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 27:4KJV
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Exodus 27:4 (KJV)

What does Exodus 27:4 mean?

Exodus 27:4 describes how God instructed Moses to make a metal grate of interwoven brass for the altar, with four brass rings attached at its four corners. This grate and its rings were specific design features meant for the altar used in Israel’s worship.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving detailed instructions for building the tabernacle’s altar. The “grate of network” refers to a mesh or lattice made from brass, and the four rings would allow poles to be inserted for carrying the altar. These details show the care and precision expected in constructing sacred objects.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 27:4

  • "Grate" (מִכְבָּר, mikhbar) means a lattice or mesh, emphasizing that this was not a solid plate but an open, woven structure, likely to let ashes fall through.
  • "Network" (מַעֲשֶׂה, ma'aseh) here means "work" or "craftsmanship," highlighting the skill involved in making the grate.
  • "Brass" (נְחשֶׁת, nechoshet) refers to a copper alloy, often translated as "bronze" or "brass," showing the altar’s durability and value.
  • "Rings" (טַבַּעַת, tabba'at) are circular fittings, important because they made the altar portable, fitting with the Israelites’ journeying in the wilderness.

Why Exodus 27:4 matters

  • This verse clears up that the altar was designed for both function and transport, not just appearance; the grate and rings were practical features.
  • The careful instructions show that every part of the tabernacle, even unseen elements like the grate, was made with intention and skill.
  • Understanding these details helps readers see how the tabernacle’s design supported Israel’s worship and mobility, connecting to the broader story of their journey through the wilderness.

Where else these words appear

“grate” Hebrew H4345 · used in 6 verses

  • Exodus 35:16 The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,
  • Exodus 38:4 And he made for the altar a brasen grate of network under the compass thereof beneath unto the midst of it.
  • Exodus 38:30 And therewith he made the sockets to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the brasen altar, and the brasen grate for it, and all the vessels of the altar,

“net” Hebrew H7568 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 27:5 And thou shalt put it under the compass of the altar beneath, that the net may be even to the midst of the altar.
  • Psalms 31:4 Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
  • Lamentations 1:13 From above hath he sent fire into my bones, and it prevaileth against them: he hath spread a net for my feet, he hath turned me back: he hath made me desolate and faint all the day.

“corners” Hebrew H7098 · used in 30 verses

  • Exodus 25:18 And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
  • Exodus 37:7 And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat;
  • 1 Kings 13:33 After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places.

“rings” Hebrew H2885 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
  • Exodus 28:27 And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.
  • Exodus 38:7 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.