King James Version

What Does Exodus 27:4 Mean?

Exodus 27:4 in the King James Version says “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 c... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 27:4 · KJV


Context

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.

6

And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with brass.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A grate (network) of bronze holds the sacrifice, with bronze rings at its four corners. This grate sits below the altar's top, allowing ashes to fall through while supporting the burning sacrifice. The open network permits air circulation, enabling complete combustion—total consumption of the offering. Christ's sacrifice was complete, exhaustive, holding back nothing. The bronze rings again emphasize universality (four corners) and judgment (bronze) character.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The grate (מִכְבָּר, mikhbar) was a mesh or network positioned inside the altar at half-height, creating an air space beneath for better burning. This design ensured offerings were completely consumed, fulfilling God's command for whole burnt offerings.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the altar's design for 'complete combustion' illustrate Christ's total sacrifice?
  2. What does the bronze grate 'supporting' the sacrifice teach about judgment's necessity in atonement?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ1 of 15

And thou shalt make

H6213

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

לּוֹ֙2 of 15
H0
מִכְבָּ֔ר3 of 15

for it a grate

H4345

a grate

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֖ה4 of 15

of network

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

הָרֶ֗שֶׁת5 of 15

and upon the net

H7568

a net (as catching animals)

נְחֹ֔שֶׁת6 of 15

brasen

H5178

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

וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ7 of 15

And thou shalt make

H6213

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

עַל8 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָרֶ֗שֶׁת9 of 15

and upon the net

H7568

a net (as catching animals)

אַרְבַּ֥ע10 of 15

four

H702

four

טַבְּעֹ֣ת11 of 15

rings

H2885

properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind

נְחֹ֔שֶׁת12 of 15

brasen

H5178

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

עַ֖ל13 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַרְבַּ֥ע14 of 15

four

H702

four

קְצוֹתָֽיו׃15 of 15

corners

H7098

a termination


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 27:4 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 27:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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