King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 4:3 Mean?

2 Chronicles 4:3 in the King James Version says “And under it was the similitude of oxen, which did compass it round about: ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round abou...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And under it was the similitude of oxen, which did compass it round about: ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about. Two rows of oxen were cast, when it was cast.”

2 Chronicles 4:3 · KJV

Context

1

Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof.

2

Also he made a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and five cubits the height thereof; and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about. from: Heb. from his brim to his brim

3

And under it was the similitude of oxen, which did compass it round about: ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about. Two rows of oxen were cast, when it was cast.

4

It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.

5

And the thickness of it was an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; and it received and held three thousand baths. with flowers: or, like a lilyflower

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And under it was the similitude of oxen, which did compass it round about: ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about. Two rows of oxen were cast, when it was cast.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Sacred objects for worship reflecting heavenly realities. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Temple Furnishings point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וּדְמ֣וּת1 of 19

“And under it was the similitude”

H1823

resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like

הַבָּקָ֔ר2 of 19

“of oxen”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

תַּ֨חַת3 of 19
H8478

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

ל֜וֹ4 of 19
H0
סָבִ֑יב5 of 19

“it round about”

H5439

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

סָבִ֑יב6 of 19

“it round about”

H5439

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

סֽוֹבְבִ֣ים7 of 19

“which did compass”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֹת֔וֹ8 of 19
H853

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

עֶ֚שֶׂר9 of 19

“ten”

H6235

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

בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה10 of 19

“in 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)

מַקִּיפִ֥ים11 of 19

“compassing”

H5362

to strike with more or less violence (beat, fell, corrode); by implication (of attack) to knock together, i.e., surround or circulate

אֶת12 of 19
H853

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

הַיָּ֖ם13 of 19

“the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

סָבִ֑יב14 of 19

“it round about”

H5439

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

שְׁנַ֤יִם15 of 19

“Two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

טוּרִים֙16 of 19

“rows”

H2905

a row; hence, a wall

הַבָּקָ֔ר17 of 19

“of oxen”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

יְצוּקִ֖ים18 of 19

“were cast”

H3332

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

בְּמֻֽצַקְתּֽוֹ׃19 of 19

“when it was cast”

H4166

properly, something poured out, i.e., a casting (of metal); by implication, a tube (as cast)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 4:3 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 2 Chronicles 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 10:141 Corinthians 9:9-10Ezekiel 1:101 Kings 7:24-26Revelation 4:7

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