Exodus 38:8 Meaning: Mirrors of the Ministering Women
He made the basin of bronze, and its base of bronze, out of the mirrors of the ministering women who ministered at the door of the Tent of Meeting.
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.
And he made the laver of brass, and the base thereof of brass, of the mirrors of the ministering women that ministered at the door of the tent of meeting.
And he maketh the laver of brass, and its base of brass, with the looking-glasses of the women assembling, who have assembled at the opening of the tent of meeting.
And he made the laver of copper, and its stand of copper, of the mirrors of the crowds of women who crowded before the entrance of the tent of meeting.
Meaning in one sentence
Exodus 38:8 tells how the bronze laver was made from mirrors of women who served at the tent. Learn who they were and why their gift mattered.
Context
Exodus 38 describes the building of the tabernacle courtyard. After the gold furnishings inside the tent, workers turned to the bronze objects for the outer court: the altar for burnt offerings and the laver where priests washed. This laver, a large basin on a stand, is the only item in the chapter whose material gets special attention. It was made from the mirrors that the ministering women brought. These women had been gathering at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, and they gave up their personal looking glasses to become part of something that would serve the priests daily.
Key Words
Two Hebrew words in this verse carry more weight than they first appear to. The word for “mirrors” (mar’ot, from the root ra’ah, “to see”) does not mean glass mirrors as we know them. These were polished bronze or copper discs, often with handles, used by women to check their appearance. They were valuable personal items, and giving them up meant parting with something both practical and precious.
The word for the women who “ministered” (tsov’ot, from tsava) is the same verb used for soldiers waging war or Levites rendering service in organized bands. Numbers 4 uses it for the transport of the tabernacle, a holy work done with discipline and devotion. These women served at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting not as priestesses but as a dedicated company, possibly helping with cleaning, repair, and preparation. Their service, like their gift, was offered freely to God.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have wondered who these women were. Some read them simply as devout worshippers who loved being near the sanctuary (Barnes, Matthew Henry). Others note that the Hebrew word tsava suggests they served in organized companies, like the Levites, not as priestesses but as a volunteer force (Cambridge Bible). Wesley saw their mirrors as a fitting sacrifice: the very items used for vanity became a basin for cleansing, so priests could see their spots in its polished surface. Gill and Adam Clarke discuss whether the mirrors were melted down or affixed to the laver. Both views point to the same truth: these women gave something deeply personal to God’s house, and He used it for a holy purpose.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers assume these women were temple prostitutes, based on a misreading of 1 Samuel 2:22 (where Eli’s sons abused women serving at the tent). But the Hebrew word tsava means “to serve” in an organized, even military sense, not a cultic one. In fact, the same word describes the Levites’ service in Numbers 4. These women were devout volunteers, not scandalous figures. Their gift of mirrors shows their wholehearted devotion.
Living This Out
This verse asks you: what personal item or habit are you holding onto that could be put into God’s service? The women gave their mirrors, daily tools for checking appearance, to become part of a basin that cleansed priests before holy work. You might not have a bronze mirror, but you have routines, possessions, or talents that could serve others more than they serve your own image. Consider one thing this week you could offer for God’s use, even if it feels small or ordinary. He can take it and make it part of something that brings cleansing and life.
Main takeaway: God gladly takes our personal treasures and transforms them into tools for cleansing and service in His house.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Some women gave their special mirrors to help make a big bowl for the priests to wash their hands. They wanted to help God’s house. You can give something you like to help others too.
For ages 9, 12
The women who served at the tent gave up their mirrors, probably their only way to see themselves. Instead of keeping them for their own use, they let them become part of a basin that cleansed the priests. That took real trust. Think of something you use every day that you could offer to God. It doesn’t have to be big. He can take your ordinary gift and make it holy.
Questions People Ask
Who were the women who served at the door of the Tent of Meeting?
The Hebrew word used for their service (tsava) is the same one used for Levites serving in organized bands and for soldiers going to war. They were likely devout women who volunteered to help with tasks like cleaning and preparing the tabernacle. They were not priestesses or temple prostitutes, as some have wrongly assumed.
Why were mirrors used to make the bronze laver?
Ancient mirrors were made of polished bronze or copper, not glass. The women donated their personal mirrors, which could be melted down and recast into the laver. Some commentators also suggest the polished surface of the laver may have continued to reflect, allowing priests to see spots on their faces as they washed.
What does the bronze laver symbolize for Christians?
Many Christian readers see the laver as a symbol of spiritual cleansing. Just as priests washed before serving at the altar, believers are called to be cleansed from sin through Christ. The fact that it was made from mirrors, items once used for self-admiration, adds a layer: our old identity is transformed into something that serves God’s holiness.
Does the Bible mention these ministering women anywhere else?
1 Samuel 2:22 mentions women who served at the door of the Tent of Meeting in Eli’s time, though that context involves abuse by Eli’s sons. The women in Exodus 38 are presented positively. The same Hebrew verb for serving (tsava) appears in Numbers 4 for the Levites’ tabernacle duties.
Was the laver made from the mirrors themselves or were the mirrors melted down?
Commentators disagree. Some (like Gill) believe the mirrors were melted down and recast into the laver. Others suggest the mirrors were attached to the laver so its sides still functioned as reflectors. Both views are possible; the verse only says the laver was made 'out of' the mirrors. The key point is the women’s generous gift.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study