King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:35 Mean?

1 Kings 7:35 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 7:35 · KJV

Context

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

37

After this manner he made the ten bases: all of them had one casting, one measure, and one size.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 13 words
רֹ֤אשׁ1 of 13

“And in the top”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הַמְּכֹנָה֙2 of 13

“of the base”

H4350

a pedestal, also a spot

חֲצִ֧י3 of 13

“of half”

H2677

the half or middle

הָֽאַמָּ֛ה4 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)

קוֹמָ֖ה5 of 13

“high”

H6967

height

עָגֹ֣ל׀6 of 13

“was there a round”

H5696

circular

סָבִ֑יב7 of 13

“compass”

H5439

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

וְעַ֨ל8 of 13
H5921

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

רֹ֤אשׁ9 of 13

“And in the top”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הַמְּכֹנָה֙10 of 13

“of the base”

H4350

a pedestal, also a spot

יְדֹתֶ֔יהָ11 of 13

“the ledges”

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

וּמִסְגְּרֹתֶ֖יהָ12 of 13

“thereof and the borders”

H4526

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

מִמֶּֽנָּה׃13 of 13
H4480

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

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 7:35 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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