a vessel of metal or earthenware used in culinary operations; a cooking-pan or frying-pan frequently referred to in the Old Testament (
Leviticus 2:5 ;
6:21 ;
Numbers 11:8 ;
1 Samuel 2:14 , etc.).
The "ash-pans" mentioned in Exodus 27:3 were made of copper, and were used in connection with the altar of burnt-offering. The "iron pan" mentioned in Ezekiel 4:3 (marg., "flat plate " or "slice") was probably a mere plate of iron used for baking. The "fire-pans" of Exodus 27:3 were fire-shovels used for taking up coals. The same Hebrew word is rendered "snuff-dishes" ( 25:38 ; 37:23 ) and "censers" ( Leviticus 10:1 ; 16:12 ; Numbers 4:14 , etc.). These were probably simply metal vessels employed for carrying burning embers from the brazen altar to the altar of incense.
The "frying-pan" mentioned in Leviticus 2:7 ; 7:9 was a pot for boiling.
These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.