He made also bases, and lavers made he upon the bases;

2 CHRONICLES 4:14KJV
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2 Chronicles 4:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 4:14 mean?

2 Chronicles 4:14 describes how bases and lavers were made for the temple, with the lavers placed on top of the bases. This verse is part of a detailed list of the temple furnishings crafted for Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem.

The writer is describing the construction work done under King Solomon’s direction for the temple. The “bases” were stands or supports, and the “lavers” were large basins used for washing. This verse highlights the care and detail involved in preparing the temple’s equipment, showing the importance of ritual cleanliness and the practical needs of temple service.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 4:14

  • “made” (עָשָׂה, ʿasah): This word appears twice in the verse, emphasizing the act of crafting or constructing. It points to intentional, skilled work, not just simple assembly.
  • “bases” (מְכֹנוֹת, mekhonot): This term refers to the stands or supports, likely wheeled carts or platforms designed to hold the lavers. Their construction was complex and significant for temple operations.
  • “lavers” (כִּיּוֹר, kiyyor): These were large bowls or basins for holding water, used by priests for washing. Their placement “upon the bases” shows a practical design for accessibility and cleanliness.

Why 2 Chronicles 4:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the temple furnishings were not random but carefully designed and constructed, reflecting the value placed on order and preparation in worship.
  • By mentioning both the bases and the lavers, the verse shows the attention given to both the structure and the function of temple objects, highlighting the practical needs of the priests.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing the scale and detail of Solomon’s temple project, helping readers appreciate the craftsmanship and planning involved in ancient Israelite worship.

Where else these words appear

“bases” 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 7:35 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.
  • 2 Kings 25:13 And the pillars of brass that were in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that was in the house of the LORD, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon.

“lavers” Hebrew H3595 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 30:18 Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.
  • Exodus 40:7 And thou shalt set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and shalt put water therein.
  • 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.