King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:34 Mean?

1 Kings 7:34 in the King James Version says “And there were four undersetters to the four corners of one base: and the undersetters were of the very base itself. — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 7:34 · KJV


Context

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.

35

And in the top of the base was there a round compass of half a cubit high: and on the top of the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof were of the same.

36

For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about. proportion: Heb. nakedness


Commentary

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

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 · 10 words
אַרְבַּ֣ע1 of 10

And there were four

H702

four

כְּתֵפֶֽיהָ׃2 of 10

and the 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

אֶ֚ל3 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַרְבַּ֣ע4 of 10

And there were four

H702

four

פִּנּ֔וֹת5 of 10

corners

H6438

an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain

הַמְּכֹנָ֖ה6 of 10

base

H4350

a pedestal, also a spot

הָֽאֶחָ֑ת7 of 10

of one

H259

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

מִן8 of 10
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמְּכֹנָ֖ה9 of 10

base

H4350

a pedestal, also a spot

כְּתֵפֶֽיהָ׃10 of 10

and the 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


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 7:34 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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