Keraia
1 Kings 7

1 Kings 7:25

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

Translations

Modern
The Sea stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The Sea rested on them, with all their hindquarters toward the center.
Traditional
It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.
Literal
It stood on twelve oxen, three facing toward the north, and three facing toward the west, and three facing toward the south, and three facing toward the east; and the Sea was over them, and all their hindquarters were inward.
Latin
Et stabat super duodecim boves, e quibus tres respiciebant ad aquilonem, et tres ad occidentem, et tres ad meridiem, et tres ad orientem: et mare super eos desuper erat: quorum posteriora universa intrinsecus latitabant.

Original

Hebrew
English
The Sea stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The Sea rested on them, with all their hindquarters toward the center.

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

Parallels

2 Chronicles 4:1–5

Glossary

Bronze Sea Capital Kings, Books of First and Second Minerals and Metals 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 Bullock: Twelve Bronze, Under the Molten Sea in Solomon's 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 of Brass: One Made by Solomon for the Temple Master Workman: Hiram Mechanic: Hiram Temple: Solomon's: Pattern and Building of Temple: Solomon's: The Bronze Sea The Ox: Sea of Brass Rested on Figures of