And there were four undersetters to the four corners of one base: and the undersetters were of the very base itself.

1 KINGS 7:34KJV
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1 Kings 7:34 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 7:34 mean?

1 Kings 7:34 describes how each of the four corners of a bronze stand (or “base”) had a supporting structure called an “undersetters,” and these supports were not separate pieces but were made as part of the base itself. This detail shows the careful craftsmanship and design of the temple furnishings Solomon commissioned.

This verse is part of a longer description of the temple’s furnishings being built under King Solomon’s direction, specifically the stands that held large bronze basins. The writer is explaining how these stands were constructed, highlighting that the supports at each corner were integral to the base, not added on separately. This emphasizes the unity and strength of the design, as well as the skill involved in making them.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 7:34

  • The word “undersetters” is כָּתֵף (katēf), which often means “shoulder” or “support.” Here, it refers to the structural supports at the corners of the base, suggesting they “shouldered” or bore weight.
  • The word for “corners” is פִּנָּה (pinnah), which means a corner or angle, making it clear these supports were placed at each of the four corners for stability.
  • The word for “base” is מְכוֹנָה (mekhonah), meaning a stand or pedestal, referring to the large, decorated bronze stands made for the temple.

Why 1 Kings 7:34 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the supports were not added on later but were cast as part of the base itself, which shows the high level of craftsmanship and durability intended for the temple items.
  • Understanding the construction details helps readers appreciate the complexity and beauty of Solomon’s temple, which was a significant achievement in ancient Israel.
  • The verse connects to the surrounding passage by showing the attention to detail in every aspect of the temple’s furnishings, reinforcing the importance placed on the temple as God’s dwelling place among His people.

Where else these words appear

“base” Hebrew H4350 · used in 18 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:27 And he made ten bases of brass; four cubits was the length of one base, and four cubits the breadth thereof, and three cubits the height of it.
  • 1 Kings 7:37 After this manner he made the ten bases: all of them had one casting, one measure, and one size.
  • 2 Kings 25:16 The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the LORD; the brass of all these vessels was without weight.

“corners” Hebrew H6438 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 27:2 And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.
  • Nehemiah 3:31 After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.
  • Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

“undersetters” Hebrew H3802 · used in 58 verses

  • Exodus 27:14 The hangings of one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three.
  • Joshua 18:13 And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Bethhoron.
  • Isaiah 49:22 Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.