And under it was the similitude of oxen, which did compass it round about: ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about. Two rows of oxen were cast, when it was cast.

2 CHRONICLES 4:3KJV
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2 Chronicles 4:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 4:3 mean?

2 Chronicles 4:3 describes how the large basin called the "sea" in Solomon’s temple was decorated underneath with images shaped like oxen, arranged in two rows all around it, with ten oxen per cubit. These oxen figures were cast together with the basin as a single piece.

This verse is part of a detailed description of the temple furnishings being made for King Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem. The writer is explaining to the reader how the "sea," a huge bronze basin used by the priests for washing, was both functional and beautifully decorated. The mention of the oxen and their arrangement highlights the care and artistry involved in making the temple’s sacred objects.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 4:3

  • "similitude" (דְּמוּת, dĕmuth): This word means a likeness or image. Here, it refers to the oxen figures being shaped as representations, not real animals.
  • "oxen" (בָּקָר, baqar): The word means oxen or cattle. The use of oxen as decoration may symbolize strength or service, fitting for the temple setting.
  • "ten" (עֶשֶׂר, ‘eser) and "cubit" (אַמָּה, ‘ammah): These words give the measurement, showing that the figures were closely spaced—ten for every cubit (about 18 inches). This detail emphasizes the richness and density of the decoration.
  • "cast" (יָצַק, yatsaq and מַסֵּכָה, massekhah): Both words refer to the process of casting metal. The verse notes that the oxen and the basin were made together, showing the skill involved in making such a large, ornate object.

Why 2 Chronicles 4:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the temple furnishings were not just practical but also highly artistic, with symbolic decorations worked into their design.
  • The detail about the oxen being cast as part of the basin, not added later, shows the advanced craftsmanship used in Solomon’s temple.
  • Understanding the arrangement and symbolism of these decorations helps the reader appreciate the care and meaning invested in the temple’s construction, which was central to Israel’s worship.

Where else these words appear

“cast” Hebrew H4166 · used in 2 verses

  • Zechariah 4:2 And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:

“compassing” Hebrew H5362 · used in 19 verses

  • Leviticus 19:27 Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.
  • 2 Chronicles 23:7 And the Levites shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand; and whosoever else cometh into the house, he shall be put to death: but be ye with the king when he cometh in, and when he goeth out.
  • Psalms 48:12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.

“rows” Hebrew H2905 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 28:17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.
  • Exodus 39:12 And the third row, a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.
  • 1 Kings 7:12 And the great court round about was with three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams, both for the inner court of the house of the LORD, and for the porch of the house.

“similitude” Hebrew H1823 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
  • Ezekiel 1:5 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.
  • Ezekiel 8:2 Then I beheld, and lo a likeness as the appearance of fire: from the appearance of his loins even downward, fire; and from his loins even upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the colour of amber.