King James Version

What Does Exodus 38:3 Mean?

Exodus 38:3 in the King James Version says “And he made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, and the shovels, and the basons, and the fleshhooks, and the firepan...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 38:3 · KJV

Context

1

And he made the altar of burnt offering of shittim wood: five cubits was the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; it was foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof.

2

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.

3

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.

4

And he made for the altar a brasen grate of network under the compass thereof beneath unto the midst of it.

5

And he cast four rings for the four ends of the grate of brass, to be places for the staves.

Read Exodus 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Vessels for the altar—pots (סִירֹת, sirot) for ashes, shovels (יָעִים, ya'im), basins (מִזְרָקֹת, mizrakot), fleshhooks (מִזְלָגֹת, mizlagot), and firepans (מַחְתֹּת, machtot)—all made of bronze, demonstrate that every tool serving judgment must itself bear judgment's metal. These implements handled the results of sin (ashes), moved the sacrifice (fleshhooks), and managed the fire (firepans). Making them bronze rather than gold teaches that ministering to sin and judgment requires different character than ministering in God's holy presence (gold furnishings within).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These five types of vessels served specific functions: pots collected ashes from burned offerings, shovels moved coals, basins caught blood for sprinkling, fleshhooks turned meat on the fire, and firepans carried coals. All were bronze, matching the altar's metal and emphasizing their role in judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does using bronze (judgment metal) for all altar vessels teach about the comprehensive nature of dealing with sin?
  2. How does the distinction between bronze (exterior) and gold (interior) vessels illustrate different aspects of ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
עָשָׂ֥ה1 of 19

“And he made”

H6213

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

אֶֽת2 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל3 of 19
H3605

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

כֵּלָ֖יו4 of 19

“all the vessels”

H3627

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֗חַ5 of 19

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

אֶת6 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַסִּירֹ֤ת7 of 19

“the pots”

H5518

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

וְאֶת8 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַיָּעִים֙9 of 19

“and the shovels”

H3257

a shovel

וְאֶת10 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמִּזְרָקֹ֔ת11 of 19

“and the basons”

H4219

a bowl (as if for sprinkling)

אֶת12 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמִּזְלָגֹ֖ת13 of 19

“and the fleshhooks”

H4207

a fork

וְאֶת14 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמַּחְתֹּ֑ת15 of 19

“and the firepans”

H4289

a pan for live coals

כָּל16 of 19
H3605

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

כֵּלָ֖יו17 of 19

“all the vessels”

H3627

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

עָשָׂ֥ה18 of 19

“And he made”

H6213

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

נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃19 of 19

“he 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 38:3 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 38:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 27:31 Samuel 2:13

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