1 Kings Chapter 7 · Verse 38
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֛עַשׂ
Then made
H6213
וַיַּ֛עַשׂ
Then made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְעֶ֖שֶׂר
he ten
H6235
לְעֶ֖שֶׂר
he ten
Strong's:
H6235
Word #:
2 of 20
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
כִּיּ֤וֹר
laver
H3595
כִּיּ֤וֹר
laver
Strong's:
H3595
Word #:
3 of 20
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
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
of brass
H5178
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
of brass
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
4 of 20
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
בַּ֜ת
baths
H1324
בַּ֜ת
baths
Strong's:
H1324
Word #:
6 of 20
a bath or hebrew measure (as a means of division) of liquids
יָכִ֣יל׀
contained
H3557
יָכִ֣יל׀
contained
Strong's:
H3557
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)
כִּיּ֤וֹר
laver
H3595
כִּיּ֤וֹר
laver
Strong's:
H3595
Word #:
8 of 20
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
הָֽאַחַ֔ת
and every
H259
הָֽאַחַ֔ת
and every
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
בָּֽאַמָּה֙
cubits
H520
בָּֽאַמָּה֙
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
11 of 20
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)
כִּיּ֤וֹר
laver
H3595
כִּיּ֤וֹר
laver
Strong's:
H3595
Word #:
12 of 20
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
הָֽאַחַ֔ת
and every
H259
הָֽאַחַ֔ת
and every
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
כִּיּ֤וֹר
laver
H3595
כִּיּ֤וֹר
laver
Strong's:
H3595
Word #:
14 of 20
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
הָֽאַחַ֔ת
and every
H259
הָֽאַחַ֔ת
and every
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָֽאַחַ֔ת
and every
H259
הָֽאַחַ֔ת
and every
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
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.
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.