King James Version

What Does Exodus 38:5 Mean?

Exodus 38:5 in the King James Version says “And he cast four rings for the four ends of the grate of brass, to be places for the staves.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 38:5 · KJV

Context

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.

6

And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with brass.

7

And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.

Read Exodus 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Four rings of bronze at the four ends of the grate for carrying-staves teach that even the altar of judgment accompanies God's people through their journeys. The gospel includes both God's love and His wrath, both mercy and judgment. A portable judgment-altar demonstrates that awareness of sin's seriousness travels with believers—we never journey beyond need for cross-centered living. The four rings (universality) at four ends (completeness) suggest that judgment and atonement reach every corner of human experience.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The rings attached to the grating allowed staves to be inserted for carrying. The bronze altar, though heavy and bulky, needed portability for wilderness travels. Kohathite Levites bore responsibility for transporting it (Numbers 4:13-14), using these rings and poles.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the portable judgment-altar teach about believers needing continual awareness of sin's seriousness and Christ's atonement?
  2. How do four rings at four ends illustrate the comprehensive reach of both judgment and atonement?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיִּצֹ֞ק1 of 9

“And he cast”

H3332

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

בְּאַרְבַּ֥ע2 of 9

“for the four”

H702

four

טַבָּעֹ֛ת3 of 9

“rings”

H2885

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

בְּאַרְבַּ֥ע4 of 9

“for the four”

H702

four

הַקְּצָוֹ֖ת5 of 9

“ends”

H7099

a limit

לְמִכְבַּ֣ר6 of 9

“of the grate”

H4345

a grate

הַנְּחֹ֑שֶׁת7 of 9

“of brass”

H5178

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

בָּתִּ֖ים8 of 9

“to be places”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לַבַּדִּֽים׃9 of 9

“for the staves”

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

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 38:5 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 38:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 27:4

Test Your Knowledge

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