King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:23 Mean?

1 Kings 7:23 in the King James Version says “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 cub...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. from: Heb. from his brim to his brim”

1 Kings 7:23 · KJV

Context

21

And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz. Jachin: that is, He shall establish Boaz: that is, In it is strength

22

And upon the top of the pillars was lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished.

23

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. from: Heb. from his brim to his brim

24

And under the brim of it round about there were knops compassing it, ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about: the knops were cast in two rows, when it was cast.

25

It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.

Read 1 Kings 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of temple furnishings and solomon's palace, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
  2. What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ1 of 20

“And he made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת2 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַיָּ֖ם3 of 20

“sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

מוּצָ֑ק4 of 20

“a molten”

H3332

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

עֶ֣שֶׂר5 of 20

“ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה6 of 20

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

מִשְּׂפָת֨וֹ7 of 20

“from the one brim”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

עַד8 of 20
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

שְׂפָת֜וֹ9 of 20
H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

עָגֹ֣ל׀10 of 20

“it was round”

H5696

circular

סָבִֽיב׃11 of 20

“all about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

וְחָמֵ֤שׁ12 of 20

“was five”

H2568

five

בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה13 of 20

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

קֽוֹמָת֔וֹ14 of 20

“and his height”

H6967

height

וְקָו֙ה15 of 20

“and a line”

H6957

a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים16 of 20

“of thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה17 of 20

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

יָסֹ֥ב18 of 20

“did compass”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֹת֖וֹ19 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

סָבִֽיב׃20 of 20

“all about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 7:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 7:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 25:132 Chronicles 4:2Jeremiah 52:171 Chronicles 18:8Exodus 30:18-21Exodus 38:8

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