1 Kings 7 34

1 Kings 7:34 kjv

And there were four undersetters to the four corners of one base: and the undersetters were of the very base itself.

1 Kings 7:34 nkjv

And there were four supports at the four corners of each cart; its supports were part of the cart itself.

1 Kings 7:34 niv

Each stand had four handles, one on each corner, projecting from the stand.

1 Kings 7:34 esv

There were four supports at the four corners of each stand. The supports were of one piece with the stands.

1 Kings 7:34 nlt

There were handles at each of the four corners of the carts, and these, too, were cast as one unit with the cart.

1 Kings 7 verses

1 Kings 7 34 Meaning

1 Kings 7:34 describes the specific features of the wheeled bronze stands crafted by Huram-Abi for the Solomon's Temple. It details that each stand was equipped with four wheels positioned at its four corners, highlighting their structural stability and design symmetry. The verse further notes that the internal components of the wheel, such as spokes, were integrated "in" or "with" the base, indicating a robust and cohesive construction. Additionally, it specifies the height of each wheel as a cubit and a half, underscoring the meticulous dimensions and substantial size of these Temple furnishings. These precise descriptions emphasize the high standard of craftsmanship, the functional elegance, and the orderly design characteristic of sacred objects intended for divine worship.

1 Kings 7 34 Context

Verse Context: 1 Kings 7:34 is part of a very detailed description (1 Kings 7:27-39) of the ten bronze stands for the lavers, which were designed by Huram-Abi for Solomon's Temple. These stands were not only functional for carrying water to purify sacrifices but were also highly ornate, serving a ceremonial purpose within the sacred space.

Chapter Context: Chapter 7 of 1 Kings transitions from the construction of the Temple building itself (detailed in chapter 6) to Solomon's other extensive building projects, primarily his own palace and its various halls. The latter part of the chapter, however, focuses entirely on the grand bronze furnishings for the Temple. These include the two immense bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz (vv. 15-22), the great "Molten Sea" (vv. 23-26), and then the ten movable stands with their associated lavers, whose intricate details, like the wheels, are painstakingly described here. This reflects the immense wealth and dedication invested in making the Temple a truly magnificent and functional center for worship.

Historical Context: This period marks the height of the united monarchy of Israel under King Solomon's reign, a time of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and international influence. The construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem was the pivotal religious achievement of this era, solidifying Jerusalem's role as the spiritual capital. The employment of skilled artisans, like Huram-Abi of Tyre (from a land renowned for its metallurgical expertise), underscores the ambition and the international scope of Solomon's building endeavors. The precision and scale of these bronze items would have stood as a powerful testament to the glory of God and Solomon's devotion, designed to inspire awe and facilitate ritual purity as prescribed by the Mosaic Law.

1 Kings 7 34 Word analysis

• And there were four wheels:
  • וְאַרְבַּע֙ (ve'arba'): "And four." The number "four" often symbolizes completeness, universal scope, or stability (e.g., four corners of the earth, four cardinal directions). Here, it denotes structural stability and balance for the stand, ensuring practical movement and support for the heavy laver.
  • אֹֽפַנִּ֔ים (ofannim): "wheels." Plural of 'ofan'. This term for wheels, though referring to functional parts here, echoes the concept of divine mobility seen in prophetic visions (e.g., Ezekiel's cherubim with wheels, Ezkl 1, 10), hinting at a divine order behind even practical Temple designs.
• by the four corners:
  • אֶל־אַרְבַּע֙ פִּנּ֣וֹת (el-arba' pinnoth): "at the four corners." Emphasizes exact positioning for maximum stability and mobility. The architectural term 'corners' suggests foundational support and precision in design.
• of one base:
  • הַמְּכוֹנָ֣ה הָאֶחָ֔ת (ham'khonah ha'echat): "the base/stand the one." 'Mekhonah' (מְכוֹנָה) refers to the base or stand itself, often implying something fixed or prepared, despite being mobile in this context. 'Echat' (one) emphasizes the singular integrity and identical construction of each of the ten stands.
• and the spokes of a wheel:
  • וְיֵרֹ֣ת הָאוֹפָ֑ן (ve'yeroth ha'ofan): "and the 'yeroth' of the wheel." The word 'yeroth' (יֵרוֹת) is a rarer and debated term. While some interpret it as 'spokes' or 'crossbars', it fundamentally refers to the structural internal components of the wheel or perhaps its rims. It highlights the internal integrity and complexity of the wheel's design. The use of singular 'wheel' suggests a generic reference, implying the same structure for all wheels on all stands.
• were in the base:
  • בַּמְּכֹנָה (bam'khonah): "in the base." This preposition 'in' (bə-) signifies deep integration rather than mere external attachment. It implies the wheels' structural components were either intricately fused with, or embedded within, the framework of the stand, pointing to a very strong and stable connection, necessary for supporting heavy loads.
• and the height of a wheel was a cubit and half a cubit:
  • וְקוֹמַ֣ת הָאוֹפָ֗ן (ve'qomath ha'ofan): "and height of the wheel." 'Qomah' (קוֹמָה) means height, stature. It's a precise dimensional measurement.
  • אַמָּה֙ וַחֲצִ֣י הָאַמָּ֔ה (ammah vachatzuy ha'ammah): "a cubit and half a cubit." The 'ammah' (אַמָּה) or cubit was a standard ancient unit of length (approximately 18-21 inches or 45-53 cm). A height of 1.5 cubits means these wheels were substantial, enabling the stands to be mobile yet stable and suitable for their ceremonial role, likely positioning the lavers at a convenient height for priestly duties. The precision reflects the high standards required for Temple construction.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And there were four wheels by the four corners of one base": This phrase highlights a fundamental principle of effective structural design: stability through symmetry and balanced distribution. The repetition of "four" emphasizes a complete, secure, and ordered arrangement. Each 'base' or stand was an individual unit, but identically and meticulously designed, reflecting order and unity within diversity in the Temple's construction. This setup was crucial for the mobility and steadfastness of these large Temple articles.
• "and the spokes of a wheel were in the base": This points to robust, integrated craftsmanship. It suggests that the functional components of the wheel (spokes, rims, etc.) were not merely bolted on, but intrinsically and durably woven "into" or "with" the structure of the base. This indicates an advanced level of metallurgical skill and design foresight, ensuring the immense strength and durability required for liturgical vessels that would see long-term sacred use, possibly needing to bear substantial weight and occasional movement without failure.
• "and the height of a wheel was a cubit and half a cubit": This specific measurement underscores the meticulous attention to detail and precise adherence to dimensions, which were paramount in sacred constructions. The substantial height of 1.5 cubits (roughly 27-31.5 inches) implies that these were not small, hidden wheels, but rather large, visible components, contributing to the overall impressive stature and functional dignity of the laver stands. Such precision reflects a deep commitment to fulfilling requirements for Temple furnishings.

1 Kings 7 34 Bonus section

The detailed specifications in 1 Kings 7, including verse 34, demonstrate not only remarkable ancient engineering but also underscore the theological significance of precision and perfection in worship. In an ancient world where religious artifacts were often crude or improvised, the Temple's elaborate furnishings set a standard of divine order that was unparalleled. This also served as a silent counter-argument to the chaos and disarray often associated with pagan worship, where idols might be hastily constructed and ritual practices varied widely. The durability implied by the robust construction (wheels integrated "in the base") meant these sacred items were built to last for generations, enduring as symbols of God's enduring covenant and presence. Furthermore, the mobility of these stands (albeit perhaps limited to positioning them) suggests a pragmatic element, allowing for efficient use of the vast Temple courtyard in various priestly rituals and sacrifices.

1 Kings 7 34 Commentary

1 Kings 7:34 provides a snapshot of the exceptional level of detail and quality that went into every facet of Solomon's Temple. Far from being simple utilitarian objects, these laver stands were meticulously designed, reflecting the high value placed on items dedicated to divine service. The specification of four wheels, strategically placed at each corner, underscores the principles of balance and stability in the design, crucial for heavy, movable objects within a sacred space. The mention of the wheels' inner structure being "in the base" highlights a sophisticated, integrated construction, speaking of durability and strength, a characteristic often found in divine instructions for holy articles. The precise dimension of one and a half cubits for the height of the wheels demonstrates uniformity and careful planning across all ten stands, reinforcing the theme of order and exactitude that permeates all Temple construction. These details implicitly serve as a testament to the dedication to God's glory through exquisite human craftsmanship and adherence to what might be seen as divinely inspired architectural standards, creating an environment fit for the King of kings.