1 Kings 7:39
1 Kings 7:39 in Multiple Translations
He set five stands on the south side of the temple and five on the north, and he put the Sea on the south side, at the southeast corner of the temple.
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.
And he set the bases, five 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, toward the south.
And he put the bases by the house, five on the right side and five on the left; and he put the great water-vessel on the right side of the house, to the east, facing south.
He placed five carts on the south side of the Temple and five on the north side. He placed the Sea on the south side, by the southeast corner of the Temple.
And he set the bases, fiue on the right side of the house, and fiue on the left side of the house. And he set the sea on the right side of the house Eastward toward the South.
and he putteth the five bases on the right side of the house, and five on the left side of the house, and the sea he hath put on the right side of the house, eastward — over-against the south.
He set the bases, five on the right side of the house and five on the left side of the house. He set the sea on the right side of the house eastward and toward the south.
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.
And he set the ten bases, five on the right side of the temple, and five on the left: and the sea he put on the right side of the temple over against the east southward.
Huram placed five of the carts on the south side of the temple and five on the north side. He put the big tank at the southeast corner.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 7:39
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 7:39 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּתֵּן֙
אֶת
הַ/מְּכֹנ֔וֹת
חָמֵ֞שׁ
עַל
כֶּ֤תֶף
הַ/בַּ֨יִת֙
מִ/יָּמִ֔ין
וְ/חָמֵ֛שׁ
עַל
כֶּ֥תֶף
הַ/בַּ֖יִת
מִ/שְּׂמֹאל֑/וֹ
וְ/אֶת
הַ/יָּ֗ם
נָתַ֞ן
מִ/כֶּ֨תֶף
הַ/בַּ֧יִת
הַ/יְמָנִ֛ית
קֵ֖דְמָ/ה
מִ/מּ֥וּל
נֶֽגֶב
וַ/יִּתֵּן֙
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מְּכֹנ֔וֹת
mᵉkôwnâh
H4350
base
Art | N-fp
חָמֵ֞שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
five
Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֶּ֤תֶף
kâthêph
H3802
shoulder
N-fs
הַ/בַּ֨יִת֙
bayith
H1004
place
Art | N-ms
מִ/יָּמִ֔ין
yâmîyn
H3225
Ben]jamin
Prep | N-fs
וְ/חָמֵ֛שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
five
Conj | Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֶּ֥תֶף
kâthêph
H3802
shoulder
N-fs
הַ/בַּ֖יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Art | N-ms
מִ/שְּׂמֹאל֑/וֹ
sᵉmôʼwl
H8040
left
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/יָּ֗ם
yâm
H3220
West
Art | N-ms
נָתַ֞ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מִ/כֶּ֨תֶף
kâthêph
H3802
shoulder
Prep | N-fs
הַ/בַּ֧יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Art | N-ms
הַ/יְמָנִ֛ית
yᵉmânîy
H3233
right
Art | Adj
קֵ֖דְמָ/ה
qedem
H6924
front
N-ms | Suff
מִ/מּ֥וּל
mûwl
H4136
opposite
Prep | Prep
נֶֽגֶב
negeb
H5045
Negeb
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 7:39
וַ/יִּתֵּן֙
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מְּכֹנ֔וֹת
mᵉkôwnâh
H4350
"base"
Art | N-fp
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a base or a pedestal, providing a foundation for something. It is used in the Bible to describe the base of the altar or other structures, emphasizing stability and strength. This concept is crucial in understanding the design of the tabernacle.
Definition: fixed resting place, base, pedestal Also means: me.khu.nah (מְכֻנָה "base" H4369)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: base. See also: 1 Kings 7:27; 1 Kings 7:43; Jeremiah 27:19.
חָמֵ֞שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֶּ֤תֶף
kâthêph
H3802
"shoulder"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for shoulder describes the upper end of the arm, where garments hang, and is used in Exodus 28:7 to describe the shoulder pieces of the ephod.
Definition: 1) shoulder, shoulder-blade, side, slope 1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade (of man) 1b) shoulder, shoulder-pieces (of animals) 1c) side, slope (of mountain) 1d) supports (of laver)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side, undersetter. See also: Exodus 27:14; 2 Kings 11:11; Isaiah 11:14.
הַ/בַּ֨יִת֙
bayith
H1004
"place"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
מִ/יָּמִ֔ין
yâmîyn
H3225
"Ben]jamin"
Prep | N-fs
Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.
וְ/חָמֵ֛שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֶּ֥תֶף
kâthêph
H3802
"shoulder"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for shoulder describes the upper end of the arm, where garments hang, and is used in Exodus 28:7 to describe the shoulder pieces of the ephod.
Definition: 1) shoulder, shoulder-blade, side, slope 1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade (of man) 1b) shoulder, shoulder-pieces (of animals) 1c) side, slope (of mountain) 1d) supports (of laver)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side, undersetter. See also: Exodus 27:14; 2 Kings 11:11; Isaiah 11:14.
הַ/בַּ֖יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
מִ/שְּׂמֹאל֑/וֹ
sᵉmôʼwl
H8040
"left"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word means 'left' or 'north', referring to the left hand or side, as seen in KJV translations. It describes direction or orientation.
Definition: 1) the left, the left hand, the left side 1a) left 1b) left hand 1c) north (as one faces east)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: left (hand, side). See also: Genesis 13:9; 1 Kings 22:19; Proverbs 3:16.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/יָּ֗ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Art | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
נָתַ֞ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
מִ/כֶּ֨תֶף
kâthêph
H3802
"shoulder"
Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for shoulder describes the upper end of the arm, where garments hang, and is used in Exodus 28:7 to describe the shoulder pieces of the ephod.
Definition: 1) shoulder, shoulder-blade, side, slope 1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade (of man) 1b) shoulder, shoulder-pieces (of animals) 1c) side, slope (of mountain) 1d) supports (of laver)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side, undersetter. See also: Exodus 27:14; 2 Kings 11:11; Isaiah 11:14.
הַ/בַּ֧יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הַ/יְמָנִ֛ית
yᵉmânîy
H3233
"right"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means right or right hand, and is also used to mean south, as in the southern direction, in the Bible.
Definition: : right right, right hand Also means: ye.ma.ni (יְמָנִי ": south" H3233H)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (on the) right (hand). See also: Exodus 29:20; 1 Kings 6:8; Ezekiel 47:2.
קֵ֖דְמָ/ה
qedem
H6924
"front"
N-ms | Suff
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
מִ/מּ֥וּל
mûwl
H4136
"opposite"
Prep | Prep
This word means opposite or in front of, often used to describe location or direction. In Exodus 14:2, the Israelites camped in front of Pi-ha-hiroth, facing the sea. It provides a sense of spatial awareness and orientation in biblical contexts.
Definition: 1) front 1a) front 1b) in the opposite direction prep 2) in front of 2a) in front of 2b) (with prefix) 2b1) towards the front of, to the front of, on the front of 2b2) from the front of, off the front of, close in front of, on the forefront of
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, before, (fore-) front, from, (God-) ward, toward, with. See also: Exodus 18:19; Deuteronomy 11:30; Micah 2:8.
נֶֽגֶב
negeb
H5045
"Negeb"
N-ms
The Negeb is the southern district of Judah, also known as the south country, and can occasionally refer to Egypt, which is south of Palestine.
Definition: region of southern Judah Also named: ne.gev (נֶ֫גֶב "south" H5045H) This name means south-country
Usage: Occurs in 97 OT verses. KJV: south (country, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 12:9; 1 Samuel 14:5; Psalms 126:4.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 7:39
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 7:39 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 7:39
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 7:39
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:39
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:39
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:39
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 7:39
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:39
Context — The Ten Bronze Basins
37In this way he made the ten stands, each with the same casting, dimensions, and shape.
38He also made ten bronze basins, each holding forty baths and measuring four cubits across, one basin for each of the ten stands.
39He set five stands on the south side of the temple and five on the north, and he put the Sea on the south side, at the southeast corner of the temple.
40Additionally, Huram made the pots, shovels, and sprinkling bowls. So Huram finished all the work that he had undertaken for King Solomon in the house of the LORD: 41the two pillars; the two bowl-shaped capitals atop the pillars; the two sets of network covering both bowls of the capitals atop the pillars;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 4:10 | He put the Sea on the south side, at the southeast corner. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 4:6 | He also made ten basins for washing and placed five on the south side and five on the north. The parts of the burnt offering were rinsed in them, but the priests used the Sea for washing. |
1 Kings 7:39 Summary
The verse 1 Kings 7:39 describes how the stands and the Sea were placed in the temple courtyard, highlighting the importance of reverence and order in worship. The stands held bronze basins for ritual cleansing, while the Sea was a large bronze basin for the priests to wash themselves before performing their duties. This attention to detail reminds us of the need for purity and reverence in our own worship, as seen in Psalm 24:3-4 and Hebrews 10:22. By reflecting on this passage, we can learn to prioritize spiritual cleansing and renewal in our own lives, as described in 2 Corinthians 7:1 and 1 John 1:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the stands mentioned in 1 Kings 7:39 used for?
The stands were likely used to hold the bronze basins mentioned in 1 Kings 7:38, which were used for ritual cleansing, as seen in Exodus 30:18-21 and 2 Chronicles 4:6.
Why were the stands placed on the south and north sides of the temple?
The placement of the stands on both sides of the temple may have been for symmetry and to provide equal access to the basins for ritual cleansing, reflecting the importance of purity in worship, as emphasized in Psalm 24:3-4 and Isaiah 1:16-17.
What is the significance of the Sea mentioned in 1 Kings 7:39?
The Sea, also known as the Bronze Sea, was a large bronze basin used for the priests to wash themselves before performing their duties, as described in 1 Kings 7:23-26 and 2 Chronicles 4:2-5, symbolizing the importance of spiritual cleansing, as seen in Ezekiel 36:25 and Hebrews 10:22.
How does the description of the temple's furnishings in 1 Kings 7:39 relate to the overall message of the Bible?
The attention to detail in the construction of the temple and its furnishings, as seen in 1 Kings 7:39, highlights the importance of reverence and obedience to God's commands, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 12:32 and 1 Corinthians 10:31, and points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan in Jesus Christ, as seen in John 1:14 and Hebrews 9:1-14.
Reflection Questions
- What does the precise placement of the stands and the Sea in the temple courtyard reveal about the importance of order and reverence in worship?
- How can I apply the principle of ritual cleansing, as seen in the use of the bronze basins, to my own spiritual life, as described in 2 Corinthians 7:1 and 1 John 1:9?
- In what ways can I, like the craftsmen who built the temple, use my skills and talents to serve God and contribute to the beauty and functionality of His kingdom, as seen in Exodus 35:30-35 and 1 Corinthians 12:4-7?
- What does the Sea, as a symbol of spiritual cleansing, teach me about the need for ongoing purification and renewal in my walk with God, as emphasized in Psalm 51:7 and Titus 3:5?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 7:39
And he put five bases on the right side of the house,.... On the south side, which is commonly understood; that is, of the courts of the priests, where they were placed for their use: and five on the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 7:39
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:39
On the right side, i.e. in the south side, as is expressed in the end of the verse, and as the right side is used above, . On the right side of the house; not within the house, but in the priests’ court, where they washed either their hands or feet, or the parts of the sacrifices. On the left side of the house, i.e. on the north side; for this is here opposed to the right or south side. Over against the south, i.e. in the south-east part, where the offerings were prepared.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:39
1 Kings 7:39 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.Ver. 39. On the right side of the house.] That is, Of the priests’ court, who had hereby plenty of water, wherein they might wash so soon as they entered to minister in the holy place. "Holiness becometh God’ s house for ever."
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:39
(39) The sea.—This was placed on the south-eastern side of the Temple, on one side of the great altar; the ten smaller lavers were ranged five on each side.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 7:39
39. And he put] The verb is the same which later on in the verse is translated set. It is better to adhere to the same rendering in the same verse. It would also be more in accordance with the Hebrew to translate ‘And he set the bases, five on the right side (Heb. shoulder) of the house &c.’ eastward over against (better, towards) the south] The building looked north and south, so the sides would be east and west. The sea then stood at the south corner of the east side. There is much uncertainty about the meaning of parts of the language in this description of the bases. They appear however to have been large box-shaped structures, set on four wheels. The wheels did not come up higher than the bottom of the box, and so needed shoulders and stays in which the axles might run and by which they might be kept in position. Above the box, which had a large hole in the top, rose a sort of capital on which was fixed the laver. The sides of the box and the capital as well as the stays were covered with figures.
The purpose of these lavers as we are told 2 Chronicles 4:6, was for washing such things as were offered for the burnt offering. This was most likely the reason why they were needed of some considerable height and so were supported on the box-shaped bases. The laver would be of necessity as high as the altar of burnt offering, to the side of which it must have been brought at the time of any offering. That the altar stood higher than the level of the court seems evident from 1 Kings 8:22, where Solomon is described as standing before it in the sight of all the people.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:39
39. The right side of the house — Hebrew, the right shoulder of the house; that is, the south side, near the front part of the building, or at the south side of the porch. Left side — The corresponding north side of the building.