Keraia
1 Kings 7

1 Kings 7:26

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

Translations

Modern
It was a handbreadth thick, and its rim was fashioned like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom. It could hold two thousand baths.
Traditional
And it was an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths.
Literal
And it was a handbreadth thick, and its brim as the work of the brim of a cup, a lily blossom. It contained two thousand baths.
Latin
Grossitudo autem luteris, trium unciarum erat: labiumque ejus quasi labium calicis, et folium repandi lilii: duo millia batos capiebat.

Original

Hebrew
English
It was a handbreadth thick, and its rim was fashioned like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom. It could hold two thousand baths.

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

  • a handbreadth thick: About 2.9 in (7.4 cm)
  • two thousand baths: About 11,600 gal (44,000 l)

Parallels

2 Chronicles 4:1–5

Glossary

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

Topics

Art: Artisans, Skillful: Hiram Bath: A Hebrew Measure for Liquids Containing About Eight Gallons, Three Quarts Brass: Articles Made of Altar, Vessels, and Other Articles of the Tabernacle and Temple Carving: Hiram Chapiter: Head of a Pillar Cup: General Scriptures Concerning Flowers: Representations of, on The: Sea of Brass Handbreadth: A Measure (About Four Inches) 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 Lilies Lily: Molded on the Rim of the Molten Laver in the Temple Lily: The Principal Capitals of the Temple Ornamented with Carvings of Master Workman: Hiram Measure: A Bath, About Eight Gallons and a Half Measure: A Handbreadth Mechanic: Hiram Temple: Solomon's: Pattern and Building of Temple: Solomon's: The Bronze Sea