Exodus 38:3
Exodus 38:3 in Multiple Translations
He made all the altar’s utensils of bronze—its pots, shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks, and firepans.
And he made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, and the shovels, and the basons, and the fleshhooks, and the firepans: all the vessels thereof made he of brass.
And he made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, and the shovels, and the basins, the flesh-hooks, and the firepans: all the vessels thereof made he of brass.
And brass was used for all the vessels of the altar, the baskets and the spades, the basins and the meat-hooks and the fire-trays; all the vessels he made of brass
He made all its utensils: buckets for removing ashes, shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks, and firepans. He made all its utensils of bronze.
Also he made al the instruments of the altar: the ashpans, and the besoms, and the basins, the fleshhookes, and the censers: all the instruments thereof made he of brasse.
and he maketh all the vessels of the altar, the pots, and the shovels, and the sprinkling-pans, the forks, and the fire-pans; all its vessels he hath made of brass.
He made all the vessels of the altar: the pots, the shovels, the basins, the forks, and the fire pans. He made all its vessels of bronze.
And he made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, and the shovels, and the basins, and the flesh-hooks, and the fire-pans: all the vessels of it he made of brass.
And for the uses thereof, he prepared divers vessels of brass, cauldrons, tongs, fleshhooks, pothooks, and firepans.
They made the pans in which to put the greasy ashes from the animal sacrifices. They also made the shovels for cleaning out the ashes. They made the basins and forks for turning the meat as it cooked, and buckets for carrying hot coals/ashes. All of those things were made from bronze.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 38:3
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 38:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֜עַשׂ
אֶֽת
כָּל
כְּלֵ֣י
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֗חַ
אֶת
הַ/סִּירֹ֤ת
וְ/אֶת
הַ/יָּעִים֙
וְ/אֶת
הַ/מִּזְרָקֹ֔ת
אֶת
הַ/מִּזְלָגֹ֖ת
וְ/אֶת
הַ/מַּחְתֹּ֑ת
כָּל
כֵּלָ֖י/ו
עָשָׂ֥ה
נְחֹֽשֶׁת
וַ/יַּ֜עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
כְּלֵ֣י
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-mp
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֗חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Art | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/סִּירֹ֤ת
çîyr
H5518
pot
Art | N-cp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/יָּעִים֙
yâʻ
H3257
shovel
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/מִּזְרָקֹ֔ת
mizrâq
H4219
bowl
Art | N-mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מִּזְלָגֹ֖ת
mazlêg
H4207
fork
Art | N-fp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/מַּחְתֹּ֑ת
machtâh
H4289
censer
Art | N-fp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
כֵּלָ֖י/ו
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-mp | Suff
עָשָׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
נְחֹֽשֶׁת
nᵉchôsheth
H5178
bronze
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 38:3
וַ/יַּ֜עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
כְּלֵ֣י
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-mp
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.
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֗חַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Art | N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/סִּירֹ֤ת
çîyr
H5518
"pot"
Art | N-cp
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.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/יָּעִים֙
yâʻ
H3257
"shovel"
Art | N-mp
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.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מִּזְרָקֹ֔ת
mizrâq
H4219
"bowl"
Art | N-mp
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מִּזְלָגֹ֖ת
mazlêg
H4207
"fork"
Art | N-fp
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.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מַּחְתֹּ֑ת
machtâh
H4289
"censer"
Art | N-fp
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
עָשָׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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 38:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Bronze Altar
1Bezalel constructed the altar of burnt offering from acacia wood. It was square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high.
2He made a horn at each of its four corners, so that the horns and altar were of one piece, and he overlaid the altar with bronze.
3He made all the altar’s utensils of bronze—its pots, shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks, and firepans.
4He made a grate of bronze mesh for the altar under its ledge, halfway up from the bottom. 5At the four corners of the bronze grate he cast four rings as holders for the poles.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 27:3 | Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots for removing ashes, its shovels, its sprinkling bowls, its meat forks, and its firepans. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 2:13 | 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 |
Exodus 38:3 Summary
[Exodus 38:3 tells us that the altar's utensils were made of bronze, which is a strong and durable metal. This represents the strength and endurance we need to serve God, just like in 1 Timothy 4:10. The specific utensils mentioned, like pots and shovels, were all necessary for the proper functioning of the altar and the sacrifices that were to be made upon it, as described in Leviticus 1:1-17. This teaches us about the importance of being thorough and meticulous in our service to God, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the altar's utensils made of bronze in Exodus 38:3?
The altar's utensils were made of bronze because it is a durable metal that can withstand high temperatures and heavy use, much like the bronze used in the construction of the altar itself as described in Exodus 38:2. This symbolizes the strength and endurance required for a life of service to God, as seen in 1 Timothy 4:10.
What is the significance of the specific utensils mentioned in Exodus 38:3?
The utensils mentioned, such as pots, shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks, and firepans, were all necessary for the proper functioning of the altar and the sacrifices that were to be made upon it, as described in Leviticus 1:1-17. They represent the various aspects of worship and service that are required to honor God.
How does the use of bronze in Exodus 38:3 relate to other biblical themes?
The use of bronze in Exodus 38:3 is also symbolic of judgment and refinement, as seen in Ezekiel 22:18-22, where God refines his people like bronze in a furnace. This theme is also echoed in 1 Peter 1:7, where believers are refined like gold and silver through trials.
What can we learn from the attention to detail in Exodus 38:3?
The attention to detail in Exodus 38:3, where every utensil is specified and made of bronze, teaches us about the importance of being thorough and meticulous in our service to God, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24, where we are called to do everything with all our heart, as if working for the Lord.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more diligent and thorough in my service to God, just like the attention to detail in Exodus 38:3?
- How can I apply the symbolism of bronze, representing strength and endurance, to my own life and spiritual journey?
- What are some 'utensils' or tools that I need to be equipped with in order to effectively serve God and others, and how can I acquire them?
- In what ways can I refine my own heart and life, like bronze in a furnace, to become more pure and holy before God?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 38:3
[See comments on Exodus 38:1].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 38:3
And he made the horns thereof on the four corners of it; the horns thereof were of the same: and he overlaid it with brass. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 38:3
(3) The pots.—Exodus 27 has “his pans”; but the word used in the original is the same. It designates probably the scuttles in which the ashes were placed for removal from the sanctuary. (See Note 1 on Exodus 27:3.)
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 38:3
1–7. (Exodus 27:1-8 a). The altar of burnt offering. In vv. 4, 5 there are some changes of order: Exodus 27:8 b is not repeated.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 38:3
THE ALTAR OF BURNT , Exodus 38:1-7. See notes on Exodus 27:1-7. THE LAVER, Exodus 38:8. See notes on Exodus 30:17-21. THE COURT OF THE , Exodus 38:9-20. See notes on Exodus 27:9-19.