1 Kings 7 23

1 Kings 7:23 kjv

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.

1 Kings 7:23 nkjv

And he made the Sea of cast bronze, ten cubits from one brim to the other; it was completely round. Its height was five cubits, and a line of thirty cubits measured its circumference.

1 Kings 7:23 niv

He made the Sea of cast metal, circular in shape, measuring ten cubits from rim to rim and five cubits high. It took a line of thirty cubits to measure around it.

1 Kings 7:23 esv

Then he made the sea of cast metal. It was round, ten cubits from brim to brim, and five cubits high, and a line of thirty cubits measured its circumference.

1 Kings 7:23 nlt

Then Huram cast a great round basin, 15 feet across from rim to rim, called the Sea. It was 7 1?2 feet deep and about 45 feet in circumference.

1 Kings 7 verses

1 Kings 7 23 Meaning

1 Kings 7:23 describes the primary ritualistic basin, known as the "molten sea," constructed for Solomon's Temple. This large, cast-bronze basin was perfectly circular, measuring ten cubits in diameter from one brim to the other. Its height was five cubits, and its circumference was thirty cubits, implying a practical or rounded approximation of the ratio of circumference to diameter (Pi). It served a significant role in the Temple's worship and ritual purification for the priests.

1 Kings 7 23 Context

1 Kings chapter 7 provides a detailed description of the magnificent construction projects undertaken by King Solomon, primarily focusing on the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem and his own palace. The molten sea described in verse 23 is a significant part of the Temple's outer courtyard furnishings. It follows descriptions of the two massive bronze pillars (Jachin and Boaz) and precedes details about the ten smaller lavers, pots, shovels, and basins. These meticulously described objects were crafted from bronze by Hiram of Tyre, a skilled craftsman, and represent the detailed adherence to divine instruction for the sacred space.

Historically and culturally, large water basins were not unique to Israel. Many ancient Near Eastern cultures used water for purification rituals or incorporated large bodies of water into their cosmological symbols, sometimes representing chaos or deities. However, the "molten sea" in Solomon's Temple stood apart. Its precise dimensions and immense capacity underscore its function as a central element for the Levitical priesthood's ceremonial ablutions before entering the sanctuary or ministering at the altar. This physical washing prefigured the spiritual cleansing required to approach a holy God. Unlike pagan uses of water associated with chaotic forces, the Temple's molten sea was a controlled, orderly provision, symbolizing God's purity and the means of purification He provided for His people.

1 Kings 7 23 Word analysis

• And he made a molten sea:
  • "He made" (וַיַּעַשׂ, vayya'as): Refers to King Solomon's direct instruction and the execution by Hiram of Tyre (v. 13-14). This highlights the divine command implemented by human hands.
  • "molten" (יָצֻק, yatsuk): Made by casting. Emphasizes the significant technical skill and the immense quantity of bronze involved, demonstrating the grandeur and preciousness of the Temple furnishings.
  • "sea" (יָם, yam): A common Hebrew word for "sea." In this context, it describes the immense size of the basin, recalling the vastness of an actual body of water. Its presence in the Temple, however, signifies God's complete mastery over what was often perceived as a chaotic or unpredictable element in ancient Near Eastern thought, providing order for sacred use.
• ten cubits from brim to brim:
  • "cubits" (אַמָּה, ammah): The standard unit of measurement in ancient Israel, typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18-22 inches (45-56 cm). Ten cubits suggests a significant diameter of approximately 15-18 feet (4.5-5.5 meters).
  • "from brim to brim": Indicates the precise diameter measured across the top opening, ensuring an exact, perfectly circular form.
• round in compass:
  • "round in compass" (עָגֹל סָבִיב סָבִיב, agol saviv saviv): Lit. "round all around." Emphasizes its perfect circular shape, symbolic of perfection and completeness in the Temple's divine design.
• and the height thereof was five cubits:
  • "five cubits": Half the diameter, indicating a proportionate design. This height (approx. 7.5-9 ft or 2.2-2.7 meters) means it was very tall, likely requiring steps or a platform for access (cf. 2 Chron 4:4 speaks of "twelve oxen" underneath it).
• and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about:
  • "a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about": Describes the circumference. The ratio of 30 (circumference) to 10 (diameter) gives a value of 3 for Pi (π), which is a common approximation for practical engineering purposes in the ancient world. While mathematically π is irrational (approx. 3.14159), this figure suggests a rounded measurement for construction, emphasizing functional design over abstract mathematical precision. The text implies sufficient accuracy for construction.

1 Kings 7 23 Bonus section

The massive molten sea rested on twelve bronze oxen (1 Ki 7:25), facing the four cardinal directions (three oxen facing each way). This detail reinforces the imagery of stability and strength, as oxen were symbols of powerful beasts of burden. Some interpretations connect the twelve oxen to the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating that the means of purification were available to all God's people. Furthermore, the immense weight of the basin, supported by the oxen, points to the solid foundation of God's appointed means of drawing near to Him. Its original capacity, though debated, was truly vast (possibly two thousand baths, 1 Ki 7:26, or three thousand baths, 2 Chron 4:5), further emphasizing the ample provision for purification that God offered to His people.

1 Kings 7 23 Commentary

1 Kings 7:23 offers a precise technical description of the molten sea, an indispensable fixture in the outer court of Solomon's Temple. Beyond its architectural details, this bronze basin profoundly symbolizes purification. It replaced the smaller bronze laver from the Tabernacle, underscoring the expansion of God's dwelling and the growing priesthood. Its enormous size reflected the extensive needs for cleansing the priests before their sacred duties, preparing them for an encounter with God's holiness.

The "sea" imagery itself is significant. While reminiscent of ancient Near Eastern concepts of primordial, chaotic waters, here it is rendered into a vessel for God's purposes, contained and controlled. It demonstrates God's sovereignty over all forces, including those traditionally associated with disorder, and consecrates them for worship. The meticulous measurements, even if implying a rounded value for Pi, stress the divine origin and perfect order governing all aspects of the Temple's construction, pointing to God's attention to detail and His standard of purity. This physical basin and its ritual washing served as a visible testament to the reality of sin and the necessity of divine provision for forgiveness and spiritual cleanliness, ultimately prefiguring the perfect, ultimate cleansing achieved through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9).