King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:24 Mean?

1 Kings 7:24 in the King James Version says “And under the brim of it round about there were knops compassing it, ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about: the...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 7:24 · KJV

Context

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.

26

And it was an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 17 words
הַפְּקָעִ֔ים1 of 17

“the knops”

H6497

a semi-globe

מִתַּ֨חַת2 of 17
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

לִשְׂפָת֤וֹ׀3 of 17

“And under the brim”

H8193

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

סָבִ֑יב4 of 17

“of it round about”

H5439

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

סֹֽבְבִ֣ים5 of 17

“compassing”

H5437

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

אֹת֔וֹ6 of 17
H853

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

עֶ֚שֶׂר7 of 17

“it ten”

H6235

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

בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה8 of 17

“in a cubit”

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)

מַקִּפִ֥ים9 of 17

“compassing”

H5362

to strike with more or less violence (beat, fell, corrode); by implication (of attack) to knock together, i.e., surround or circulate

אֶת10 of 17
H853

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

הַיָּ֖ם11 of 17

“the 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

סָבִ֑יב12 of 17

“of it round about”

H5439

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

שְׁנֵ֤י13 of 17

“in two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

טוּרִים֙14 of 17

“rows”

H2905

a row; hence, a wall

הַפְּקָעִ֔ים15 of 17

“the knops”

H6497

a semi-globe

יְצֻקִ֖ים16 of 17

“when it was cast”

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

בִּיצֻֽקָתֽוֹ׃17 of 17

“were cast”

H3333

poured out, i.e., run into a mould

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 7:24 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 7:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 6:182 Chronicles 4:3Exodus 37:17-22Exodus 25:31-36

Test Your Knowledge

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