Exodus 25:38
ESV
Its tongs and their trays shall be of pure gold.
NIV
Its wick trimmers and trays are to be of pure gold.
NASB
Its tongs and its trays shall be of pure gold.
CSB
Its snuffers and firepans must be of pure gold.
NLT
The lamp snuffers and trays must also be made of pure gold.
KJV
And the tongs thereof, and the snuffdishes thereof, shall be of pure gold.
NKJV
And its wick-trimmers and their trays shall be of pure gold.
What does Exodus 25:38 mean?
Israel is to collect donations (Exodus 25:1–7) to build a sanctuary for God (Exodus 25:8–9). In this tabernacle, they will place an ark (Exodus 25:10–11), a sacred table (Exodus 25:23–24), and other items. The table was accompanied by sets of solid gold plates and containers (Exodus 25:29). In a similar way, the sacred lampstand (Exodus 25:31) also includes utensils.This object is called a menorāh, a seven-light lampstand. Prior verses explained the pieces used to compose this ornate object (Exodus 25:32–36). Since the item deals with lamps, fire, and oil, it will also need suitable tools. The "tongs" and "trays" here may refer to snuffers, wick trimmers, oil pans, or other related objects. The lampstand and tools combined require around seventy-five pounds, or thirty-four kilograms, of precious metal (Exodus 25:39).
