King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:37 Mean?

1 Kings 7:37 in the King James Version says “After this manner he made the ten bases: all of them had one casting, one measure, and one size.” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 7:37 · KJV

Context

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.

38

Then made he ten lavers of brass: one laver contained forty baths: and every laver was four cubits: and upon every one of the ten bases one laver.

39

And he put five bases on the right side of the house, and five on the left side of the house: and he set the sea on the right side of the house eastward over against the south. side: Heb. shoulder

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Commentary

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

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 · 12 words
כָּזֹ֣את1 of 12
H2063

this (often used adverb)

עָשָׂ֔ה2 of 12

“After this manner he made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֵ֖ת3 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֶ֣שֶׂר4 of 12

“the ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

הַמְּכֹנ֑וֹת5 of 12

“bases”

H4350

a pedestal, also a spot

מוּצָ֨ק6 of 12

“casting”

H4165

properly, fusion, i.e., literally, a casting (of metal); figuratively, a mass (of clay)

אֶחָ֖ד7 of 12

“all of them had one”

H259

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

מִדָּ֥ה8 of 12

“measure”

H4060

properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)

אֶחָ֖ד9 of 12

“all of them had one”

H259

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

קֶ֥צֶב10 of 12

“size”

H7095

shape (as if cut out); base (as if there cut off)

אֶחָ֖ד11 of 12

“all of them had one”

H259

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

לְכֻלָּֽהְנָה׃12 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

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 7:37 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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