Tongs
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Tongs in the Bible?
Tongs are metal tools with two hinged arms used for gripping and moving hot objects, such as coals or sacrificial meat. In the American Standard Revised Version, the translation of 'tongs' replaces 'snuffers' in most instances, with specific exceptions found in 1 Kings 7:49 and Isaiah 6:6.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the function of tongs clarifies the practical mechanics of ancient Israelite worship, specifically how priests managed the fire on the altar and handled sacred vessels, thereby illuminating the physical realities of the ritual procedures described in the biblical text.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Tongs in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Tongs clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.