King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:40 Mean?

1 Kings 7:40 in the King James Version says “And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basons. So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he made king...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basons. So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he made king Solomon for the house of the LORD: And Hiram: Heb. And Hirom”

1 Kings 7:40 · KJV

Context

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

40

And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basons. So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he made king Solomon for the house of the LORD: And Hiram: Heb. And Hirom

41

The two pillars, and the two bowls of the chapiters that were on the top of the two pillars; and the two networks, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters which were upon the top of the pillars;

42

And four hundred pomegranates for the two networks, even two rows of pomegranates for one network, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters that were upon the pillars; upon: Heb. upon the face of the pillars

Read 1 Kings 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basons. So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he made king Solomon for the house of the LORD:

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 temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').

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
עָשָׂ֛ה1 of 20

“an end of doing”

H6213

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

חִירָ֗ם2 of 20

“And Hiram”

H2438

chiram or chirom, the name of two tyrians

אֶת3 of 20
H853

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

הַ֨כִּיֹּר֔וֹת4 of 20

“the lavers”

H3595

properly, something round (as excavated or bored), i.e., a chafing-dish for coals or a caldron for cooking; hence (from similarity of form) a washbowl

וְאֶת5 of 20
H853

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

הַיָּעִ֖ים6 of 20

“and the shovels”

H3257

a shovel

וְאֶת7 of 20
H853

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

הַמִּזְרָק֑וֹת8 of 20

“and the basons”

H4219

a bowl (as if for sprinkling)

וַיְכַ֣ל9 of 20

“made”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

חִירָ֗ם10 of 20

“And Hiram”

H2438

chiram or chirom, the name of two tyrians

עָשָׂ֛ה11 of 20

“an end of doing”

H6213

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

אֶת12 of 20
H853

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

כָּל13 of 20
H3605

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

הַמְּלָאכָ֔ה14 of 20

“all the work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֛ה16 of 20

“an end of doing”

H6213

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

לַמֶּ֥לֶךְ17 of 20

“king”

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה18 of 20

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בֵּ֥ית19 of 20

“for the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃20 of 20

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 7:40 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 7:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 4:11-16Jeremiah 52:18-191 Kings 7:282 Kings 25:14-15Exodus 24:6Exodus 39:32-43

Test Your Knowledge

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

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