Exodus 27:5 · Bible study
Exodus 27:5 Commentary: The Altar's Bronze Grating in Design and Purpose
Hebrew · 8 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Explores the bronze grating placed halfway up the altar of burnt offering, its structure, function, and significance for worship and atonement.
Research Summary
- Meaning: The bronze grating placed under the ledge halfway up the altar of burnt offering, supporting the structure or holding the sacrifice.
- Key words: Reshet (net/grating), karkov (ledge, a hapax in this context), chetsi (half/middle).
- Main debate: Whether the grating served as external support for a priest’s ledge (Keil, Cambridge) or as an internal fire grate (Gill), or as a net for ash removal (JFB).
- Theological theme: The altar as the place of substitutionary atonement; the details prefigure Christ’s sacrifice and the access it provides.
- Best use: Preaching or teaching on the typology of the brazen altar, the seriousness of sin, and God’s provision for worship.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
Set the grate beneath the ledge of the altar, so that the mesh comes halfway up the altar.
WEB World English Bible 2000
You shall put it under the ledge around the altar beneath, that the net may reach halfway up the altar.
KJV King James Version 1769
And thou shalt put it under the compass of the altar beneath, that the net may be even to the midst of the altar.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
And thou shalt put it under the ledge round the altar beneath, that the net may reach halfway up the altar.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
and hast put it under the compass of the altar beneath, and the net hath been unto the middle of the altar.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
and thou shalt put it under the ledge of the altar beneath, and the net shall be to the very middle of the altar.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
Which thou shalt put under the hearth of the altar: and the grate shall be even to the midst of the altar.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y lo has de poner dentro del cerco del altar abajo; y llegará el enrejado hasta el medio del altar.
E o porás dentro da borda do altar abaixo; e chegará a grelha até o meio do altar.
Tu le placeras au-dessous du rebord de l’ autel, à partir du bas, jusqu’ à la moitié de la hauteur de l’ autel.
Du sollst's aber von untenauf um den Altar machen, daß das Gitter reiche bis mitten an den Altar.
En gij zult het onder den omloop des altaars van beneden opleggen, alzo dat het net tot het midden des altaars zij.
e la porrai sotto la cornice dell’altare, nella parte inferiore, in modo che la rete raggiunga la metà dell’altezza dell’altare.
I włożysz ją w okrąg ołtarza na dół, a będzie ta krata aż do połowy ołtarza.
и положи ее по окраине жертвенника внизу, так чтобы сетка была до половины жертвенника.
把網 安 在壇 四面的圍腰板 以下，使 網 從下 達到 壇 的半腰。
And put the network under the shelf round the altar so that the net comes half-way up the altar.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Exodus 27:5
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators broadly agree that Exodus 27:5 describes a bronze grating (reshet) placed under a projecting ledge (karkov) that ran around the altar of burnt offering, halfway between its top and base. The net reached to the midline of the altar. There is less unity on the grating’s exact function. Barnes and the Cambridge Bible see it as a vertical network supporting the ledge, which served as a shelf for the priest to stand on while ministering. Gill, however, understands the grate as set within the hollow of the altar, where the wood and sacrifice were laid, a kind of fire grate. Keil and Delitzsch offer a composite: the grating hung from the outer edge of the ledge and rested on the ground, forming a projecting footing that stabilized the altar and gave the priest a place to stand. All agree the structure served both practical and symbolic purposes, enabling the altar to function as the central place of atonement.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- External support for priest’s ledge: Keil, Cambridge, Barnes: The grating hung from the outer edge of the ledge and rested on the ground, providing a footing for the priest (Lev 9:22).
- Internal fire grate: Gill: The grate was set within the hollow of the altar to hold the wood and sacrifice, supported by rings and chains.
- Net for ash removal: JFB: The grating was used to carry ashes to a clean place (Lev 4:12).
What is clear: The grating was a bronze network placed under a projecting ledge that circled the altar, extending to the midpoint.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Function of the bronze grating | All agree it was a bronze network placed under a ledge that ran around the altar halfway up. | Some see it as an external support for the ledge (Keil, Cambridge, Barnes); others as an internal grate holding the sacrifice (Gill); still others as a net for carrying ashes (JFB). |
| Meaning of ‘compass’ (karkov) | The term refers to a projecting rim or ledge around the altar. | Whether this ledge was purely ornamental, a footrest for the priest, or a structural component that the grating supported is interpreted differently. |
| Significance of ‘halfway up’ | The grating reached exactly to the middle of the altar, dividing it into two halves. | Interpretations range from practical (allowing the priest to stand at a workable height) to symbolic (the meeting point of heaven and earth). |
Historical & Cultural Context
The brazen altar described in Exodus 27 was the first piece of furniture encountered in the tabernacle court. Five cubits square and three high (roughly 7.5 by 7.5 by 4.5 feet), it was made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze. Instructions include horns at the corners, bronze utensils, and a grating of network bronze (v.4). Verse 5 specifies that the grating be placed “under the ledge around the altar beneath, that the net may reach halfway up the altar.”
The Hebrew term karkov (ledge) occurs only here and in the parallel account (Exodus 38:4), indicating a projecting rim that encircled the altar midway. Commentators like Keil and Delitzsch argue that this ledge served as a bench for the priest to stand on, since Exodus 20:26 prohibited steps up to the altar. The bronze grating likely hung from the outer edge of this ledge and extended to the ground, providing support and stability. Others, such as Gill, see the grating as an internal fire grate within the hollow altar, where wood and sacrifice were placed.
This altar was the focal point of Israel’s worship, every burnt offering, sin offering, and peace offering was presented here. The blood of sacrifices was smeared on the horns (Leviticus 4:7), and the fire consumed the victim, symbolizing judgment and atonement. The structure’s portability, with poles inserted into rings, made it suitable for the wilderness journey. Ultimately, the brazen altar pointed to the cross, where the final sacrifice for sin was offered.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for Exodus 27:5. The parallel account in Exodus 38:4 uses nearly identical wording, confirming the construction detail. The Hebrew term karkov appears only in these two verses, which suggests the reading is secure.
Reception History
Early Christian interpreters often saw the brazen altar as a type of the cross. The bronze network was understood as the complex judgment of sin that Christ bore, while the ledge at halfway represented the intersection of divine holiness and human weakness. In the Reformation, emphasis fell on the altar as the place where a substitute died in the sinner’s place. Later commentators, such as Keil and Delitzsch, brought careful architectural analysis, seeing the ledge as a necessary practical provision for priestly ministry. Across traditions, this verse has been read as showing God’s attention to detail in providing a way for His people to approach Him.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The Altar’s Central Role in Worship, The brazen altar was the place of sacrifice, the means of approaching a holy God. Its prominent position in the court reminded Israel daily of the cost of sin and the provision of grace.
- The Grating as Mediation, The network held the sacrifice in the fire. Whether interpreted as supporting the priest or holding the offering, it served as a bridge between the worshiper and the consuming holiness of God. Judgment and mercy met at the grate.
- The Halfway Point as Access, The ledge at mid-altar gave the priest a place to stand. God did not demand an unreachable height, He provided a way for His servants to minister. In Christ, we too have access to the Father (Hebrews 10:19-22).
Five-point outline
- Design with Purpose, Every detail (acacia, bronze, dimensions) mattered. Nothing in God’s instructions was arbitrary.
- The Bronze Net, A network that could hold the sacrifice or carry ashes to a clean place (JFB). It contained the fire and made disposal of remains possible.
- The Ledge for Ministry, The priest stood on the ledge to arrange the sacrifice. This was not a distant throne but a place of intimate service.
- The Fire and the Sacrifice, The altar’s function was atonement. Fire from heaven consumed the offering, prefiguring the all-sufficient sacrifice of Christ.
- The Portable Altar, The altar moved with Israel. God’s presence and provision traveled with His people.
Illustration hooks
- Building a backyard fire pit: The grate holds the wood for airflow. The altar’s grate held the sacrifice for the fire of God’s holiness, a controlled, purposeful consumption.
- A kitchen colander: A network separates what is useful from waste. The bronze net allowed ashes to fall through, enabling them to be carried outside the camp (Leviticus 4:12).
- A bridge halfway up a building: The ledge gave priests a secure foothold. In Christ, God meets us at the point of our need and lifts us to Himself.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why did God give such precise instructions for the altar?
- What does the bronze grating have to do with my sin today?
- How does this old altar connect to Jesus’ sacrifice for me?
Leading a Discussion
This verse may seem technical, but it reveals how seriously God took the problem of sin and how carefully He provided for worship. The details invite us to consider both the cost of atonement and the grace that made a way for us.
Discussion questions
- What does Exodus 27:5 say about the placement of the grating? Try to describe the structure in your own words.
- Why do you think the grating was made of bronze network rather than a solid sheet?
- Why might the grating extend only halfway up the altar? What does that position suggest about the priest’s role?
- In what ways does the altar of burnt offering foreshadow the cross of Christ?
- How does the precision of God’s instructions challenge the way we think about worship and obedience today?
- What does it mean that we have a mediator, a priest who stood on that ledge? How does Jesus serve as our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5)?
- How can remembering the cost of sacrifice shape our daily gratitude and awe toward God?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Exodus 38:4 | He made for the altar a grating of a network of bronze, under the ledge around it beneath, reaching halfway up. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
8 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes notes that the brazen altar was a hollow wooden frame covered with bronze, intended to be filled with earth or rough stones for use. This connects it to the earlier command for altars of earth or stone, making the woodwork simply a casing. A shelf halfway up served as a priests' stage, reached by an earthen ramp.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge Bible identifies the ledge midway up the altar of burnt-offering as a platform for priests to stand on while sacrificing. This architectural detail explains the biblical language of going up to and coming down from an altar, since the ledge was supported by a bronze grating and accessed by priests during offerings.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Note emphasizes the precise placement of the bronze grate: it was to be set under the altar's rim, positioned so the grate itself sat at the midpoint of the altar's height. This detail ensures the grate was neither at the top nor the bottom but centered within the structure.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill specifies that the bronze grate was placed inside the hollow square of the altar, not under it as a separate stand. Suspended by chains halfway down the three-cubit height, this deep cavity held the wood and the sacrifice, providing space for a large fire.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB clarifies that the phrase "under the compass of the altar beneath" refers to the grating attached to the altar. This grating served as the means by which the ashes or remains were carried away to a clean location outside the camp.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil and Delitzsch describe the altar's bronze grating as a net-like covering that supported a projecting bench (the carcob) around its lower half. This bench gave the priest a foothold partway up, so he could stand and tend the offerings without needing steps.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange sees the tabernacle not merely as a place of worship but as the residence of the living Lawgiver, the center of all legislation where God meets His people. It prevents the law from becoming a dead ordinance by making it a living power. This nomadic temple serves as the prototype for every later sanctuary.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry highlights that the altar stood in the court, not inside the tabernacle, because only priests entered God's dwelling as his household servants. The people, as subjects, brought their sacrifices there, and through this arrangement a regular communion between God and Israel was established.