1 Kings 7:38

The Ten Bronze Basins · 1 Kings 7:38–39
Read 1 Kings 7

Translations

Modern
He also made ten bronze basins, each holding forty baths and measuring four cubits across, one basin for each of the ten stands.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And he made ten basins of bronze. One basin contained forty baths; one basin was four by the cubit; one basin on one cart was to the ten carts.
Latin
Fecit quoque decem luteres æneos: quadraginta batos capiebat luter unus, eratque quatuor cubitorum: singulos quoque luteres per singulas, id est, decem bases, posuit.

Original

Hebrew
English
He also made ten bronze basins, each holding forty baths and measuring four cubits across, one basin for each of the ten stands.

Notes

The ten bronze water carts each held a basin for washing burnt offerings (2 Chronicles 4:6). Five were on each side of the temple. They had wheels, so they could be moved when needed.

The construction of the Temple and palace complex, along with the temple's dedication celebration, are key events in the 1 Kings account of Solomon's time. The temple, built to honor God, was Israel's most important building. Therefore, the writer of 1 Kings documented its construction details thoroughly.

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon Ancient Law Codes Solomon’s Wisdom

Events

Measurements

  • forty baths: About 232 gal (880 l)

Parallels

2 Chronicles 4:6–8

Glossary

Bronze Sea Capital Kings, Books of First and Second Laver Minerals and Metals Porch Temple

Topics

Art: Artisans, Skillful: Hiram Bath: A Hebrew Measure for Liquids Containing About Eight Gallons, Three Quarts Brass: Articles Made of Altar, Vessels, and Other Articles of the Tabernacle and Temple Carving: Hiram Chapiter: Head of a Pillar Copper Brass: Made Into: Lavers Hiram: An Artificer Sent by King Hiram to Execute the Artistic Work of the Interior of the Temple Master Workman: Hiram Measure: A Bath, About Eight Gallons and a Half Mechanic: Hiram Temple: Solomon's: Pattern and Building of Temple: Solomon's: The Ten Lavers