Exodus 39:39
The brasen altar, and his grate of brass, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,
Original Language Analysis
אֵ֣ת׀
H853
אֵ֣ת׀
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַנְּחֹ֙שֶׁת֙
The brasen
H5178
הַנְּחֹ֙שֶׁת֙
The brasen
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
3 of 17
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַנְּחֹ֙שֶׁת֙
The brasen
H5178
הַנְּחֹ֙שֶׁת֙
The brasen
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
6 of 17
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּדָּ֖יו
his staves
H905
בַּדָּ֖יו
his staves
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כֵּלָ֑יו
and all his vessels
H3627
כֵּלָ֑יו
and all his vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
13 of 17
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכִּיֹּ֖ר
the laver
H3595
הַכִּיֹּ֖ר
the laver
Strong's:
H3595
Word #:
15 of 17
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
Historical Context
The bronze altar stood in the courtyard, first object encountered when entering the tabernacle complex—teaching that approaching God requires sacrifice. The laver, positioned between altar and tent entrance, emphasized that sacrifice must precede service, and cleansing must precede worship.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the bronze altar's size and centrality teach about sacrifice's foundational role in worship?
- How does the laver cleansing priests after sacrifice illustrate sanctification following justification?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The bronze altar (מִזְבַּח הַנְּחֹשֶׁת, mizbach haNechoshet) with its bronze grating, staves, and vessels, plus the laver (כִּיּוֹר, kiyor) with its base, enabled sacrifice and cleansing. The bronze altar, largest tabernacle implement, received burnt offerings daily—continual sacrifice prefigured Christ's once-for-all offering (Hebrews 9:12, 28; 10:10, 12, 14). The laver's water, drawn from bronze mirrors donated by serving women (38:8), cleansed priests' hands and feet before ministry. Bronze, durable and heat-resistant, symbolized judgment endured; Christ bore judgment's fire.