Meaning
Furnace (1.) Chald. attun, a large furnace with a wide open mouth, at the top of which materials were cast in (Dan 3:22, 23; comp. Jer 29:22). This furnace would be in constant requisition, for the Babylonians disposed of their dead by cremation, as did also the Accadians who invaded Mesopotamia.
(2.) Heb. kibshan, a smelting furnace (Gen 19:28), also a lime-kiln (Isa 33:12; Amos 2:1).
(3.) Heb. kur, a refining furnace (Prov 17:3; 27:21; Ezek 22:18).
(4.) Heb. alil, a crucible; only used in Ps 12:6.
(5.) Heb. tannur, oven for baking bread (Gen 15:17; Isa 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" (Gen 15:17), the symbol 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)
(6.) Gr. kamnos, a furnace, kiln, or oven (Matt 13:42, 50; Rev 1:15; 9:2).
