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 three thousand baths.
Traditional
And the thickness of it was an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; and it received and held three thousand baths.
Literal
And its thickness was a handbreadth, and its lip as the work of the lip of a cup, a lily blossom, taking hold. It contained three thousand baths.
Latin
Porro vastitas ejus habebat mensuram palmi, et labium illius erat quasi labium calicis, vel repandi lilii: capiebatque tria millia metretas.
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 three thousand baths.
Notes
The temple, God's house, symbolized Eden, God's garden (see Isaiah 51:3). The large sea, supported by twelve bronze oxen, represented either the waters before creation or the life-giving waters from the Garden of Eden. Divine forces control the chaotic waters (Genesis 1:2) so they nourish plants, animals, and humans (see Revelation 21:1, where the sea is gone forever).
Theme notes and profiles
Measurements
- a handbreadth thick: About 2.9 in (7.4 cm)
- three thousand baths: About 17,400 gal (66,000 l)
Parallels
Glossary
Bronze Sea Chronicles, Books of First and Second Genealogy Minerals and Metals Temple Water Lily
Topics
Flowers: Representations of, on The: Sea of Brass Handbreadth: A Measure (About Four Inches) Lilies Lily: Molded on the Rim of the Molten Laver in the Temple Measure: A Bath, About Eight Gallons and a Half Measure: A Handbreadth Temple: Solomon's: The Bronze Sea