or כִּיֹּר; from the same as כּוּר; properly, something round (as excavated or bored), i.e. a chafing-dish forcoals or a caldron forcooking; hence (from similarity of form) a washbowl; also (for the same reason) a pulpit or platform; hearth, laver, pan, scaffold.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kîyôwr**, represented by `{{H3595}}`, describes something round. It appears 23 times in 20 unique verses. Its meaning is diverse, encompassing objects like a washbowl, a cooking caldron or pan, a platform, or a hearth for coals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most frequent use of `{{H3595}}` is as the **laver**, a sacred washbowl. It was made of **brass** `{{H5178}}` and placed between the tabernacle and the **altar** `{{H4196}}` [[Exodus 30:18]]. Solomon constructed ten such **lavers** for the temple, used for washing items for the **burnt offering** `{{H5930}}` ([[1 Kings 7:38]], [[2 Chronicles 4:6]]). The word is also used for a cooking **pan** into which a priest's fleshhook was struck [[1 Samuel 2:14]]. In a different context, Solomon stood upon a brasen **scaffold** `{{H3595}}` to address the congregation of Israel [[2 Chronicles 6:13]]. Metaphorically, it describes a **hearth** of fire, symbolizing the consuming power of Judah's governors [[Zechariah 12:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the function and nature of the objects described by `{{H3595}}`:
* `{{H7364}}` **râchats** (to lave... wash): This defines the primary purpose of the **laver** `{{H3595}}`. The lavers were explicitly made "to **wash** withal" [[Exodus 30:18]] and were used by the **priests** `{{H3548}}` for washing [[2 Chronicles 4:6]].
* `{{H3627}}` **kᵉlîy** (something prepared... vessel): This word categorizes the **laver** as a sanctified piece of equipment for the tabernacle. The **laver** `{{H3595}}` and its foot are listed among the holy **vessels** of the **altar** of burnt offering [[Exodus 35:16]].
* `{{H5178}}` **nᵉchôsheth** (copper... brass): This specifies the material used for many of these objects. The **laver** was made of **brass** [[Exodus 38:8]], as was the **scaffold** Solomon built [[2 Chronicles 6:13]].
### Theological Significance
The applications of `{{H3595}}` carry significant weight in scripture, highlighting key principles of worship and divine power.
* **Ritual Cleansing:** The **laver** was an essential instrument for purification. It was filled with **water** `{{H4325}}` and used to **wash** `{{H7364}}` items associated with the **burnt offering** `{{H5930}}`, and it was the vessel from which **priests** `{{H3548}}` would wash [[2 Chronicles 4:6]]. Its placement between the tent of congregation and the **altar** `{{H4196}}` underscores its role in preparing for sacred duties [[Exodus 40:7]].
* **Sanctification:** The **laver** `{{H3595}}` and its **foot** `{{H3653}}` were not merely functional; they were anointed `{{H4886}}` in order to be sanctified `{{H6942}}`, setting them apart as holy unto the Lord ([[Exodus 40:11]], [[Leviticus 8:11]]).
* **Symbol of Power and Judgment:** In prophecy, the word takes on a symbolic meaning as a **hearth** `{{H3595}}` of **fire** `{{H784}}` among **wood** `{{H6086}}`. This image portrays the leaders of Judah as instruments of divine power, set to consume their enemies [[Zechariah 12:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3595}}` is a multifaceted term whose meaning is derived from its round shape. It can refer to a simple **pan** [[1 Samuel 2:14]], a public **scaffold** [[2 Chronicles 6:13]], a figurative **hearth** of judgment [[Zechariah 12:6]], or, most prominently, the sacred **laver** of the tabernacle and temple. Through its various uses, **kîyôwr** illustrates the importance of sanctified vessels, the necessity of ritual purity in worship, and the consuming power of God's agents.
TRV