King James Version

What Does Exodus 27:3 Mean?

Exodus 27:3 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 27:3 · KJV

Context

1

And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.

2

And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.

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.

4

And thou shalt make for it a grate of network of brass; and upon the net shalt thou make four brasen rings in the four corners thereof.

5

And thou shalt put it under the compass of the altar beneath, that the net may be even to the midst of the altar.

Read Exodus 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Bronze utensils—pans (for ashes), shovels, basins (for blood), fleshhooks, firepans—all bronze. Even the implements serving the altar share its bronze (judgment) character. This teaches that everything associated with sin-bearing must partake of judgment's nature. The practical tools for handling sacrifice, ashes, and blood must be consecrated for their solemn work. There's no 'common' service at the cross; all is holy, all is serious.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These utensils enabled priests to manage the continuous sacrificial system—removing ashes, manipulating burning flesh, catching and applying blood, maintaining the fire. The bronze construction ensured durability under the altar's intense heat while maintaining symbolic consistency with judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why must even the 'tools' of sacrifice be consecrated (bronze)?
  2. How does the seriousness of the cross affect how we 'handle' its message?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה1 of 11

“And thou shalt make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

סִּֽירֹתָיו֙2 of 11

“his pans”

H5518

a thorn (as springing up rapidly); by implication, a hook

לְדַשְּׁנ֔וֹ3 of 11

“to receive his ashes”

H1878

to be fat; transitively, to fatten (or regard as fat); specifically to anoint; figuratively, to satisfy; to remove (fat) ashes (of sacrifices)

וְיָעָיו֙4 of 11

“and his shovels”

H3257

a shovel

וּמִזְרְקֹתָ֔יו5 of 11

“and his basons”

H4219

a bowl (as if for sprinkling)

וּמִזְלְגֹתָ֖יו6 of 11

“and his fleshhooks”

H4207

a fork

וּמַחְתֹּתָ֑יו7 of 11

“and his firepans”

H4289

a pan for live coals

לְכָל8 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כֵּלָ֖יו9 of 11

“all the vessels”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה10 of 11

“And thou shalt make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃11 of 11

“of brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 27:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 27:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 7:45Leviticus 16:12Numbers 4:142 Chronicles 4:16Exodus 24:6Jeremiah 52:18-20

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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