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 27:3KJV
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Exodus 27:3 (KJV)

What does Exodus 27:3 mean?

Exodus 27:3 gives instructions for making the tools used with the altar in the tabernacle, saying that pans for ashes, shovels, basins, fleshhooks, and firepans should all be made out of brass. This verse lists the specific utensils needed for handling sacrifices and maintaining the altar, emphasizing their material and purpose.

God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving detailed directions for building the tabernacle and its furnishings. The verse highlights the practical needs of worship in ancient Israel, showing that every aspect—even the tools for cleaning and handling offerings—was to be carefully made and set apart for holy use.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 27:3

  • פַּנִּים (pannim, H5518): This word refers to "pans" or containers, here specifically for collecting ashes from the altar. It shows attention to cleanliness and order in worship.
  • דֶּשֶׁן (deshen, H1878): Meaning "ashes," this word often refers to the remains of burnt offerings, highlighting the ongoing cycle of sacrifice and cleanup.
  • מַזְרְקוֹת (mizraqot, H4219): Translated "basins," these were likely used for collecting blood or other liquids, showing the practical side of ritual sacrifice.
  • מַזְלְגוֹת (mazlegot, H4207): "Fleshhooks" were used to handle meat on the altar, pointing to the hands-on work of the priests.
  • מַחְתּוֹת (machtot, H4289): "Firepans" were used for carrying coals or incense, connecting to both sacrifice and prayer.
  • נְחֹשֶׁת (nechoshet, H5178): "Brass" or bronze, a durable metal, was chosen for all these tools, likely for its strength and resistance to heat.

Why Exodus 27:3 matters

  • This verse shows that even the smallest details of worship were given careful thought, not just the altar itself but every tool used with it.
  • By specifying that all these utensils be made of brass, the verse underlines the importance of durability and purity in items used for sacred purposes.
  • The verse connects to the larger passage by showing how the tabernacle was a place of order and intentional design, with every part serving a role in Israel’s relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“fleshhooks” Hebrew H4207 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 38:3 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.
  • 1 Samuel 2:13 And the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;
  • 1 Chronicles 28:17 Also pure gold for the fleshhooks, and the bowls, and the cups: and for the golden basons he gave gold by weight for every bason; and likewise silver by weight for every bason of silver:

“shovels” Hebrew H3257 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 38:3 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.
  • 1 Kings 7:40 And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basons. So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he made king Solomon for the house of the LORD:
  • 2 Chronicles 4:11 And Huram made the pots, and the shovels, and the basons. And Huram finished the work that he was to make for king Solomon for the house of God;

“ashes” Hebrew H1878 · used in 11 verses

  • Numbers 4:13 And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:
  • Psalms 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
  • Proverbs 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

“firepans” Hebrew H4289 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 25:38 And the tongs thereof, and the snuffdishes thereof, shall be of pure gold.
  • Numbers 4:14 And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it.
  • Numbers 16:39 And Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar: