Exodus 38:8
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֗עַשׂ
And he made
H6213
וַיַּ֗עַשׂ
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכִּיּ֣וֹר
the laver
H3595
הַכִּיּ֣וֹר
the laver
Strong's:
H3595
Word #:
3 of 14
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
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
of brass
H5178
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
of brass
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
4 of 14
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
וְאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
of brass
H5178
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
of brass
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
7 of 14
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
פֶּ֖תַח
at the door
H6607
פֶּ֖תַח
at the door
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
12 of 14
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
Cross References
Luke 2:37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.1 Samuel 2:22Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.Exodus 40:7And thou shalt set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and shalt put water therein.1 Timothy 5:5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.Psalms 26:6I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:Zechariah 13:1In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.John 13:10Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
Historical 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).
Questions for Reflection
- What does transformation of mirrors (self-examination) into a laver (cleansing) teach about relationship between conviction and sanctification?
- How does women's sacrifice of vanity enabling priestly service illustrate believers surrendering worldly concerns for ministry?
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Analysis & 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).