Original Word: כַּרְכֹּב
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: karkob
Pronunciation: kar-KOB
Phonetic Spelling: (kar-kobe')
KJV: compass
NASB: ledge
Word Origin: [expanded from the same as H3522 (כַּבּוֹן - Cabbon)]

1. a rim or top margin

compass

Expanded from the same as Kabbown; a rim or top margin -- compass.

see HEBREW Kabbown

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
border, rim (of an altar)
NASB Translation
ledge (2).

כַּרְכֹּב noun [masculine] border, rim, of altar (Late Hebrew id.); — construct הַמִּזְבֵּחַ ׳כ Exodus 27:5; with suffix כַּרְכֻּבּוֺ Exodus 38:4 (both P).

Overview

Karkob names the encircling rim or ledge built into the bronze altar of burnt offering in the wilderness Tabernacle. Although mentioned only twice, the term pinpoints an architectural feature that safeguarded the altar’s grate, stabilized its structure, and provided a visual boundary between holy fire and the surrounding court.

Occurrences in Scripture

• Exodus 27:5 records the command: “Set the grate beneath the ledge of the altar, so that it is halfway up the altar.”
• Exodus 38:4 notes the faithful execution of this design during Bezalel’s construction.

Structural and Liturgical Function

1. Support for the Grate: The karkob held the bronze mesh on which sacrificial portions were consumed, ensuring the grate remained “halfway up” for optimal airflow and complete combustion.
2. Containment of Ash and Blood: By forming a shallow border, it kept sacrificial residue from spilling into the court, preserving ceremonial cleanliness (compare Leviticus 6:10-11).
3. Mounting Point for Rings: Exodus 27:4-7 speaks of rings fastened to the grate; the ledge provided the anchorage, allowing poles to balance the heavy altar during transport.

Historical Background

The Tabernacle altar measured five cubits square and three cubits high. A projecting band midway up strengthened the walls and effectively divided the altar into two levels: a firebox above and an ash pit below. Ancient Near Eastern altars often featured similar mid-level rims, but Israel’s design uniquely served covenantal worship, housing a perpetual fire that testified to ongoing atonement (Leviticus 6:13).

Typological and Theological Significance

1. Mediating Boundary: The ledge symbolized separation between holy flame and sinful humanity, anticipating the mediatory work of Jesus Christ, who “gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2).
2. Stability of Redemption: The rim’s role in stabilizing the grate images the unshakable foundation of the cross; salvation rests secure, “for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29).
3. Half-Height Placement: By positioning the sacrificial platform midway, the design points to a meeting place between heaven and earth—a visual reminder that reconciliation occurs where divine holiness and human need converge.

Practical Lessons for Ministry

• Guard the Holy: Just as the karkob kept sacred fire contained, believers are called to safeguard the purity of worship, maintaining doctrinal and moral boundaries (1 Timothy 4:16).
• Provide Support: The ledge’s hidden strength encourages church leaders to undergird public ministry with unseen prayer and integrity.
• Bear the Altar: Rings fixed to the grate through the ledge enabled Levites to carry the altar through the wilderness. Likewise, congregations must shoulder the message of atonement, taking it wherever God leads (Matthew 28:19-20).

Synthesis

Though a minor detail in Tabernacle blueprints, karkob illustrates how every element of God’s design serves redemptive purposes. Its rim supports, separates, and secures—functions mirrored in the gospel, where Christ both upholds justice and offers mercy. Careful attention to such particulars enriches understanding of Scripture’s unity and invites deeper devotion to the One the altar ultimately foreshadows.

כַּרְכֹּ֥ב כַּרְכֻּבּ֛וֹ כרכב כרכבו kar·kōḇ kar·kub·bōw karKo karkōḇ karkubBo karkubbōwInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts