מִכְבָּר (makh.ber)

makh.ber

grate

H4345 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 6 verses

H:N-M

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 6 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-M

Word Overview

The noun makhber refers to a grate or lattice-work, specifically the metal screen that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle. This structural element served as a physical barrier while allowing visibility and airflow between the two sacred spaces.

Its six occurrences in Scripture are concentrated in Exodus, where it describes the construction details of the portable sanctuary. The term highlights the careful craftsmanship required for worship spaces, emphasizing that even separating elements were made with precision and intentionality to honor God’s presence.

This word appears alongside other architectural terms like curtains, pillars, and boards, showing how every component contributed to the overall design. The lattice-work functioned both as a divider and a connection point, reflecting the tension between holiness and accessibility that characterized Israelite worship practices.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word makhber describes a bronze grate or lattice-work used in the Tabernacle. It was not merely a barrier but a carefully crafted screen that allowed visibility and airflow between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. This design showed that God’s presence was both holy and accessible, inviting worshipers to draw near with reverence.

When you read about this grate, remember that every detail in God’s instructions mattered. The precision of the bronze network reflects His care for how we approach Him. In your own life, this reminds us that our prayers and worship are seen by God, even when He remains hidden in glory. We can trust that He invites us into relationship with Him.

Whether you are seeking closeness to God or wondering if your efforts matter, know that He values the structure and intention behind your faith. Like the grate, your life can be a bridge between heaven and earth, connecting others to His presence through your witness.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.

[the] grating of3×
a grating2×
for/ [the] grating of1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

מִכְבָּ֔ר2×
מִכְבַּ֤ר2×
מִכְבַּ֥ר1×
לְ/מִכְבַּ֣ר1×

Key Verses

Exodus 27:4
You shall make a grating for it of network of bronze. On the net you shall make four bronze rings in its four corners.

This verse introduces the construction of the bronze grate, establishing its role as a foundational element of the altar's design.
Exodus 38:4
He made for the altar a grating of a network of bronze, under the ledge around it beneath, reaching halfway up.

Here, the grate is described as reaching halfway up the altar, emphasizing its physical integration into the worship space.
Exodus 38:5
He cast four rings for the four corners of bronze grating, to be places for the poles.

The casting of four bronze rings for the grate highlights the practical need to secure it with poles for portability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does makhber mean in the Bible?

Makhber refers to a bronze grate or lattice-work, specifically the screen placed on the altar in the Tabernacle. It served as both a divider and a connection point between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place.

Why was the bronze grate important in the Tabernacle?

The grate allowed visibility and airflow while maintaining a physical separation between sacred spaces. It symbolized God’s holiness and accessibility, inviting worshipers to approach Him with reverence.

How many times does makhber appear in Scripture?

It appears six times, all in Exodus. These verses describe the construction and placement of the bronze grate as part of the Tabernacle’s design.

Every Occurrence (6 verses across 1 books)

Exodus 6 verses

Exodus 27:4

You shall make a grating for it of network of bronze. On the net you shall make four bronze rings in its four corners.

Exodus 35:16

the altar of burnt offering, with its grating of bronze, its poles, and all its vessels, the basin and its base;

Exodus 38:4

He made for the altar a grating of a network of bronze, under the ledge around it beneath, reaching halfway up.

Exodus 38:5

He cast four rings for the four corners of bronze grating, to be places for the poles.

Exodus 38:30

With this he made the sockets to the door of the Tent of Meeting, the bronze altar, the bronze grating for it, all the…

Exodus 39:39

the bronze altar, its grating of bronze, its poles, all of its vessels, the basin and its base,