And on the borders that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and cherubims: and upon the ledges there was a base above: and beneath the lions and oxen were certain additions made of thin work.

1 KINGS 7:29KJV
Know the Bible

1 Kings 7:29 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 7:29 mean?

1 Kings 7:29 describes how the decorative panels on the stands in Solomon’s temple were richly adorned with carved images of lions, oxen, and cherubim, with additional intricate designs below these figures. The verse highlights the detailed craftsmanship and artistic effort that went into making these temple furnishings.

This verse is part of a larger section where the writer describes the furnishings made for Solomon’s temple, specifically the stands that held basins of water. The description is given to show the beauty and complexity of the temple’s design, emphasizing both the skill of the artisans and the importance placed on the temple as a place of worship.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 7:29

  • "borders" (מִסְגְּרוֹת, misgerot): This word refers to the panels or frames that formed the sides of the stands. Understanding this helps clarify that these were not just plain surfaces but structured, bordered sections designed for decoration.
  • "cherubims" (כְּרוּבִים, keruvim): These are angelic figures often associated with the presence of God in the temple. Their inclusion in the design signals the sacredness of the objects and the space.
  • "additions" (יוֹסְפוֹת, yosefot): This word points to extra decorative elements or extensions, suggesting that the artisans went beyond basic function to add beauty and detail.
  • "thin work" (מִשְׁקָה, mishkah): This phrase refers to delicate or finely wrought metalwork, indicating that the decorations were not just carved but involved skilled, intricate metal crafting.

Why 1 Kings 7:29 matters

  • This verse helps the reader appreciate the extraordinary effort and artistry involved in building Solomon’s temple, showing that great care was taken with even the smallest details.
  • The mention of lions, oxen, and cherubim connects the temple’s design to broader biblical themes of strength, service, and the presence of God.
  • By describing these specific decorations, the verse sets the tone for the temple as a place of awe and reverence, not just utility.

Where else these words appear

“ledges” Hebrew H7948 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:28 And the work of the bases was on this manner: they had borders, and the borders were between the ledges:

“additions” Hebrew H3914 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:30 And every base had four brasen wheels, and plates of brass: and the four corners thereof had undersetters: under the laver were undersetters molten, at the side of every addition.
  • 1 Kings 7:36 For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about.

“thin” Hebrew H4174 · used in 5 verses

  • Joshua 7:5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.
  • Joshua 10:11 And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.
  • Jeremiah 48:5 For in the going up of Luhith continual weeping shall go up; for in the going down of Horonaim the enemies have heard a cry of destruction.

“borders” Hebrew H4526 · used in 14 verses

  • Exodus 25:25 And thou shalt make unto it a border of an hand breadth round about, and thou shalt make a golden crown to the border thereof round about.
  • 2 Samuel 22:46 Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places.
  • 1 Kings 7:35 And in the top of the base was there a round compass of half a cubit high: and on the top of the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof were of the same.