King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:32 Mean?

1 Kings 7:32 in the King James Version says “And under the borders were four wheels; and the axletrees of the wheels were joined to the base: and the height of a whe...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 7:32 · KJV

Context

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.

34

And there were four undersetters to the four corners of one base: and the undersetters were of the very base itself.

Read 1 Kings 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 13 words
וְאַרְבַּ֣עַת1 of 13

“were four”

H702

four

הָֽאוֹפַ֣ן2 of 13

“of the wheels”

H212

a wheel

לְמִתַּ֙חַת֙3 of 13

“And under”

H8478

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

לַֽמִּסְגְּר֔וֹת4 of 13

“the borders”

H4526

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

וִיד֥וֹת5 of 13

“and the axletrees”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הָֽאוֹפַ֣ן6 of 13

“of the wheels”

H212

a wheel

בַּמְּכוֹנָ֑ה7 of 13

“were joined to the base”

H4350

a pedestal, also a spot

וְקוֹמַת֙8 of 13

“and the height”

H6967

height

הָֽאוֹפַ֣ן9 of 13

“of the wheels”

H212

a wheel

הָֽאֶחָ֔ד10 of 13

“of a”

H259

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

הָֽאַמָּֽה׃11 of 13

“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)

וַֽחֲצִ֥י12 of 13

“and half”

H2677

the half or middle

הָֽאַמָּֽה׃13 of 13

“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)

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 7:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Kings 7 with CommentaryAll 1 Kings ChaptersComplete 1 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes