1 Kings 7 32

1 Kings 7:32 kjv

And under the borders were four wheels; and the axletrees of the wheels were joined to the base: and the height of a wheel was a cubit and half a cubit.

1 Kings 7:32 nkjv

Under the panels were the four wheels, and the axles of the wheels were joined to the cart. The height of a wheel was one and a half cubits.

1 Kings 7:32 niv

The four wheels were under the panels, and the axles of the wheels were attached to the stand. The diameter of each wheel was a cubit and a half.

1 Kings 7:32 esv

And the four wheels were underneath the panels. The axles of the wheels were of one piece with the stands, and the height of a wheel was a cubit and a half.

1 Kings 7:32 nlt

Under the panels were four wheels that were connected to axles that had been cast as one unit with the cart. The wheels were 2 1?4 feet in diameter

1 Kings 7 verses

1 Kings 7 32 Meaning

This verse meticulously describes the four wheels attached to the bronze stands (mekonoth) that held the lavers in Solomon's Temple. It details that these wheels were located beneath the ornamental borders or panels of the stands, indicating their integration into the elaborate design. Furthermore, it specifies that the axletrees (or axle-bands/spokes) of these wheels were part of the stand's cast metal structure ("of the plate"), signifying their robust and integral construction. Finally, the verse provides the exact height of each wheel: a cubit and half a cubit, highlighting the large scale and precise measurements involved in the Temple's construction. This precise detail emphasizes the meticulous craftsmanship and the intentional design of every component within God's sanctuary.

1 Kings 7 32 Context

1 Kings chapter 7 describes the construction and furnishing of Solomon's Temple, a massive undertaking that followed the building of Solomon's own palace. After dedicating 13 years to his palace, Solomon spent 7 years completing the Temple of the Lord. The specific details in verses 13-47 focus on the elaborate bronze work crafted by Hiram of Tyre, a skilled artisan. This section includes descriptions of the two large bronze pillars (Jachin and Boaz), the bronze Sea, and importantly for this verse, the ten bronze stands (mekonoth) with their associated lavers. These lavers were for the washing of the sacrificial offerings, underscoring the vital role of purification in Israelite worship. The immense detail provided for each component, from its dimensions to its decorative elements and material composition, highlights the Temple's grandeur, the preciousness of its components, and the precise fulfillment of God's implicit or explicit will for His dwelling place among His people.

1 Kings 7 32 Word analysis

• and under the borders: tahath ha-shelabbim (תַּ֧חַת הַשְׁלַבִּ֣ים).
  • tahath: "under" or "beneath." Indicates physical placement.
  • ha-shelabbim: From shelab (שֶׁלַב), meaning "panels," "ledges," or "crossbars." In this context, it refers to the intricate decorative or structural framework of the bronze stands (mekonoth) upon which the lavers rested. The wheels were precisely fitted beneath these ornamental panels.
• were four wheels: arba’ah ’ophannim (אַרְבָּעָ֥ה אֹפַנִּ֖ים).
  • arba’ah: "four." Each stand had four wheels, enabling mobility.
  • ’ophannim: "wheels." Emphasizes their practical function, though also appearing in highly symbolic contexts (like Ez's vision). Here, they allowed the massive stands, which held considerable water for washing, to be moved for cleaning or positioning, albeit these were likely not highly mobile once filled.
• and the axletrees of the wheels: u-yadot ha-galgalim (וְיָד֣וֹת הַגַּלְגַּלִּ֑ים).
  • u-yadot: "and the hands of" or "projections." The word yad (hand) here functions idiomatically, likely referring to the axles, spokes, or axle-bands that protruded from or were integral to the wheel structure. This suggests a direct, robust connection to the main frame.
  • ha-galgalim: Another word for "wheels," reinforcing the direct connection of these parts to the wheeled apparatus.
• were of the plate: mutzaqim (מוּצָקִֽים).
  • Literally, "cast." This indicates that the yadot (axletrees/spokes) were integral, solid castings from bronze, part of the same molten metal process as the rest of the stand, ensuring extreme durability and strength. It emphasizes that these were not mere attachments but a seamless, integrated design.
• and the height of a wheel: v-gomah ha-’ophan (וְק֥וֹמַת הָאוֹפָֽן).
  • v-qomah: "and the height." Precise dimensional data is crucial for the blueprint and consistency.
  • ha-’ophan: "the wheel." Singular, referring to each individual wheel's standard dimension.
• was a cubit and half a cubit: ammah va-hetzi ha-ammah (אַמָּ֥ה וַחֲצִֽי הָאַמָּה).
  • ammah: "cubit," an ancient unit of measure, typically the length from elbow to the tip of the middle finger (approximately 18-21 inches or 45-53 cm).
  • va-hetzi: "and a half."
  • This dimension (approx. 27-31.5 inches or 67.5-79.5 cm) indicates significant size for the wheels, proportional to the massive stands (which were over 5 feet high).

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "and under the borders were four wheels": This phrase establishes the structural integration of the wheels with the decorative and functional panels of the stands. It speaks to engineering precision and the aesthetic consideration given to even moving parts of the sacred furniture. The use of shelabbim (borders/panels) suggests an ornate design, and the placement of the wheels beneath them implies they were foundational but also potentially partially concealed or integrated to maintain the stand's elegant appearance.
• "and the axletrees of the wheels were of the plate": This specifies the robust material and method of construction for a critical load-bearing part. "Of the plate" (literally, "cast") implies that the axles or spokes were solid, unhollowed bronze cast as one piece with the wheel, rather than separately attached. This reflects a commitment to ultimate durability and strength, suitable for the weight they would bear, especially considering the stands themselves were cast bronze and designed to hold water-filled lavers. This is a detail signifying the very highest quality craftsmanship for sacred use.
• "and the height of a wheel was a cubit and half a cubit": This precise dimension indicates careful planning and execution. The consistent size of all wheels ensured stability and smooth movement (if moved at all). The relatively large size (approx. 2.5 feet tall) demonstrates the substantial nature of these temple furnishings, emphasizing their grandeur and the great expense and effort invested in building God's sanctuary. This level of detail in the Biblical text underscores the importance of every aspect of God's service and house.

1 Kings 7 32 Bonus section

The Hebrew word mekonah (מְכוֹנָה) for the stands themselves is rich in meaning, implying a fixed or established place, or a base. Despite the presence of wheels, indicating mobility, the term for the stand itself implies its foundational nature. These ten bronze stands were immensely complex, more than simple carts, designed not only to move the lavers but also to be objects of immense beauty with intricate paneling and ornamentation as described in other verses of the chapter. The detail in this verse regarding the wheels adds to the understanding of their overall ingenious and robust design, enabling such heavy cultic items to function practically within the sacred space, thereby contributing to the effective performance of the priestly duties related to ritual purity and sacrifice. This blend of artistry, utility, and heavy-duty engineering in one sacred object underscores the comprehensive thought put into Solomon's Temple, a dwelling place for God's name, reflective of His glory and order.

1 Kings 7 32 Commentary

1 Kings 7:32 offers a minute, almost technical, detail about the bronze stands supporting the Temple lavers. The meticulous description of the wheels – their placement beneath ornamental borders, their cast bronze axles/spokes, and their exact height – highlights several key aspects of Solomon's Temple construction and its theological implications. First, it signifies the exquisite craftsmanship demanded for sacred objects. No detail was too small to be recorded, suggesting divine approval of such dedication and precision. Second, the choice of materials and construction methods (solid cast bronze) emphasizes durability and purity, essential for items used in the purification rites for the priesthood and offerings. The wheels imply a degree of mobility, suggesting these large, heavy lavers could be moved, though perhaps primarily for maintenance rather than regular repositioning during ceremonies. Finally, this specificity underscores the theme of obedience to divine patterns, even if unstated here; just as the Tabernacle was built to exact specifications (Ex 25-27), the Temple's construction was likewise a testament to careful planning and adherence to what was deemed fit for the worship of Yahweh. The detail reflects not just architectural prowess, but reverence for God, where excellence and precision were forms of worship.