King James Version

What Does Exodus 38:8 Mean?

Exodus 38:8 in the King James Version says “And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assemb...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. lookingglasses: or, brasen glasses assembling: Heb. assembling by troops”

Exodus 38:8 · KJV

Context

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.

8

And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. lookingglasses: or, brasen glasses assembling: Heb. assembling by troops

9

And he made the court: on the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, an hundred cubits:

10

Their pillars were twenty, and their brasen sockets twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bronze laver (כִּיּוֹר נְחֹשֶׁת, kiyor nechoshet) and its bronze base made 'of the lookingglasses of the women' (בְּמַרְאֹת הַצֹּבְאֹת, be-mar'ot ha-tzov'ot) demonstrates transformation—instruments of vanity become instruments of holiness. Women donated polished bronze mirrors for this laver where priests washed before serving, teaching that self-examination (mirrors) should lead to purification (washing). The sacrificed vanity of godly women provided means for priestly cleansing, prefiguring how believers' surrender of worldly concerns enables ministry. Water in bronze basin represents word (bronze judgment) producing cleansing (water).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The bronze mirrors donated by serving women were polished metal, valuable personal items used for grooming. Melting these for the laver demonstrated genuine sacrifice—women giving up personal vanity for communal holiness. The laver stood between the bronze altar and tabernacle entrance, requiring priests to wash hands and feet before entering (Exodus 30:18-21).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does transformation of mirrors (self-examination) into a laver (cleansing) teach about relationship between conviction and sanctification?
  2. How does women's sacrifice of vanity enabling priestly service illustrate believers surrendering worldly concerns for ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיַּ֗עַשׂ1 of 14

“And he made”

H6213

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

אֵ֚ת2 of 14
H853

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

הַכִּיּ֣וֹר3 of 14

“the laver”

H3595

properly, something round (as excavated or bored), i.e., a chafing-dish for coals or a caldron for cooking; hence (from similarity of form) a washbowl

נְחֹ֑שֶׁת4 of 14

“of brass”

H5178

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

וְאֵ֖ת5 of 14
H853

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

כַּנּ֣וֹ6 of 14

“and the foot”

H3653

a stand, i.e., pedestal or station

נְחֹ֑שֶׁת7 of 14

“of brass”

H5178

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

בְּמַרְאֹת֙8 of 14

“of the lookingglasses”

H4759

(causatively) a mirror

צָֽבְא֔וּ9 of 14

“of the women assembling”

H6633

to mass (an army or servants)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צָֽבְא֔וּ11 of 14

“of the women assembling”

H6633

to mass (an army or servants)

פֶּ֖תַח12 of 14

“at the door”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

אֹ֥הֶל13 of 14

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵֽד׃14 of 14

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

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 38:8 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 38:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 2:371 Samuel 2:22Exodus 40:71 Timothy 5:5Titus 3:5-6Psalms 26:6

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