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 38:3KJV
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Exodus 38:3 (KJV)

What does Exodus 38:3 mean?

Exodus 38:3 describes how all the tools and utensils for the altar—such as pots, shovels, basins, fleshhooks, and firepans—were made out of brass. This verse lists the specific items crafted for use with the altar in the tabernacle, emphasizing their material and purpose.

In the context of Exodus, this verse is part of a detailed account of how the tabernacle and its furnishings were constructed according to God’s instructions. The person making these items is Bezalel, working under Moses’ direction, and the focus is on the careful preparation of everything needed for the altar’s use in worship and sacrifice.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 38:3

  • The word for “vessels” is כְּלִי (kli), often meaning any kind of tool, container, or implement. Here, it covers all the different objects used with the altar, showing the range of items needed for the rituals.
  • “Altar” is מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach), the structure where offerings were made. Mentioning it connects these tools directly to their sacred use.
  • “Brass” is נְחשֶׁת (nechoshet), which can also mean bronze or copper. This material was durable and valuable, suitable for the intense heat and repeated use at the altar.

Why Exodus 38:3 matters

  • This verse makes clear that every part of worship, even the practical tools, was made with care and according to specific instructions, highlighting the importance of order and preparation in Israel’s worship.
  • By listing each item, Exodus 38:3 shows that nothing was left to chance; every detail mattered in the tabernacle’s construction, reflecting the seriousness of approaching God.
  • The use of brass for all these items connects them visually and functionally, showing a unity in the materials used for sacred service and helping the reader picture the scene more clearly.

Where else these words appear

“fleshhooks” Hebrew H4207 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 27:3 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.
  • 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 27:3 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.
  • 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;

“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:

“pots” Hebrew H5518 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 16:3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:13 And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance: but the other holy offerings sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided them speedily among all the people.
  • Ezekiel 11:3 Which say, It is not near; let us build houses: this city is the caldron, and we be the flesh.