And he made for the altar a brasen grate of network under the compass thereof beneath unto the midst of it.

EXODUS 38:4KJV
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Exodus 38:4 (KJV)

What does Exodus 38:4 mean?

Exodus 38:4 describes how a bronze grate made of interwoven metal was constructed for the altar, positioned underneath its rim and reaching about halfway up the altar. This detail is part of the instructions for building the altar used for sacrifices in the tabernacle.

In this verse, the craftsman Bezalel is following Moses’ instructions for constructing the altar as part of the tabernacle’s furnishings. The “brasen grate of network” refers to a metal lattice or mesh, which would allow ashes to fall through and air to circulate under the fire. The description shows careful attention to both function and design in the altar’s construction.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 38:4

  • “brasen” (נְחֹשֶׁת, nechoshet): This word means “bronze” or “copper,” emphasizing the altar’s durability and resistance to heat, which was necessary for its use in burning sacrifices.
  • “grate” (מִכְבָּר, mikhbar): This refers to a lattice or meshwork, highlighting that the altar was not a solid block but had a structured, open design to support burning offerings.
  • “network” (מַעֲשֵׂה רֶשֶׁת, ma’aseh reshet): This phrase means “work of netting,” reinforcing the idea that the grate was woven or interlaced, not just a flat sheet, allowing for practical airflow and ash removal.
  • “compass” (כַּרְכֹּב, karkov): This word means “rim” or “border,” clarifying that the grate was placed below the edge or ledge of the altar, not at the very bottom.

Why Exodus 38:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the altar’s design was both practical and symbolic, with features like the grate ensuring sacrifices could be properly burned and maintained.
  • The construction details show the Israelites’ careful obedience to God’s instructions, which were given earlier in Exodus, highlighting the importance of following divine directions precisely.
  • Understanding the placement and function of the grate helps readers picture how sacrifices were managed and how the altar worked within the daily life of the tabernacle.

Where else these words appear

“compass” Hebrew H3749 · used in 2 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.

“grate” Hebrew H4345 · used in 6 verses

  • Exodus 27:4 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 35:16 The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,
  • 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,

“beneath” Hebrew H4295 · used in 18 verses

  • Exodus 26:24 And they shall be coupled together beneath, and they shall be coupled together above the head of it unto one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners.
  • Deuteronomy 28:13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:
  • Proverbs 15:24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

“network” Hebrew H7568 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 27:4 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.
  • 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.