King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:30 Mean?

1 Kings 7:30 in the King James Version says “And every base had four brasen wheels, and plates of brass: and the four corners thereof had undersetters: under the lav...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And every base had four brasen wheels, and plates of brass: and the four corners thereof had undersetters: under the laver were undersetters molten, at the side of every addition.”

1 Kings 7:30 · KJV

Context

28

And the work of the bases was on this manner: they had borders, and the borders were between the ledges:

29

And on the borders that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and cherubims: and upon the ledges there was a base above: and beneath the lions and oxen were certain additions made of thin work.

30

And every base had four brasen wheels, and plates of brass: and the four corners thereof had undersetters: under the laver were undersetters molten, at the side of every addition.

31

And the mouth of it within the chapiter and above was a cubit: but the mouth thereof was round after the work of the base, a cubit and an half: and also upon the mouth of it were gravings with their borders, foursquare, not round.

32

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. joined: Heb. in the base

Read 1 Kings 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And every base had four brasen wheels, and plates of brass: and the four corners thereof had undersetters: under the laver were undersetters molten, at the side of every addition.

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 · 18 words
וְאַרְבָּעָ֥ה1 of 18

“and the four”

H702

four

אֽוֹפַנֵּ֨י2 of 18

“wheels”

H212

a wheel

נְחֹ֔שֶׁת3 of 18

“brasen”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

לַמְּכוֹנָ֤ה4 of 18

“base”

H4350

a pedestal, also a spot

הָֽאַחַת֙5 of 18

“And every”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וְסַרְנֵ֣י6 of 18

“and plates”

H5633

an axle

נְחֹ֔שֶׁת7 of 18

“brasen”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

וְאַרְבָּעָ֥ה8 of 18

“and the four”

H702

four

פַֽעֲמֹתָ֖יו9 of 18

“corners”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

הַכְּתֵפ֣וֹת10 of 18

“thereof had undersetters”

H3802

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

לָהֶ֑ם11 of 18
H0
מִתַּ֤חַת12 of 18
H8478

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

לַכִּיֹּר֙13 of 18

“under the laver”

H3595

properly, something round (as excavated or bored), i.e., a chafing-dish for coals or a caldron for cooking; hence (from similarity of form) a washbowl

הַכְּתֵפ֣וֹת14 of 18

“thereof had undersetters”

H3802

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

יְצֻק֔וֹת15 of 18

“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

מֵעֵ֥בֶר16 of 18

“at the side”

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

אִ֖ישׁ17 of 18

“of every”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לֹיֽוֹת׃18 of 18

“addition”

H3914

a wreath

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 7:30 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 7:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 3:13Ezekiel 10:10-13Ezekiel 1:15-21

Test Your Knowledge

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