GRATE, GRATING (מִכְבָּר, H4803, anything twisted or woven, lattice-work). An element of the altar of sacrifice.

The word occurs in Exodus 27:4; 35:16; 38:4, 5, 30; 39:39. This “grating” is described as a network of bronze (Exod 27:4) that surrounded the lower half of the altar (27:5). Therefore, the מִכְבָּר, H4803, was apparently a “grating,” or network, of bronze underneath a projecting ledge around the “brazen” altar of burnt-offering. Four rings were attached to it. Poles were then passed through the rings, and the altar was carried by them (27:4, 7). Various functions have been attributed to the grating itself; e.g., to support the fire, to protect the altar, to support the ledge above it, etc.