King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:31 Mean?

1 Kings 7:31 in the King James Version says “And the mouth of it within the chapiter and above was a cubit: but the mouth thereof was round after the work of the bas...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 7:31 · KJV

Context

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

33

And the work of the wheels was like the work of a chariot wheel: their axletrees, and their naves, and their felloes, and their spokes, were all molten.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
פִּ֙יהָ֙1 of 20

“And the mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

מִבֵּ֨ית2 of 20

“of it within”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לַכֹּתֶ֤רֶת3 of 20

“the chapiter”

H3805

the capital of a column

וָמַ֙עְלָה֙4 of 20

“and above”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

הָֽאַמָּ֑ה5 of 20

“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)

פִּ֙יהָ֙6 of 20

“And the mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

עֲגֻלּֽוֹת׃7 of 20

“not round”

H5696

circular

מַֽעֲשֵׂה8 of 20

“after the work”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

כֵ֔ן9 of 20

“of the base”

H3653

a stand, i.e., pedestal or station

הָֽאַמָּ֑ה10 of 20

“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)

וַֽחֲצִ֣י11 of 20

“and an half”

H2677

the half or middle

הָֽאַמָּ֑ה12 of 20

“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)

וְגַם13 of 20
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

עַל14 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פִּ֙יהָ֙15 of 20

“And the mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

מִקְלָע֔וֹת16 of 20

“of it were gravings”

H4734

a sculpture (probably in bas-relief)

וּמִסְגְּרֹֽתֵיהֶ֥ם17 of 20

“with their borders”

H4526

something enclosing, i.e., a margin (of a region, of a panel); concretely, a stronghold

מְרֻבָּע֖וֹת18 of 20

“foursquare”

H7251

to be quadrate

לֹ֥א19 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עֲגֻלּֽוֹת׃20 of 20

“not round”

H5696

circular

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 7:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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