King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 4:6 Mean?

2 Chronicles 4:6 in the King James Version says “He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offe...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in. such: Heb. the work of burnt offering”

2 Chronicles 4:6 · KJV

Context

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

6

He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in. such: Heb. the work of burnt offering

7

And he made ten candlesticks of gold according to their form, and set them in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left.

8

He made also ten tables, and placed them in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made an hundred basons of gold. basons: or, bowls

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in.

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
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ1 of 19

“He made”

H6213

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

כִּיּוֹרִים֮2 of 19

“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

עֲשָׂרָה֒3 of 19

“also ten”

H6235

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

וַ֠יִּתֵּן4 of 19

“and put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

וַֽחֲמִשָּׁ֤ה5 of 19

“and five”

H2568

five

מִיָּמִ֜ין6 of 19

“on the right hand”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

וַֽחֲמִשָּׁ֤ה7 of 19

“and five”

H2568

five

מִשְּׂמֹאול֙8 of 19

“on the left”

H8040

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

לְרָחְצָ֥ה9 of 19

“to wash”

H7364

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

בָהֶ֔ם10 of 19
H0
אֶת11 of 19
H853

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

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה12 of 19

“in them such things as they offered”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

הָֽעוֹלָ֖ה13 of 19

“for the burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

יָדִ֣יחוּ14 of 19

“they washed”

H1740

to thrust away; figuratively, to cleanse

בָ֑ם15 of 19
H0
וְהַיָּ֕ם16 of 19

“in them but 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

לְרָחְצָ֥ה17 of 19

“to wash”

H7364

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

לַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים18 of 19

“was for the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

בּֽוֹ׃19 of 19
H0

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 4:6 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 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 7:38Exodus 30:18-21Ezekiel 40:381 Kings 7:40Psalms 51:21 John 1:7

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