1 Kings 7:24

Authorized King James Version

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And under the brim of it round about there were knops compassing it, ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about: the knops were cast in two rows, when it was cast.

Original Language Analysis

הַפְּקָעִ֔ים the knops H6497
הַפְּקָעִ֔ים the knops
Strong's: H6497
Word #: 1 of 17
a semi-globe
מִתַּ֨חַת H8478
מִתַּ֨חַת
Strong's: H8478
Word #: 2 of 17
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
לִשְׂפָת֤וֹ׀ And under the brim H8193
לִשְׂפָת֤וֹ׀ And under the brim
Strong's: H8193
Word #: 3 of 17
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
סָבִ֑יב of it round about H5439
סָבִ֑יב of it round about
Strong's: H5439
Word #: 4 of 17
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
סֹֽבְבִ֣ים compassing H5437
סֹֽבְבִ֣ים compassing
Strong's: H5437
Word #: 5 of 17
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
אֹת֔וֹ H853
אֹת֔וֹ
Strong's: H853
Word #: 6 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֶ֚שֶׂר it ten H6235
עֶ֚שֶׂר it ten
Strong's: H6235
Word #: 7 of 17
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה in a cubit H520
בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה in a cubit
Strong's: H520
Word #: 8 of 17
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)
מַקִּפִ֥ים compassing H5362
מַקִּפִ֥ים compassing
Strong's: H5362
Word #: 9 of 17
to strike with more or less violence (beat, fell, corrode); by implication (of attack) to knock together, i.e., surround or circulate
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 10 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַיָּ֖ם the sea H3220
הַיָּ֖ם the sea
Strong's: H3220
Word #: 11 of 17
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
סָבִ֑יב of it round about H5439
סָבִ֑יב of it round about
Strong's: H5439
Word #: 12 of 17
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
שְׁנֵ֤י in two H8147
שְׁנֵ֤י in two
Strong's: H8147
Word #: 13 of 17
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
טוּרִים֙ rows H2905
טוּרִים֙ rows
Strong's: H2905
Word #: 14 of 17
a row; hence, a wall
הַפְּקָעִ֔ים the knops H6497
הַפְּקָעִ֔ים the knops
Strong's: H6497
Word #: 15 of 17
a semi-globe
יְצֻקִ֖ים when it was cast H3332
יְצֻקִ֖ים when it was cast
Strong's: H3332
Word #: 16 of 17
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
בִּיצֻֽקָתֽוֹ׃ were cast H3333
בִּיצֻֽקָתֽוֹ׃ were cast
Strong's: H3333
Word #: 17 of 17
poured out, i.e., run into a mould

Analysis & Commentary

And under the brim of it round about there were knops compassing it, ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about: the knops were cast in two rows, when it was cast.

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 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.

Historical 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.

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