And it was an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths.

1 KINGS 7:26KJV
Know the Bible

1 Kings 7:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 7:26 mean?

1 Kings 7:26 describes the physical details of a large basin called the "sea" in Solomon’s temple, saying it was as thick as a hand’s width, had a rim shaped like a cup with lily-like decorations, and could hold two thousand baths of water. This verse gives specific measurements and decorative features to help readers picture the basin’s size and beauty.

This description comes as part of a longer section where the writer explains how King Solomon had the temple built and furnished. The verse focuses on the craftsmanship and design of the temple’s furnishings, showing the care and skill involved. The "sea" was used by the priests for ritual washing, so its size and decoration had both practical and symbolic importance.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 7:26

  • "breadth" (טֶפַח, tephach): This word refers to a handbreadth, a common ancient measurement roughly equal to the width of four fingers. It emphasizes the substantial thickness of the basin’s walls.
  • "brim" (שָׂפָה, saphah): Used twice in this verse, this word means the edge or lip of the basin, highlighting the attention given to even the outermost part of the vessel.
  • "flowers" (פֶּרַח, perach) and "lilies" (שׁוּשַׁן, shushan): These words describe the decorative motif around the rim, showing that the basin was not only functional but also artistically crafted with floral designs.

Why 1 Kings 7:26 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the temple furnishings were plain or purely utilitarian; instead, they were made with careful measurement and artistic detail.
  • The mention of the basin’s capacity ("two thousand baths") helps readers understand the scale of the temple’s rituals and the importance of water in the priests’ work.
  • By describing the basin’s thickness and decoration, the verse connects to the wider passage’s theme of Solomon’s temple as a place of both beauty and sacred function.

Where else these words appear

“breadth” Hebrew H2947 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:9 All these were of costly stones, according to the measures of hewed stones, sawed with saws, within and without, even from the foundation unto the coping, and so on the outside toward the great court.
  • 2 Chronicles 4:5 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.
  • Psalms 39:5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.

“thick” Hebrew H5672 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 4:5 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.
  • Job 15:26 He runneth upon him, even on his neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers:
  • Jeremiah 52:21 And concerning the pillars, the height of one pillar was eighteen cubits; and a fillet of twelve cubits did compass it; and the thickness thereof was four fingers: it was hollow.

“baths” Hebrew H1324 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:38 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.
  • 2 Chronicles 4:5 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.
  • Ezekiel 45:10 Ye shall have just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath.

“flowers” Hebrew H6525 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 25:31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.
  • Exodus 37:19 Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick.
  • 2 Chronicles 4:5 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.