pot. And the priest would claim for himself whatever the meat fork brought up. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 7:40 | Additionally, Huram made the pots, shovels, and sprinkling bowls. So Huram finished all the work that he had undertaken for King Solomon in the house of the LORD: |
| 7 | 2 Kings 25:15 | The captain of the guard also took away the censers and sprinkling bowls—anything made of pure gold or fine silver. |
| 8 | Leviticus 16:12 | Then he must take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD, and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, and take them inside the veil. |
| 9 | Exodus 24:6 | Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he sprinkled on the altar. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 4:16 | and the pots, shovels, meat forks, and all the other articles. All these objects that Huram-abi made for King Solomon for the house of the LORD were of polished bronze. |
Exodus 27:3 Summary
[Exodus 27:3 tells us about the utensils that were used with the altar in the tabernacle, and how they were all made of bronze. This shows us that God wants everything used in worship to be strong and lasting, like the bronze. It's also a reminder that when we come to worship God, we should do it in a way that is pure and special, set apart just for Him (as seen in Exodus 25:1-40 and Leviticus 1:1-7). By following God's instructions carefully, we can show our love and respect for Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the utensils for the altar made of bronze in Exodus 27:3?
The use of bronze for the utensils in Exodus 27:3 symbolizes strength and durability, reflecting the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people, as seen in other biblical contexts like Exodus 25:3-7 where bronze is also used for altar furnishings.
What is the significance of the specific utensils mentioned in Exodus 27:3, such as pots for removing ashes and sprinkling bowls?
These utensils were essential for the maintenance and operation of the altar, highlighting the attention to detail in God's instructions for worship, similar to the detailed instructions for the tabernacle furnishings in Exodus 25:1-40.
How does the material and construction of the altar utensils in Exodus 27:3 relate to the overall theme of worship in the Bible?
The specification of bronze for the utensils underscores the importance of purity and consecration in worship, echoing principles found in Leviticus 1:1-7, where the purity of the offerings is stressed.
In what way does the command to make all the utensils of bronze in Exodus 27:3 reflect God's character?
This command reflects God's character by demonstrating His concern for detail and His desire for His people to approach Him with reverence and in an orderly manner, as also seen in Exodus 20:1-17 where the giving of the Ten Commandments emphasizes a structured approach to worship and life.
Reflection Questions
- What does the use of bronze for the altar utensils teach me about the importance of strength and endurance in my own spiritual journey?
- How can I apply the principle of attention to detail in my worship and service to God, as exemplified in Exodus 27:3?
- In what ways can I ensure that my approach to worship is characterized by purity and consecration, as implied by the use of bronze for the altar utensils?
- How does the specificity of God's instructions for the altar utensils influence my understanding of His nature and my relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 27:3
And thou shall make his pans to receive his ashes,.... Not to receive them in as they fell, but to gather them up in, and carry them away; and this was done every morning about cockcrowing, not much
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 27:3
And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make of brass.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 27:3
Basons, to receive the blood of the sacrifices, which they were to sprinkle. Flesh-hooks, wherewith they took flesh out of the pot in which it was seethed, as . But this seems not proper here, because the flesh was never boiled upon the altar, but in other places appointed for that use. And the Hebrew word is general, and may signify either tongs or fire-forks. Firepans, in which they carried live coals from this altar to that of incense, as occasion required.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 27:3
Exodus 27:3 And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make [of] brass.Ver. 3. His shovels, and his basons.] These several instruments figured the ministry of the word, say some; the sundry callings that Christ hath in his Church, say others, for her edification.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 27:3
(3) His pans to receive his ashes.—Scuttles, in which the ashes were placed for removal from the sanctuary, are intended. The word translated “to receive his ashes” is a rare one, and implies a mixture with the ashes of unburnt fat. His shovels.—A right rendering. The “shovels” would be used in clearing away the ashes from off the altar. His basons.—Basins were needed to receive the blood of the victims (Exodus 24:6), which was cast from basins upon the foot of the altar. His fleshhooks.—Implements with three prongs, used for arranging the pieces of the victim upon the altar. The priests’ servants sometimes applied them to a different purpose (1 Samuel 2:13). His firepans.—The word here used is elsewhere translated either “snuffdishes,” or “censers.” Probably vessels employed in carrying embers from the brazen altar to the altar of incense (Leviticus 16:12) are intended.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 27:3
Verse 3. Thou shalt make his pans] סירתיו sirothaiv, a sort or large brazen dishes, which stood under the altar to receive the ashes that fell through the grating. His shovels] יעיו yaaiv. Some render this besoms; but as these were brazen instruments, it is more natural to suppose that some kind of fire-shovels are intended, or scuttles, which were used to carry off the ashes that fell through the grating into the large pan or siroth. His basins] מזרקתיו mizrekothaiv, from זרק zarak, to sprinkle or disperse; bowls or basins to receive the blood of the sacrifices, in order that it might be sprinkled on the people before the altar, c. His flesh-hooks] מזלגתיו mizlegothaiu. That this word is rightly translated flesh-hooks is fully evident from 1 Samuel 2:13, where the same word is used in such a connection as demonstrates its meaning: And the priest's custom with the people was, that when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in the seething, with a FLESH-HOOK (מזלג mazleg) of three teeth (prongs) in his hand, and he struck it into the pan, c. all that the FLESH-HOOK (מזלג mazleg) brought up, the priest took for himself. It was probably a kind of trident, or fork with three prongs, and these bent to a right angle at the middle, as the ideal meaning of the Hebrew seems to imply crookedness or curvature in general. His fire-pans] מחתתיו machtothaiu. Bishop Patrick and others suppose that "this was a larger sort of vessel, wherein, probably, the sacred fire which came down from heaven (Leviticus 9:24) was kept burning, whilst they cleansed the altar and the grate from the coals and the ashes and while the altar was carried from one place to another, as it often was in the wilderness.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 27:3
3. The vessels of the altar, for use in connexion with the sacrifices. its pots … and its shovels] cf., in the Temple, 1 Kings 7:45, 2 Kings 25:14. its ashes] lit. its fat, i.e. the fat, which, when a sacrifice was burnt, ran down and mixed with the ashes: cf. Numbers 4:13, Leviticus 1:16; Leviticus 4:12; Leviticus 6:10 f. Not used of ordinary ashes. The shovels would be for collecting and sweeping away (cf. the same root, Isaiah 28:17) the ashes. basons] lit. tossing-vessels,—large bowls, used for tossing the blood in a volume against the sides of the altar: see on Exodus 24:6, and Exodus 29:16. Cf. Zechariah 9:15; Zechariah 14:20 (‘bowls’). fleshhooks] Exodus 38:3, Numbers 4:14, 1 Chronicles 28:17, 2 Chronicles 4:16†. firepans] 1 Kings 7:50. Cf. the note on ‘snuffdishes,’ Exodus 25:38.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 27:3
3. Pans… shovels… basins… fleshhooks… firepans — These several vessels were all requisite in the service of the altar, for taking up and removing ashes, receiving the blood of victims, adjusting the
Sermons on Exodus 27:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Leviticus 9:24 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the seriousness of God's intentions in reaching the world through a chosen priesthood, highlighting the dangers of 'strange fire'—actions taken without divin |
|
A Sweet Savor to God by E. Dennett | E. Dennett preaches on how the sweet incense placed on the fire before the Lord on the day of atonement symbolizes the graces of Christ being brought out through the holy fire. Chr |
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A Covenant of Blood and the Fire of God by G.W. North | G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the blood covenant established by God with His people in Canaan, highlighting Moses' role as mediator who sprinkled blood on the altar and |