KJV

KJV

Click to Change

Return to Top

Return to Top

Printer Icon

Print

Cite Print
The Blue Letter Bible

Dictionaries :: Firepan

Choose a new font size and typeface
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Firepan:

(Exd 27:3; 38:3), one of the vessels of the temple service (Exd 25:38; 37:23; Lev 10:1; 16:12). It was probably a metallic cinder-basin used for the purpose of carrying live coal for burning incense, and of carrying away the snuff in trimming the lamps.

International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia

Firepan:

fir'-pan (machtah, "firepan," "censer," "snuffdish," from chathah, "to snatch up"): A vessel for carrying coals. Brazen firepans were part of the furnishings of the altar of burnt offerings (Ex 27:3; 38:3, and in Nu 4:14, where the King James Version wrongly reads "censers," the context indicating a vessel belonging to the brazen altar).

The same word is translated "snuffdishes" in Ex 25:38; 37:23; Nu 4:9, where it refers to golden firepans which belonged to the golden candlestick or lamp stand, and were used to receive the burnt ends of the wicks. In 1Ki 7:50 and 2Ch 4:22, although the King James Version reads "censers," the context points to the firepans belonging to the candlestick; as also in 2Ki 25:15 and Jer 52:19, translated "firepans" in the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American). A similar firepan designated by the same Hebrew word but translated "censer" was used to carry the burning coals upon which the incense was thrown and burned (Le 10:1; 16:12; Nu 16:6,17 ff).

The firepan or censer of the Hebrews was doubtless similar to the censer of the Egyptians, pictures of which have been found. It consisted of a pan or pot for the coals, which was held by a straight or slightly curved long handle. The style of censer used in recent centuries, swung by three chains, came into use about the 12th century AD.

Written by George Rice Hovey

See CENSER

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Firepan:

one of the vessels of the temple service (Exodus 27:3; 38:3; 2 Kings 25:15; Jeremiah 52:19). The same word is elsewhere rendered "snuff‐dish," (Exodus 25:38; 37:23; Numbers 4:9) and "censer." (Leviticus 10:1; 16:12; Numbers 16:6) ff. There appear, therefore, to have been two articles so called: one, like a chafing‐dish, to carry live coals for the purpose of burning incense; another, like a snuffer‐dish, to be used in trimming the lamps, in order to carry the snuffers and convey away the snuff.

BLB Searches
Search the Bible
KJV
 [?]

Advanced Options

Other Searches

Multi-Verse Retrieval
x
KJV

Daily Devotionals
x

Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness.

Daily Bible Reading Plans
x

Recognizing the value of consistent reflection upon the Word of God in order to refocus one's mind and heart upon Christ and His Gospel of peace, we provide several reading plans designed to cover the entire Bible in a year.

One-Year Plans

Two-Year Plan

CONTENT DISCLAIMER:

The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy of Scripture. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry.