2 Chronicles 4 5

2 Chronicles 4:5 kjv

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.

2 Chronicles 4:5 nkjv

It was a handbreadth thick; and its brim was shaped like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom. It contained three thousand baths.

2 Chronicles 4:5 niv

It was a handbreadth in thickness, and its rim was like the rim of a cup, like a lily blossom. It held three thousand baths.

2 Chronicles 4:5 esv

Its thickness was a handbreadth. And its brim was made like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily. It held 3,000 baths.

2 Chronicles 4:5 nlt

The walls of the Sea were about three inches thick, and its rim flared out like a cup and resembled a water lily blossom. It could hold about 16,500 gallons of water.

2 Chronicles 4 verses

2 Chronicles 4 5 Meaning

2 Chronicles 4:5 describes key structural and decorative features of the "Molten Sea" (also known as the "Bronze Sea"), a massive laver located in the Temple courtyard. It specifies that the Sea's material was one handbreadth thick, ensuring its strength and durability. The rim was artistically crafted to resemble a cup, adorned with decorative lily blossoms, symbolizing purity and beauty. The verse concludes by stating its enormous capacity to hold three thousand baths of water, highlighting its grand scale and practical purpose for priestly purification.

2 Chronicles 4 5 Context

2 Chronicles Chapter 4 details the construction of the various bronze and gold implements and vessels for the Temple in Jerusalem. Following the descriptions of the altar and the immense Molten Sea (vv. 1-5), the chapter outlines ten smaller lavers, lampstands, and other cultic instruments essential for the Temple's sacrificial system and priestly service. The entire section emphasizes the meticulous fulfillment of God's instructions by King Solomon and the abundance and grandeur of the Temple's furnishings, highlighting God's glory and the sacredness of His dwelling place among His people. This verse specifically contributes to understanding the scale and aesthetic detail applied to even the most utilitarian elements of the Temple. Historically, this aligns with Solomon's reign, a period of unprecedented wealth and architectural ambition, enabling the use of high-quality materials and skilled craftsmanship.

2 Chronicles 4 5 Word analysis

• It was: Refers to the "Molten Sea," a colossal bronze basin introduced in 2 Chronicles 4:2, designed for priestly washings and purification before serving in the Temple.
• a handbreadth thick: (ṭephach, טֶפַח). A handbreadth was an ancient measurement, approximately four fingers' width or about 3 inches (7.5 cm). This detail emphasizes the immense thickness and strength of the bronze used, necessary to contain thousands of gallons of water without buckling or leaking. It speaks to the substantial and durable construction befitting a sacred, frequently used vessel.
• and its brim: (śāphāh, שָׂפָה). The "lip" or "edge" of the enormous basin. The meticulous detail suggests both practical function (containing water) and aesthetic purpose.
• was made like the brim of a cup: (kôs, כּוֹס). This simile describes the elegant curvature of the Sea's rim, designed not just for utility but for beauty, akin to the delicate lip of a drinking cup. This blend of artistry and functionality was a hallmark of the Temple's design, reflecting divine glory even in its utilitarian objects.
• with blossoms of lilies: (shoshan, שׁוֹשַׁן). Lilies, particularly the water lily, were a common decorative motif in ancient Near Eastern art, often associated with beauty, purity, and life. Their inclusion on the Sea's rim not only enhanced its aesthetic appeal but also potentially symbolized the purity and cleanliness associated with the washing performed within the basin. This motif also appears on the capitals of the Temple pillars (1 Ki 7:19).
• it held three thousand baths: (bāṯ, בַּת). The "bath" was a liquid measure, roughly 6 gallons (approx. 22-23 liters). Thus, 3000 baths equates to approximately 18,000 gallons (or roughly 68,000 liters) of water. This extraordinary capacity underscores the scale of priestly purification rituals required for hundreds of priests daily, serving an entire nation's sacrifices and spiritual needs.
  • Numerical difference (3000 vs. 2000 baths): It is important to note the textual variation with 1 Kings 7:26, which states the Sea held "two thousand baths." Scholars offer various explanations:
    • Maximum Capacity vs. Operational Capacity: Chronicles might describe the absolute maximum capacity (or filled to the brim), while Kings refers to the practical, daily operational volume to prevent overflow during use.
    • Difference in "Bath" Measure: The "bath" measure might have varied slightly in different periods or regions reflected by the respective texts' compilation.
    • Scribal Transmission: A scribal variant is a possibility, though the 2000 vs 3000 difference is consistent in these two distinct biblical traditions.
    • Literary Emphasis: Chronicles often emphasizes larger numbers to convey greater glory and abundance in Solomon's Temple compared to earlier traditions, fitting its theological emphasis on the grandeur of God's house and Davidic covenant. Regardless, the vastness of its capacity remains consistent.

2 Chronicles 4 5 Bonus section

• The Molten Sea was placed on the south side of the Temple courtyard (1 Ki 7:39), supported by twelve bronze oxen (2 Chr 4:4), arranged in groups of three facing the cardinal directions (north, south, east, west). This foundation not only provided stability but also carried symbolic weight, with the oxen representing strength and service.
• Though often called a "Sea" for its immense size, it functionally served as a large laver (Hebrew: kiyor), fulfilling a similar role to the smaller laver in the Tabernacle (Exo 30:18-21). It provided water for the priests to wash their hands and feet, preventing impurity before ministering to the Lord.
• The meticulous design, material, and dimensions were likely derived from divine instruction, either given to David and passed to Solomon, or directly to Solomon, signifying that even architectural and decorative details for God's house were of heavenly concern.
• This structure serves as a foreshadowing in the New Covenant, where the spiritual cleansing is not by water from a bronze sea but by the blood of Christ (Heb 9:14) and the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Tit 3:5). Believers are spiritually cleansed and purified to enter God's presence and serve Him (Heb 10:19-22).

2 Chronicles 4 5 Commentary

2 Chronicles 4:5 paints a vivid picture of the Molten Sea, a masterpiece of sacred metallurgy. Beyond its function as a huge communal laver for priests, the detailed description of its craftsmanship conveys profound theological significance. The specified thickness speaks to the durability and permanence envisioned for God's dwelling place. The aesthetic choice of a cup-like brim and lily adornments highlights that utility in God's service is intertwined with beauty and excellence. The lilies, in particular, evoke purity, a vital concept considering the Sea's role in the ritual purification of priests before they could minister. The sheer capacity to hold three thousand baths points to the immensity of the task of serving a Holy God and the continuous need for cleansing for those who drew near Him. This monumental vessel, combining functionality, robust construction, and refined artistry, symbolized the thorough and ongoing purification necessary for the Levitical priesthood to perform their sacred duties in the Lord's House, mirroring God's demand for holiness from His consecrated servants.