What types of…
furnaces are mentioned in the Bible?

1. Chaldee: attun

   A large furnace with a wide open mouth, at the top of which materials were cast in (Dan. 3:22, 23; compare Jeremiah 29:22).

   This furnace would be in constant use, for the Babylonians disposed of their dead by cremation, as did also the Accadians who invaded Mesopotamia.

2. Hebrew: kibshan

   A smelting furnace (Genesis 19:28), also a lime-kiln (Isaiah 33:12; Amos 2:1)

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   Q & A

   • What does the Bible say about metals?

3. Hebrew: kur

   A refining furnace (Proverbs 17:3; 27:21; Ezek. 22:18)

4. Hebrew: alil

   A crucible

   This is only mentioned in Psalm 12.

   The words of Yahweh are pure words;
   As silver tried in a furnace on the ground, refined seven times. —Psalm 12:6 LSB

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   Q & A

   • What is the Word of God?

5. Hebrew: tannur

   An oven for baking bread (Genesis 15:17; Isaiah 31:9; Neh. 3:11).

   It was a large pot, narrowing towards the top. When it was heated by a fire made within, the dough was spread over the heated surface, and thus was baked.

   “A smoking furnace and a burning lamp” (Genesis 15:17) are symbols of the presence of the Almighty, passed between the divided pieces of Abraham’s sacrifice in ratification of the covenant God made with him. (See OVEN.)

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   Q & A

   • What does the Bible say about baking?
   • Answers about bread in the Bible
   • Answers about cooking in the Bible
   • ovens
   • Answers about wood in the Bible

6. Greek: kamnos

   A furnace, kiln, or oven (Matthew 13:42, 50; Rev. 1:15; 9:2)

More information

• ovens
• Answers about metals in the Bible
• What does the Bible say about fire?
• Answers about bricks in the Bible—some many bricks were fired in kiln furnaces
• What does the Bible say about pottery?