Old Testament
Numbers 16:39
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Eleazar, the priest, is instructed to collect the bronze censers that were used by those who had been consumed by fire due to their rebellion against God.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
So Eleazar the priest collected the bronze censers that the burned men had used, and they were hammered into sheets to cover the altar.
And Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Eleazar, the priest, is instructed to collect the bronze censers that were used by those who had been consumed by fire due to their rebellion against God. These censers, which were once instruments of defiance, are transformed into something sacred. Eleazar takes the bronze and hammers it into sheets to create a covering for the altar. This act symbolizes the purification of the altar and serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience. The altar, a place of worship and sacrifice, is now adorned with the very material that once represented rebellion, highlighting the themes of redemption and transformation. It shows that even the remnants of sin can be repurposed for holy use, emphasizing God's ability to bring good out of bad situations. This moment also reinforces the importance of the priestly role in mediating between God and the people, ensuring that worship remains pure and acceptable.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 16:39 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on how God can transform our past mistakes into something valuable. Just as the censers were repurposed for the altar, we can allow our experiences, even the painful ones, to be used for good in our lives and the lives of others.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 16:39 mean?
Numbers 16:39 describes how Eleazar the priest collected the bronze censers used by those who rebelled against God and transformed them into sheets to cover the altar. This act symbolizes the purification of the altar and serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.
What is the significance of the bronze censers in Numbers 16:39?
The bronze censers in Numbers 16:39 represent the rebellion of those who were consumed by fire. Their transformation into altar coverings illustrates how God can repurpose even the remnants of sin for sacred use.
What does the altar represent in Numbers 16:39?
In Numbers 16:39, the altar represents a place of worship and sacrifice. The covering made from the censers signifies the importance of maintaining purity in worship and the possibility of redemption from past mistakes.
How does Numbers 16:39 relate to themes of redemption?
Numbers 16:39 highlights redemption by showing how the bronze censers, once symbols of rebellion, are repurposed for a holy purpose. This illustrates that God can transform our past failures into something valuable for His purposes.

The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
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