Snuffers refers to a pair of “tongs” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version), a tool similar to pliers or tweezers, which was used to remove the burned wick. New American Bible interprets the word to mean “trimming shears,” and New International Version has “trimmers.” However, an instrument like “tweezers” or “tongs” is more likely. Trays refers to the small pans or receptacles where the burned wicks were placed. Revised English Bible has “firepans,” and Translator’s Old Testament has “snuff-trays.” Their trays means “the snuffers’ trays,” but the Hebrew has “its trays,” meaning the lampstand’s trays. How many “tongs” and “trays” were to be made is not indicated.

There is no verb in this verse, but the verb “make” in verse 37 is understood. So Good News Translation has “Make its tongs and trays of pure gold.” For pure gold see the comment at verse 31. Contemporary English Version adds “for taking care of the lamps.” This will be a helpful addition for many translators, showing the function of the “tongs and trays.”

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .