Exodus 27:4
New International Version
Make a grating for it, a bronze network, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the network.

New Living Translation
Make a bronze grating for it, and attach four bronze rings at its four corners.

English Standard Version
You shall also make for it a grating, a network of bronze, and on the net you shall make four bronze rings at its four corners.

Berean Standard Bible
Construct for it a grate of bronze mesh, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the mesh.

King James Bible
And thou shalt make for it a grate of network of brass; and upon the net shalt thou make four brasen rings in the four corners thereof.

New King James Version
You shall make a grate for it, a network of bronze; and on the network you shall make four bronze rings at its four corners.

New American Standard Bible
You shall also make for it a grating, a netting of bronze, and on the netting you shall make four bronze rings at its four corners.

NASB 1995
“You shall make for it a grating of network of bronze, and on the net you shall make four bronze rings at its four corners.

NASB 1977
“And you shall make for it a grating of network of bronze, and on the net you shall make four bronze rings at its four corners.

Legacy Standard Bible
You shall make for it a grating, a network of bronze, and on the net you shall make four bronze rings at its four corners.

Amplified Bible
Also make a grate for it, a network of bronze; and on the grid you are to make four bronze rings at its four corners.

Christian Standard Bible
Construct a grate for it of bronze mesh, and make four bronze rings on the mesh at its four corners.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Construct a grate for it of bronze mesh, and make four bronze rings on the mesh at its four corners.

American Standard Version
And thou shalt make for it a grating of network of brass: and upon the net shalt thou make four brazen rings in the four corners thereof.

English Revised Version
And thou shalt make for it a grating of network of brass; and upon the net shalt thou make four brasen rings in the four corners thereof.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Make a grate for it out of bronze mesh, and make a bronze ring for [each of] the four corners of the grate.

Good News Translation
Make a bronze grating and put four bronze carrying rings on its corners.

International Standard Version
You are to make a lattice, a netting of bronze for it, and you are to make four bronze rings on the netting at its four corners.

NET Bible
You are to make a grating for it, a network of bronze, and you are to make on the network four bronze rings on its four corners.

New Heart English Bible
You shall make a grating for it of network of bronze: and on the net you shall make four bronze rings in its four corners.

Webster's Bible Translation
And thou shalt make for it a grate of net-work of brass; and upon the net shalt thou make four brazen rings in its four corners.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Construct for it a grate of bronze mesh, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the mesh.

World English Bible
You shall make a grating for it of network of bronze. On the net you shall make four bronze rings in its four corners.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And you have made a grate of network of bronze for it, and have made four rings of bronze on the net on its four extremities,

Young's Literal Translation
'And thou hast made for it a grate of net-work of brass, and hast made on the net four rings of brass on its four extremities,

Smith's Literal Translation
And make to it a grate a net work of brass; and make upon the net four four brass rings over its four ends.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And a grate of brass in manner of a net: at the four corners of which shall be four rings of brass,

Catholic Public Domain Version
along with a grating of brass in the manner of a net. At its four corners there shall be four rings of brass,

New American Bible
Make for it a grating, a bronze network; make four bronze rings for it, one at each of its four corners.

New Revised Standard Version
You shall also make for it a grating, a network of bronze; and on the net you shall make four bronze rings at its four corners.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
You shall make for it a grating of network of brass; and upon the grating you shall make four rings of brass at its four corners.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And make a grate as the work of a network of brass and make four rings of brass over the grate, over its four sides.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And thou shalt make for it a grating of network of brass; and upon the net shalt thou make four brazen rings in the four corners thereof.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And thou shalt make for it a brazen grate with net-work; and thou shalt make for the grate four brazen rings under the four sides.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Bronze Altar
3Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots for removing ashes, its shovels, its sprinkling bowls, its meat forks, and its firepans. 4Construct for it a grate of bronze mesh, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the mesh. 5Set the grate beneath the ledge of the altar, so that the mesh comes halfway up the altar.…

Cross References
Exodus 38:4
He made a grate of bronze mesh for the altar under its ledge, halfway up from the bottom.

Exodus 25:3-7
This is the offering you are to accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze; / blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair; / ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood; ...

Exodus 26:31-33
Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. / Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood, overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. / And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

Exodus 30:18
“You are to make a bronze basin with a bronze stand for washing. Set it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it,

Exodus 35:5-9
Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze; / blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair; / ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood; ...

Exodus 36:38
together with five posts and their hooks. He overlaid the tops of the posts and their bands with gold, and their five bases were bronze.

Exodus 39:39
the bronze altar with its bronze grating, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin with its stand;

Numbers 4:14
and place on it all the vessels used to serve there: the firepans, meat forks, shovels, and sprinkling bowls—all the equipment of the altar. They are to spread over it a covering of fine leather and insert the poles.

1 Kings 7:45
and the pots, shovels, and sprinkling bowls. All the articles that Huram made for King Solomon in the house of the LORD were made of burnished bronze.

2 Chronicles 4:16
and the pots, shovels, meat forks, and all the other articles. All these objects that Huram-abi made for King Solomon for the house of the LORD were of polished bronze.

Ezekiel 43:13-17
These are the measurements of the altar in long cubits (a cubit and a handbreadth): Its gutter shall be a cubit deep and a cubit wide, with a rim of one span around its edge. And this is the height of the altar: / The space from the gutter on the ground to the lower ledge shall be two cubits, and the ledge one cubit wide. The space from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge shall be four cubits, and the ledge one cubit wide. / The altar hearth shall be four cubits high, and four horns shall project upward from the hearth. ...

Hebrews 9:2-5
A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. / Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, / containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. ...

Hebrews 9:23-24
So it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. / For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.

Hebrews 8:5
The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

Hebrews 10:1
For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.


Treasury of Scripture

And you shall make for it a grate of network of brass; and on the net shall you make four brazen rings in the four corners thereof.

a grate of network

Exodus 35:16
The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,

Exodus 38:4,5
And he made for the altar a brasen grate of network under the compass thereof beneath unto the midst of it…

rings in the four corners thereof

Exodus 25:12
And thou shalt cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in the four corners thereof; and two rings shall be in the one side of it, and two rings in the other side of it.

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Brass Brazen Bronze Corners Extremities Four Grate Grating Net Network Net-Work Ring Rings Thereof
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Brass Brazen Bronze Corners Extremities Four Grate Grating Net Network Net-Work Ring Rings Thereof
Exodus 27
1. The altar of burnt offering, with the vessels thereof
9. The court of the tabernacle enclosed with hangings and pillars
18. The measure of the court, and the furniture of brass
20. The oil for the lamp














Construct for it a grate of bronze mesh
The instruction to construct a grate of bronze mesh is part of the detailed design for the altar of burnt offering in the Tabernacle. Bronze, a durable and resistant metal, symbolizes judgment and endurance. The use of bronze in the altar's construction signifies the enduring nature of God's judgment against sin, which the sacrifices on the altar were meant to atone for. The mesh design allows for the efficient burning of sacrifices, ensuring that the offerings are fully consumed by fire, symbolizing the complete surrender and purification required for atonement. This grate can be seen as a type of Christ, who fully endured the judgment of God on behalf of humanity.

and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the mesh
The four corners of the mesh with bronze rings indicate the altar's mobility, as the rings were used to insert poles for carrying. This reflects the nomadic nature of the Israelites during their wilderness journey, emphasizing God's presence and guidance with them wherever they went. The number four often represents universality in the Bible, suggesting that the provision for atonement through sacrifice was available to all. The use of rings and poles for transport also prefigures the universal reach of Christ's sacrifice, which is not confined to one place or people but is available to all who believe.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the Tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai.

2. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the altar with the bronze grate was to be used.

3. Altar of Burnt Offering
The specific altar for which the bronze grate was constructed, used for sacrifices and offerings to God.

4. Israelites
The people of God, who were to follow these instructions as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

5. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave Moses the detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Instructions
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the bronze grate, emphasize the importance of following God's commands precisely. This teaches us the value of obedience in our own lives.

Symbolism of Bronze
Bronze, being a strong and durable metal, symbolizes judgment and endurance. The use of bronze in the altar's construction can remind us of the enduring nature of God's justice and the need for atonement.

The Role of Sacrifice
The altar and its components were central to the sacrificial system, which pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. This underscores the importance of understanding the sacrificial system as a foreshadowing of Christ's work on the cross.

God's Presence Among His People
The Tabernacle, including the altar, was a means for God to dwell among His people. This reflects God's desire for a relationship with us and His provision for our spiritual needs.

Practical Worship
The construction and use of the altar demonstrate the practical aspects of worship, reminding us that our worship should be both spiritual and practical, involving our whole being.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Exodus 27:4?

2. How does Exodus 27:4's design reflect God's attention to detail and order?

3. What is the significance of the "grate of bronze" in Exodus 27:4?

4. How does the altar's construction in Exodus 27:4 foreshadow Christ's sacrificial role?

5. How can we apply the principle of excellence from Exodus 27:4 today?

6. What other biblical passages emphasize the importance of following God's specific instructions?

7. What is the significance of the bronze grating in Exodus 27:4 for the altar's design?

8. How does Exodus 27:4 reflect God's instructions for worship in ancient Israel?

9. Why was a network of bronze required for the altar in Exodus 27:4?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 27?

11. What is the purpose of the Brazen Altar?

12. What is the purpose of the Brazen Altar?

13. Exodus 27:1-8: Does the prescribed size and design of the altar align with the volume and frequency of sacrifices mentioned in other biblical texts?

14. Exodus 27:1-8: How could the Israelites feasibly construct and transport such a large bronze-covered acacia wood altar during prolonged desert wanderings?
What Does Exodus 27:4 Mean
Construct

“Construct” signals a deliberate act of obedience. The altar’s measurements and materials were not left to Moses’ imagination; they came straight from God’s blueprint (Exodus 25:40; Hebrews 8:5). Every time Israel built exactly as instructed, they declared,

• God—not man—sets the standard for worship (Exodus 31:11).

• Compliance displays faith in His wisdom (Genesis 6:22; John 14:15).


for it

The “it” is the bronze altar introduced in Exodus 27:1–2. Adding this grate pertains directly to that piece, underscoring that nothing in God’s sanctuary is accessory; each part has a purpose (1 Corinthians 14:33).


a grate

A grate allowed air to feed the fire and ashes to fall through, keeping sacrifices burning steadily (Leviticus 6:12–13). Without it:

• Smoke would smother the flame.

• Ash buildup would block fresh offerings (Malachi 1:10).

The grate kept worship ongoing, a picture of uninterrupted atonement fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 7:25).


of bronze mesh

Bronze withstands intense heat (Numbers 16:39–40). In Scripture, bronze often speaks of judgment absorbed (Numbers 21:9; Revelation 1:15). The altar—made for consuming sin offerings—needed durable metal, hinting at the far greater judgment Christ would bear (2 Corinthians 5:21).


and make

The phrase reminds us that spiritual truths incarnate through practical craftsmanship. Obedience is not abstract; it shows up in skilled hands (Exodus 31:2–6; James 2:17).


a bronze ring

Rings secured poles for transport (Exodus 27:7). The same metal as the grate kept every component unified in purpose: continuous mobility matched by consistent symbolism (1 Chronicles 15:2).


at each

No corner was left without support. God’s design eliminates weak points (Isaiah 28:16). For believers today, every area of life—public and private—requires equal anchoring in His truth (Ephesians 4:15).


of the four corners

Four corners implied global reach (Isaiah 11:12; Revelation 7:1). The altar’s message of atonement was never provincial; it anticipated blessing “for all the families of the earth” (Genesis 12:3).


of the mesh

The rings stayed attached to the grate itself, not merely the altar frame. Judgment and transport were inseparable. As Israel journeyed, the grate traveled with them, declaring that forgiveness went wherever the people went (Psalm 32:1–2; 1 John 1:9).


summary

Every clause of Exodus 27:4 weaves together function and theology. The bronze mesh grate ensured continual sacrifice, the bronze rings enabled mobility, and the four-corner placement spoke of complete provision. In meticulous obedience, Israel displayed confidence in God’s exact plan—a plan ultimately realized in the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose atonement reaches every corner of the earth and accompanies His people wherever they go.

(4) A grate of network.--Rather, a grating of network. The position of the grating is doubtful. According to one view, it reached from the middle of the altar to its base, and protected the sides of the altar from the feet of the ministering priests. According to another, it surrounded the upper part of the altar, and was intended to catch any portions of the victims that accidentally fell off. There are no sufficient data to enable us to determine between these views.

Upon the net shalt thou make four brasen rings.--The brazen altar, like the ark and the table of shewbread, was to be carried by the priests when the Israelites changed their camping-ground. It therefore required "rings," like them (Exodus 25:12; Exodus 25:26). These were, in the case of the altar, to be attached to the network, which must have been of a very solid and substantial character.

Verse 4. - Thou shalt make for it a grate. Rather, "a grating." This was probably a protection for the lower part of the altar, and prevented it from being touched by the feet of the ministrant priests. It was outside the altar, and had the rings attached to it, by which the altar was carried when the Israelites journeyed.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Construct
וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ (wə·‘ā·śî·ṯā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

for it
לּוֹ֙ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

a grate
מִכְבָּ֔ר (miḵ·bār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4345: A netted cloth, coverlet

of bronze
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת (nə·ḥō·šeṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5178: Copper, something made of that metal, coin, a fetter, base

mesh,
רֶ֣שֶׁת (re·šeṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7568: A net

and make a
וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ (wə·‘ā·śî·ṯā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

bronze
נְחֹ֔שֶׁת (nə·ḥō·šeṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5178: Copper, something made of that metal, coin, a fetter, base

ring
טַבְּעֹ֣ת (ṭab·bə·‘ōṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 2885: A seal, signet, a ring of any kind

at
עַ֖ל (‘al)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

each of the four
אַרְבַּ֥ע (’ar·ba‘)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 702: Four

corners
קְצוֹתָֽיו׃ (qə·ṣō·w·ṯāw)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7098: A termination

of
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the mesh.
הָרֶ֗שֶׁת (hā·re·šeṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7568: A net


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OT Law: Exodus 27:4 You shall make a grating for it (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 27:3
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