Keraia
1 Kings 7

1 Kings 7:23

The Molten Sea · 1 Kings 7:23–26
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Translations

Modern
He also made the Sea of cast metal. It was circular in shape, measuring ten cubits from rim to rim, five cubits in height, and thirty cubits in circumference.
Traditional
And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.
Literal
And he made the Sea of cast bronze, ten by the cubit from one brim to the other. It was perfectly round, and five by the cubit was its height, and a line of thirty by the cubit surrounded it all around.
Latin
Fecit quoque mare fusile decem cubitorum a labio usque ad labium, rotundum in circuitu: quinque cubitorum altitudo ejus, et resticula triginta cubitorum cingebat illud per circuitum.

Original

Hebrew
English
He also made the Sea of cast metal. It was circular in shape, measuring ten cubits from rim to rim, five cubits in height, and thirty cubits in circumference.

Notes

1 Kings 7:23–26

The large bronze basin, known as the Sea, replaced the smaller bronze washbasin used in the tabernacle (see Exodus 30:17–21). The Sea was made as one solid piece, except for the twelve bronze oxen it rested on. These oxen faced in four directions, three per direction, possibly symbolizing the priests' service to all twelve tribes of Israel. Later, Ahaz replaced the oxen with a stone base (2 Kings 16:17). Like the earlier washbasin, priests used the Sea for ceremonial washing (2 Chronicles 4:6) as they prepared to serve God (see Exodus 30:17–21). The difference in its water capacity (see 2 Chronicles 4:5) likely comes from varying measurement standards over time and place.

1 Kings 6:1–8:66

The construction of the Temple and palace complex, along with the temple's dedication celebration, are key events in the 1 Kings account of Solomon's time. The temple, built to honor God, was Israel's most important building. Therefore, the writer of 1 Kings documented its construction details thoroughly.

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon Ancient Law Codes Solomon’s Wisdom

Events

Measurements

  • thirty cubits in circumference: About 15 ft across x 7.5 x 45 ft around (4.6 m across x 2.3 m x 13.7)

Parallels

2 Chronicles 4:1–5

Glossary

Bronze Sea Capital Kings, Books of First and Second Laver Minerals and Metals Molten Sea Molten Sea Porch Temple Water Lily Weights and Measures

Topics

Art: Artisans, Skillful: Hiram Brass: Articles Made of Altar, Vessels, and Other Articles of the Tabernacle and Temple Carving: Hiram Chapiter: Head of a Pillar Hiram: An Artificer Sent by King Hiram to Execute the Artistic Work of the Interior of the Temple Laver in Connection With Laver of Brass: One Made by Solomon for the Temple Master Workman: Hiram Mechanic: Hiram Molding of the Laver Temple: Solomon's: Pattern and Building of Temple: Solomon's: The Bronze Sea