Menu

Numbers 16:39 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוַיִּקַּ֞ח אֶלְעָזָ֣ר הַכֹּהֵ֗ן אֵ֚ת מַחְתּ֣וֹת הַנְּחֹ֔שֶׁת אֲשֶׁ֥ר הִקְרִ֖יבוּ הַשְּׂרֻפִ֑ים וַֽיְרַקְּע֖וּם צִפּ֥וּי לַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃

BSAand he tookvai.yi.Kach Eleazar'el.'a.Zar the priestha.ko.Hen the object marker'et [the] censers ofmach.Tot bronzeha.ne.Cho.shet which'a.Sher they had brought nearhik.Ri.vu the [ones who] were burnedha.se.ru.Fim and people beat out themvay.ra.ke.'Um overlaytzi.Pui for the altarla.miz.Be.ach

Word
Listen & take awayNumbers 16
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 39 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (la.miz.Be.ach) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Numbers 16:39quick helps
In a sentenceEleazar the priest took the bronze censers of those who had died and made them into a covering for the altar.
Who is speakingThe narrative is about Eleazar, the son of Aaron, acting under God's command.
Where we areThis verse is part of a larger account regarding the consequences of rebellion against God.
The hard wordמַחְתּ֣וֹת
Take awayThe censers, once used in rebellion, are transformed into a holy object.
3 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Ellicott & more — read them › clause verbH3947 The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Numbers 16:39

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — The Consequences of Rebelliongenerated

38As for the censers of those who sinned at the cost of their own lives, hammer them into sheets to overlay the altar, for these were presented before the LORD, and so have become holy. They will serve as a sign to the Israelites.”
39
40just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers.
41The next day the whole congregation of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying, “You have killed the LORD’s people!”

Numbers 16:39 describes how Eleazar the priest took the censers that had been used by those who rebelled against God and transformed them into a covering for the altar. This act served as a reminder of the seriousness of the rebellion and the holiness of the altar, emphasizing God's authority and the need for proper worship. This narrative highlights the consequences of disobedience and the redemptive potential of even the instruments of rebellion.


Cross References


The Key Word וַיִּקַּ֞ח, vai.yi.Kachgenerated

The verb וַיִּקַּ֞ח (*vai.yi.Kach*) is a sequential imperfect form of the root לָקַח (*laqach*), meaning 'to take.' It indicates an action performed by Eleazar in the context of a significant event. The use of the sequential imperfect shows that this action is part of a narrative flow.

This word encompasses a range of meanings related to taking or receiving, which can include taking possession or receiving something significant. Here, it signifies Eleazar's authoritative action in a moment of transition from rebellion to a restored worship practice.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

In this study, the verse is examined in the context of the Berean Standard Bible, which reflects a straightforward rendering of the Hebrew text.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb is וַיִּקַּ֞ח, and he took, which governs the entire clause. The structure is straightforward, with a noun phrase subject followed by a series of noun phrases detailing the objects involved in the action.

The order emphasizes Eleazar's action first, establishing his role in the narrative. The subsequent phrases detail what was taken and for what purpose, creating a clear and logical progression of thought.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates וַיִּקַּ֞ח as καὶ ἔλαβεν (*kai elaben*), meaning 'and he took.' This choice maintains the same action but may imply a slightly different nuance in the Greek context, focusing on the act of receiving.

The translation choice reflects a consistent understanding of Eleazar's actions, emphasizing the significance of taking the censers for a holy purpose.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Numbers 16:39 tells us that Eleazar the priest took the censers that had been used by those who had died in rebellion and made them into a covering for the altar. This act showed the transformation of objects associated with disobedience into something holy, serving as a reminder of the need for proper worship.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does Eleazar's action signify?

Eleazar's action signifies the transformation of instruments of rebellion into objects of holiness, emphasizing God's authority and the importance of proper worship.

Why were the censers used in this way?

The censers were used to create a covering for the altar as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion and to signify the need for reverence in worship.

What role does Eleazar play in this narrative?

Eleazar acts as a mediator between God and the people, taking decisive action to restore holiness after a moment of rebellion.

How does this verse connect to the larger narrative?

This verse connects to the larger narrative by illustrating the consequences of disobedience and the potential for redemption through proper worship practices.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What does this passage teach about the consequences of rebellion against God?
  2. How can we transform our past mistakes into opportunities for holiness?
  3. In what ways can we ensure our worship practices honor God?
  4. What role do leaders play in guiding others towards proper worship?

The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it

The early church father Caesarius of Arles reflects on this verse, emphasizing the lesson learned from the actions of Eleazar in transforming the censers.

Caesarius of ArlesSERMON 110.1 c. 470–542
When the divine lesson was read just now, dearly beloved, we heard that our Lord told Moses to forge the censers in which those haughty, rebellious men had offered incense,
Early Church Fathers on Numbers 16 →

Commentators on this verse — 3 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Numbers 16:39 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And Eleazar the priest took the brazen censers,.... The metal of which these censers were made is particularly observed, to show that they were fit for the use they were ordered to be put unto,

Read John Gill on Numbers 16 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar: The brasen censers ... made broad plates ... To be a memorial.

Read Robert Jamieson on Numbers 16 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(39) Wherewith they that were burnt had offered.—Or, which they who were burnt had brought nigh (i.e. unto the Lord).

Read Charles John Ellicott on Numbers 16 →

The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

וַandclauseverbיִּקַּ֞חhe.tooknoun phrase · subjectאֶלְעָזָ֣רEleazarnoun phraseהַtheכֹּהֵ֗ןpriestnoun phrase · objectאֵ֚ת(et)noun phrasenoun phraseמַחְתּ֣וֹתthe.censersnoun phraseהַof.(the)נְּחֹ֔שֶׁתbronzerelpאֲשֶׁ֥רwhichclauseverbהִקְרִ֖יבוּthey.had.brought.nearnoun phrase · subjectהַ[thoseשְּׂרֻפִ֑יםwho.were].burnedוַֽandclauseverbיְרַקְּע֖וּpeopleobjectםbeat.them.outsecond objectצִפּ֥וּיplatingprepositional phrase · prepositionalלַfornoun phrasetheמִּזְבֵּֽחַaltar

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text is supported by the Septuagint in this instance, as both agree on the essential elements of Eleazar taking the censers and the purpose behind it. There are no noted variations in this passage among the witnesses.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

וַיִּקַּ֞ח אֶלְעָזָ֣ר הַכֹּהֵ֗ן אֵ֚ת מַחְתּ֣וֹת הַנְּחֹ֔שֶׁת אֲשֶׁ֥ר הִקְרִ֖יבוּ הַשְּׂרֻפִ֑ים וַֽיְרַקְּע֖וּם צִפּ֥וּי לַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Numbers 16:39לָקַחand he tookand he tookלָקַחאֶלְעָזָרEleazarEleazarאֶלְעָזָרכֹּהֵןthe priestthe priestכֹּהֵןאֵתthe object the object markאֵתמַחְתָּה[the] cense[the] censers oמַחְתָּהנְחֹ֫שֶׁתbronzebronzeנְחֹ֫שֶׁתאֲשֶׁרwhichwhichאֲשֶׁרקָרֵבthey had brthey had broughקָרֵבשָׂרַףthe [ones wthe [ones who] שָׂרַףרָקַעand people and people beatרָקַעצִפּוּיoverlayoverlayצִפּוּימִזְבֵּחַfor the altfor the altarמִזְבֵּחַאֵלgodgodאֵלאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתצָפָהto overlayto overlayצָפָהזָבַחto sacrifito sacrificeזָבַחכָּהַןto ministeto ministerכָּהַןמְחִתָּהterrorterrorמְחִתָּהנְחוּשָׁהbronzebronzeנְחוּשָׁהמוּסָרdisciplinedisciplineמוּסָראִשָּׁהwomanwomanאִשָּׁהאִיתָמָרIthamarIthamarאִיתָמָרפִּינְחָסPhinehasPhinehasפִּינְחָסאֶלְעָזָרEleazarEleazarאֶלְעָזָרצָדוֹקZadokZadokצָדוֹקמִגְרָשׁpasturepastureמִגְרָשׁמַזְלֵגforkforkמַזְלֵגמִזְרָקbowlbowlמִזְרָקבַּרְזֶלironironבַּרְזֶלאֶ֫דֶןsocketsocketאֶ֫דֶן
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Numbers 16:39

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

and he took Eleazar the priest the object marker [the] censers of bronze which they had brought near the [ones who] were burned and people beat out them overlay for the altar
וַיִּקַּ֞חvai.yi.Kach and he took H3947 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
966× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Tyndale gloss
to take: take
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word לָקַח (*laqach*) means 'to take' and encompasses a wide range of actions, including to receive, seize, capture, and carry away. It can refer to taking something in hand, taking a wife, or even taking vengeance. The verb has various forms indicating different nuances, such as being taken away or captured.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לָקַח 965 vb. take

Qal

take, take in hand

take and carry along with oneself

take from, or out of

take, carry away

take away from, so as to deprive of

esp. take away life

take to or for a person

take up, upon = put upon

= fetch

take = lead, conduct (with or without contact)

take = capture, seize

take = carry off

in phr. take vengeance

Niph.

be captured, of ark

be taken away, removed

be taken, brought unto

Pu.

be taken from, out of

= be stolen from

be taken captive

be taken away, removed

Hoph.

be taken, brought unto

be taken out of

be taken away from

Hithp. lit. fire taking hold of itself, of lightning

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3947 לָקַח take .. take, take in hand

. take and carry along with oneself

. . take from, or out of

. take, carry away

. take away from, so as to deprive of

. esp. take away life

. take to or for a person

. take up, upon = put upon

. = fetch

. take = lead, conduct (with or without contact)

. take = capture, seize

. take = carry off

. in phr. take vengeance

. . be captured, of ark

. be taken away, removed

. be taken, brought unto

. . be taken from, out of

. = be stolen from

. be taken captive

. be taken away, removed

. . be taken, brought unto

. be taken out of

. be taken away from

. lit. fire taking hold of itself, of lightning

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3947 laqach law-kakh'

a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of

applications):--accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch,

get, infold, X many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve,

seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לָקַח (la.qach) — to take: take.

: take

1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to take, take in the hand

1a2) to take and carry along

1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away

1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept

1a5) to take up or upon, put upon

1a6) to fetch

1a7) to take, lead, conduct

1a8) to take, capture, seize

1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance)

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be captured

1b2) to be taken away, be removed

1b3) to be taken, brought unto

1c) (Pual)

1c1) to be taken from or out of

1c2) to be stolen from

1c3) to be taken captive

1c4) to be taken away, be removed

1d) (Hophal)

1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto

1d2) to be taken out of

1d3) to be taken away

1e) (Hithpael)

1e1) to take hold of oneself

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Hc/Vqw3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he took Eleazar the priest the object marker [the] censers of bronze which they had brought near the [ones who] were burned and people beat out them overlay for the altar
אֶלְעָזָ֣ר'el.'a.Zar Eleazar H499 Noun proper masculine
72× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Eleazar means God has helped, and was the name of several Israelites, including a high priest and one of David's warriors.
Tyndale gloss
Eleazar
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶלְעָזָר (El`azar) means "God has helped" and refers to several individuals in the Old Testament, including a high priest, a Levite, and a warrior of David. It is derived from the roots for "God" and "helper". The entries highlight various figures named Eleazar, such as the son of Aaron and the son of Abinadab, who played significant roles in Israel's history.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶלְעָזָר n.pr.m. (God has helped)

Eleazar the priest

son of Abinadab

one of David’s heroes

a Levite

priest of the time of Ezra

one of the line of Parosh

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H499 אֶלְעָזָר (God has helped) . Eleazar the priest

. son of Abinadab

. one of David’s heroes

. a Levite

. priest of the time of Ezra

. one of the line of Parosh

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

499 'El`azar el-aw-zawr'

from 410 and 5826; God (is) helper; Elazar, the name of seven

Israelites:--Eleazar.

see HEBREW for 0410

see HEBREW for 05826

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶלְעָזָר (el.a.zar) — Eleazar.

A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.6.23;

son of: Aaron (H0175) and Elisheba (H0472);

brother of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030) and Ithamar (H0385); married to daughter_of_Putiel (H6317H);

father of: Phinehas (H6372)

§ Eleazar = "God has helped"

1) the high priest son of Aaron

2) Abinadab's son who cared for the ark

3) the priest who rebuilt and dedicated the restored walls of Jerusalem in time of Ezra

4) one of David's mighty warriors

5) a Levite

6) one of the line of Parosh

אֶלְעָזָר (el.a.zar) — Eleazar.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Sa.7.1;

son of: Abinadab (H0041);

brother of: Uzzah (H5798A) and Ahio (H0283)

§ Eleazar = "God has helped"

1) the high priest son of Aaron

2) Abinadab's son who cared for the ark

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNpm — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

el-e-a'-zar, e-le-a'-zar ('el-`azar; Eleazar, "God is helper"):

(1) The 3rd son of Aaron by Elisheba (Ex 6:23; Nu 3:2).

He married one of the daughters of Putiel, who bore him Phinehas (Ex 6:25). With his father and 3 brothers he was consecrated to the priest's office (Ex 28:1). After the destruction of Nadab and Abihu, he occupied a more important position, and he and Ithamar "ministered in the priest's office in the presence of Aaron their father" (Le 10:6 f; Nu 3:4; 1Ch 24:2 ff). He was given the oversight of the…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Eleazar

God has helped. (1.) The third son of Aaron (Ex. 6:23). His wife, a daughter of Putiel, bore him Phinehas (Ex. 6:25). After the death of Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10:12; Num. 3:4) he was appointed to the charge of the sanctuary (Num. 3:32). On Mount Hor he was clothed with the sacred vestments, which Moses took from off his brother Aaron and put upon him as successor to his father in the high priest’s office, which he held for more than twenty years (Num. 20:25-29). He took part with Moses in numbering the people (26:3, 4), and assisted at the inauguration of…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(help of God). Third son of Aaron. After the death of Nadab and Abihu without children, (Leviticus 10:6; Numbers 3:4) Eleazar was appointed chief over the principal Levites. (Numbers 3:32) With his brother Ithamar he ministered as a priest during their father’s lifetime, and immediately before his death was invested on Mount Hor with the sacred garments, as the successor of Aaron in the office of high priest. (Numbers 20:28) (B.C. 1452.) One of his first duties was in conjunction with Moses to superintend the census of the people. (Numbers 26:3) After the conquest of Canaan by Joshua he took part in the distribution of…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

1. The third son of Aaron, and high priest after him, Ex 6:23; Nu 20:25-28. The high priesthood continued in his family through seven generations; till the time of Eli, when we find it transferred to the line of Ithamar. In the reigns of Saul and David, it was restored to the line of Eleazar, and so continued till after the captivity.

2. A son of Abinadab, honored with the charge of the ark while it was in his father’s house, 1Sa 7:1.

3. One of David’s champions, 2Sa 23:9; 1Ch 11:11-18.

and he took Eleazar the priest the object marker [the] censers of bronze which they had brought near the [ones who] were burned and people beat out them overlay for the altar
הַכֹּהֵ֗ןha.ko.Hen the priest H3548 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
750× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Tyndale gloss
priest
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כֹּהֵן (kohen) means 'priest' and is derived from the active participle of a related root. It encompasses various types of priests, including Levitical, Aaronic, and even pagan priests, as well as chief rulers or principal officers. The term is used in contexts referring to both Jewish and non-Jewish priestly roles.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּהֵן 750 n.m. priest

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3548 כֹּהֵן priest

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3548 kohen ko-hane'

active participle of 3547; literally, one officiating, a

priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a

layman):--chief ruler, X own, priest, prince, principal

officer.

see HEBREW for 03547

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּהֵן (ko.hen) — priest.

1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler

1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah)

1b) pagan priests

1c) priests of Jehovah

1d) Levitical priests

1e) Zadokite priests

1f) Aaronic priests

1g) the high priest

Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTd/Ncmsa — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

prest (kohen, "priest," "prince," "minister"; hiereus archiereus; for hiereus megas, of Heb 10:21, see Thayer's Lexicon, under the word hiereus:

I. NATURE OF THE PRIESTLY OFFICE

1. Implies Divine Choice

2. Implies Representation

3. Implies Offering Sacrifice

4. Implies Intercession

II. THE TWO GREAT PRIESTS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT, MELCHIZEDEK AND AARON

III. PRIESTLY FUNCTIONS AND CHARACTER

1. A Strictly Religious Order

2. Priestism Denied

3. The High Priest's Qualifications

4. Symbolism of Aaron's Rod

IV. CONSECRATION OF AARON AND HIS SONS (EXODUS 29; LEVITICUS 8)

1. Symbolism of Consecration

2. Type and Archetype

LITERATURE

A priest is one who is duly authorized to minister in sacred things, particularly to offer sacrifices at the altar, and who acts as mediator between men and God. In the New Testament the term is applied to priests of the Gentiles…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Priest

The Heb. kohen, Gr. hierus, Lat. sacerdos, always denote one who offers sacrifices.

At first every man was his own priest, and presented his own sacrifices before God. Afterwards that office devolved on the head of the family, as in the cases of Noah (Gen. 8:20), Abraham (12:7; 13:4), Isaac (26:25), Jacob (31:54), and Job (Job 1:5).

The name first occurs as applied to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:18). Under the Levitical arrangements the office of the priesthood was limited to the tribe of Levi, and to only one family of that tribe, the family of Aaron. Certain laws respecting the qualifications of priests are given in Lev. 21:16-23. There are ordinances also regarding the…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The English word is derived from the Greek presbyter , signifying an "elder" (Heb. cohen). Origin. --The idea of a priesthood connects itself in all its forms, pure or corrupted, with the consciousness, more or less distinct of sin. Men feel that they have broken a law. The power above them is holier than they are, and they dare not approach it. They crave for the intervention of some one of whom they can think as likely to be more acceptable than themselves. He must offer up their prayers, thanksgivings, sacrifices. He becomes their representative in "things pertaining unto God." He may become also (though this does not always follow) the representative of God to man. The functions of the priest and prophet may exist in the same person. No trace of a hereditary or caste priesthood meets us in the worship of the patriarchal age. Once and once only does the word cohen meet us as…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

One who officiated in the public worship of God, especially in making expiation for sin, being "ordained for men in things pertaining to God, to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins." In the Old Testament, the priesthood was not annexed to a certain family till after the promulgation of the law by Moses. Before that time, the firstborn of each family, the fathers, the princes, the kings, were priests in their own cities and in their own houses. Cain and Abel, Noah, Abraham, and Job, Abimelech and Laban, Isaac and Jacob offered personally their own sacrifices. In the solemnity of the covenant made by the Lord with his people, at the foot of Mount Sinai, Moses performed the office of mediator, and young men were chosen from among Israel to perform the office of priests, Ex 24:5. But after the Lord had chosen the tribe of Levi to…

and he took Eleazar the priest the object marker [the] censers of bronze which they had brought near the [ones who] were burned and people beat out them overlay for the altar
אֵ֚ת'et the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he took Eleazar the priest the object marker [the] censers of bronze which they had brought near the [ones who] were burned and people beat out them overlay for the altar
מַחְתּ֣וֹתmach.Tot [the] censers of H4289 Noun common · feminine plural construct
22× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
censer
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מַחְתָּה (machtah) refers to a fire-holder, specifically a censer or snuff-dish used for holding live coals. The entries suggest it is associated with the act of removal, as indicated by its connection to another Hebrew word. It encompasses various forms like fire-pans and trays.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מַחְתָּה n.f. fire-holder, censer, snuff-dish

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4289 מַחְתָּה fire-holder, censer, snuff-dish

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4289 machtah makh-taw'

the same as 4288 in the sense of removal; a pan for live

coals:--censer, firepan, snuffdish.

see HEBREW for 04288

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מַחְתָּה (mach.tah) — censer.

1) fire-holder, censer, firepan, snuff dish, tray

1a) snuff-dish

1b) fire-pans

1c) censer

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcfpc — Noun common · feminine plural construct
HNcfpc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and he took Eleazar the priest the object marker [the] censers of bronze which they had brought near the [ones who] were burned and people beat out them overlay for the altar
הַנְּחֹ֔שֶׁתha.ne.Cho.shet bronze H5178 Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
140× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
bronze
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נְחֹ֫שֶׁת (nechosheth) refers to copper or bronze, often indicating items made from these metals, such as fetters. It is noted for being less valuable than gold but more than wood. Additionally, it can figuratively represent a harsh sky or, in specific contexts, suggest meanings related to lust or harlotry, as seen in Ezekiel 16:36.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נְחֹ֫שֶׁת 137 n.m. copper, bronze

copper

fetters of copper or bronze

as less in value than gold but more than wood

fig. of pitiless sky

base

[נְחֹ֫שֶׁת] n.[f.] Ez 16:36 where context favours mng. lust, harlotry, or specif. sens. obscoen.

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5178a נְחֹ֫שֶׁת copper, bronze . copper

. fetters of copper or bronze

. as less in value than gold but more than wood

. fig. of pitiless sky

H5178b נְחֹ֫שֶׁת where context favours mng. lust, harlotry, or specif. sens. obscoen.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5178 nchosheth nekh-o'-sheth

for 5154; copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e.

coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or

silver):--brasen, brass, chain, copper, fetter (of brass),

filthiness, steel.

see HEBREW for 05154

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נְחֹ֫שֶׁת (ne.cho.shet) — bronze.

1) copper, bronze

1a) copper (ore), bronze (as copper alloy)

1b) fetters (of copper or bronze)

1c) copper (as value)

נְחֹ֫שֶׁת (ne.cho.shet) — lust.

lust, harlotry

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTd/Ncfsa — Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
HTd/Ncfsa
and he took Eleazar the priest the object marker [the] censers of bronze which they had brought near the [ones who] were burned and people beat out them overlay for the altar
אֲשֶׁ֥ר'a.Sher which H834 Particle
5,500× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Tyndale gloss
which
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.

base

בַאֲשֶׁר

in (that) which

adv. in (the place) where

conj. in that, inasmuch as

on account of whom?

base

מֵאֲשֶׁר

from (or than) that which

adv. from (the place) where

conj. from (the fact) that …, since

base

כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when

according to that which, according as, as

with a causal force, in so far as, since

with a temporal force, when

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which

. adv. in (the place) where

. conj. in that, inasmuch as

. on account of whom?

H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which

. adv. from (the place) where

. conj. from (the fact) that …, since

H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as

. with a causal force, in so far as, since

. with a temporal force, when

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

834 'aher ash-er'

a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)

when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X

alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +

from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,

wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where

(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +

whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is

indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun

expletively, used to show the connection.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.

A: 1) (relative part.)

1a) which, who

1b) that which

2) (conj)

2a) that (in obj clause)

2b) when

2c) since

2d) as

2e) conditional if

B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

D: Kaph+

1) (conj.), according as, as, when

1a) according to that which, according as, as

1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since

1c) with a temporal force: when

בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.

1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.

1) from (or than) that which

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.

conj

1) according as, as, when

1a) according to that which, according as, as

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTr — Particle
HTr
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he took Eleazar the priest the object marker [the] censers of bronze which they had brought near the [ones who] were burned and people beat out them overlay for the altar
הִקְרִ֖יבוּhik.Ri.vu they had brought near H7126 Verb · Hiphil · perfect third person common plural
280× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Tyndale gloss
to present: come
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

קָרַב (qarab) is a Hebrew verb meaning to approach or come near, with various nuances including bringing or presenting something. It encompasses different forms such as Qal (to approach), Niphal (to be brought near), and Hiphil (to bring near). The term is often associated with offerings or dedications to God, particularly in the context of the book of Ezekiel.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[קָרֵב], קָרַב 279 vb. come near, approach

Qal 93 approach

Niph. he shall be brought unto God

Pi. cause to approach, bring near

Hiph.

177

bring near, bring, present

of time

as term techn. (c. 158 t.), chiefly Ez HP, bring near, of presenting, dedicating, or offering to י׳

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7126 קָרֵב, קָרַב come near, approach .approach

. he shall be brought unto God

. cause to approach, bring near

. . . bring near, bring, present

. of time

. as term techn. (c. 158 t.), chiefly Ez HP, bring near, of presenting, dedicating, or offering to י׳

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7126 qarab kaw-rab'

a primitive root; to approach (causatively, bring near) for

whatever purpose:--(cause to) approach, (cause to) bring

(forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw

near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer,

present, produce, make ready, stand, take.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קָרַב (qa.rav) — to present: come.

: come/approach

1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near

1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near

1b) (Niphal) to be brought near

1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near

1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present

קָרַב (qa.rav) — to present: bring.

: bring/offer

1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near

1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near

1b) (Niphal) to be brought near

1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near

1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVhp3cp — Verb · Hiphil · perfect third person common plural
HVhp3cp
and he took Eleazar the priest the object marker [the] censers of bronze which they had brought near the [ones who] were burned and people beat out them overlay for the altar
הַשְּׂרֻפִ֑יםha.se.ru.Fim the [ones who] were burned H8313 Particle · verb qal participle (passive) masculine plural
117× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Tyndale gloss
to burn
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שָׂרַף (*saraph*) is a primitive root meaning 'to burn.' It encompasses various forms, including Qal (to burn), Niphal (to be burned), Piel (burner), and Pual (to be burnt up). The entries suggest a focus on the act of burning and its implications, with no significant disagreements noted among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׂרַף 117 vb. burn

Qal burn

Niph. be burned

Pi. his burner, usu. one burning him, but prob. burning spices for him

Pu. it was burnt up (and gone).

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8313 שָׂרַף burn

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8313 saraph saw-raf'

a primitive root; to be (causatively, set) on fire:--(cause

to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, X utterly.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׂרַף (sa.raph) — to burn.

1) to burn

1a) (Qal) to burn

1b) (Niphal) to be burned

1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle)

1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned

Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTd/Vqsmpa — Particle · verb qal participle (passive) masculine plural
HTd/Vqsmpa
and he took Eleazar the priest the object marker [the] censers of bronze which they had brought near the [ones who] were burned and people beat out them overlay for the altar
וַֽיְרַקְּע֖וּםvay.ra.ke.'Um and people beat out them H7554 Verb piel sequential imperfect third person masculine plural · suffix
11× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew verb means to beat or pound something, like metal, to shape or expand it. It is used to describe the process of making metal plates for the tabernacle in Exodus. The word also implies a sense of passion or strong emotion.
Tyndale gloss
to beat
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָקַע (raqa`) is a Hebrew verb meaning to beat, stamp, or spread out. It encompasses actions like pounding the earth, overlaying materials, and stretching or expanding surfaces. The word appears in various forms, including Qal, Piel, Pual, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of beating and spreading. Notably, the Hiphil form relates to making a spreading of clouds.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[רָקַע] vb. beat, stamp, beat out, spread out

Qal I will stamp them down

Pi. a goldsmith with gold overlayeth it

Pu. silver beaten out.

Hiph. canst thou make with (= like) him a spreading for clouds

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7554 [רָקַע] beat, stamp, beat out, spread out

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7554 raqa` raw-kah'

a primitive root; to pound the earth (as a sign of passion);

by analogy to expand (by hammering); by implication, to

overlay (with thin sheets of metal):--beat, make broad,

spread abroad (forth, over, out, into plates), stamp, stretch.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָקַע (ra.qa) — to beat.

1) to beat, stamp, beat out, spread out, stretch

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to stamp, beat out

1a2) one who beats out (participle)

1b) (Piel) to overlay, beat out (for plating)

1c) (Pual) beaten out (participle)

1d) (Hiphil) to make a spreading (of clouds)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Hc/Vpw3mp/Sp3mp — Verb piel sequential imperfect third person masculine plural · suffix
Hc/Vpw3mp/Sp3mp
and he took Eleazar the priest the object marker [the] censers of bronze which they had brought near the [ones who] were burned and people beat out them overlay for the altar
צִפּ֥וּיtzi.Pui overlay H6826 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
5× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to covering or overlaying something with metal, like plating. It is used to describe a process of adding a metal layer to an object.
Tyndale gloss
plating
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

צִפּוּי (tsippuwy) refers to metal plating or encasement, derived from the root word for covering. The entries consistently define it as a form of overlaying with metal, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

צִפּוּי n.[m.] metal plating

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6826 צִפּוּי metal plating

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6826 tsippuwy tsip-poo'-ee

from 6823; encasement (with metal):--covering, overlaying.

see HEBREW for 06823

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

צִפּוּי (tsip.puy) — plating.

plating (of metal), metal plating

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
and he took Eleazar the priest the object marker [the] censers of bronze which they had brought near the [ones who] were burned and people beat out them overlay for the altar
לַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃la.miz.Be.ach for the altar H4196 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
401× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
altar
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach) means 'altar' in Hebrew. It is derived from the root word meaning to slay or kill, indicating its use in sacrificial contexts. The term is consistently used throughout the Old Testament to refer to places of sacrifice and worship.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִזְבֵּחַ 401 n.m. altar

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4196 מִזְבֵּחַ altar

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4196 mizbeach miz-bay'-akh

from 2076; an altar:--altar.

see HEBREW for 02076

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִזְבֵּחַ (miz.be.ach) — altar.

altar

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HRd/Ncmsa — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HRd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ol'-ter (mizbeach, literally, "place of slaughter or sacrifice," from zabhach, which is found in both senses; bomos, (only in Ac 17:23), thusiasterion):

I. CLASSIFICATION OF HEBREW ALTARS

Importance of the Distinction

II. LAY ALTARS

1. Pre-Mosaic

2. In the Mosaic Age

3. Dangers of the Custom

4. The Mosaic Provisions

III. HORNED ALTARS OF BURNT OFFERING

1. The Tabernacle Altar

2. The Altar of Jos 22

3. The Altar till Solomon

4. The Horned Altar in Use

5. The Temple of Solomon

6. The Altar of Ahaz

7. Ezekiel

8. The Post-exilic Altar

9. Idolatrous and Unlawful Altars

10. The Horns

IV. ALTARS OF INCENSE

V. RECENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL MATERIALS 1. A Gezer Altar

2. The Taanach Altar of Incense

LITERATURE

A. CRITICAL

I. Classification of Hebrew Altars.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Altar

(Heb. mizbe’ah, from a word meaning “to slay”), any structure of earth (Ex. 20:24) or unwrought stone (20:25) on which sacrifices were offered. Altars were generally erected in conspicuous places (Gen. 22:9; Ezek. 6:3; 2 Kings 23:12; 16:4; 23:8; Acts 14:13). The word is used in Heb. 13:10 for the sacrifice offered upon it—the sacrifice Christ offered.

Paul found among the many altars erected in Athens one bearing the inscription, “To the unknown God” (Acts 17:23), or rather “to an [i.e., some]…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The first altar of which we have any account is that built by Noah when he left the ark. (Genesis 8:20) In the early times altars were usually built in certain spots hallowed by religious associations, e.g., where God appeared. (Genesis 12:7; 13:18; 26:25; 35:1) Though generally erected for the offering of sacrifice, in some instances they appear to have been only memorials. (Genesis 12:7; Exodus 17:15,16) Altars were most probably originally made of earth. The law of Moses allowed them to be made of either earth or unhewn stones. (Exodus 20:24,25) I. The Altar of Burnt Offering . It differed in construction at…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A table-like structure, on which sacrifices and incense were offered, built of various materials, usually of stone, but sometimes of brass, etc. It is evident that sacrifices were offered long before the flood; but the first mention of an altar in Scripture is when Noah left the ark. Mention is made of altars reared by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses. The latter was commanded to build an altar of earth, Ex 20:24. If stone was employed, it must be rough and unhewn, probably lest the practice of sculpture should lead them to violate the second commandment. It was not to be furnished with steps, De 27:2-6.

The altars in the Jewish tabernacle, and in the temple at Jerusalem, were the following: 1. The altar of burnt offerings. 2. The altar of incense. 3. The table of showbread, for…

Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate