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.

2 CHRONICLES 4:5KJV
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2 Chronicles 4:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 4:5 mean?

2 Chronicles 4:5 describes the size and design of a large basin, called the "sea," that was made for Solomon’s temple. The verse says the basin was as thick as a handbreadth, had a brim shaped like a cup with lily-like decorations, and could hold three thousand baths of water.

This verse is part of a detailed account of the furnishings made for the temple in Jerusalem during Solomon’s reign. The writer is giving specific measurements and artistic details to show the craftsmanship and scale of the temple’s equipment. The "sea" was used by the priests for ritual washing, and the description highlights both its beauty and its large capacity.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 4:5

  • "thickness" (עָבִי, ʿāvî): This word means the thickness or width of something. Here, it shows the basin was sturdy, about the width of a man’s hand.
  • "handbreadth" (טֶפַח, tefaḥ): A handbreadth was a common ancient measurement, roughly 3–4 inches (7–10 cm), giving a sense of the basin’s solid construction.
  • "brim" (שָׂפָה, sap̄āh): This refers to the edge or lip of the basin. The verse repeats this word, emphasizing the careful shaping of the rim.
  • "flowers" (פֶּרַח, peraḥ) and "lilies" (שׁוּשַׁן, shushan): These words describe the decorative motif on the basin’s rim, showing that beauty and artistry were important in the temple’s design.
  • "baths" (בַּת, bat): A "bath" was a unit of liquid measure, often estimated at about 22 liters (5–6 gallons). Three thousand baths would be a huge amount, underlining the basin’s impressive size.

Why 2 Chronicles 4:5 matters

  • This verse helps clear up how massive and impressive the temple furnishings were, showing the resources and skill invested in the temple’s construction.
  • The detailed description of the basin’s thickness and decoration shows that the temple was not just functional but also a work of art, reflecting the importance of beauty in worship.
  • By giving the exact capacity, the verse connects to the practical needs of temple rituals, helping readers understand how the priests used water in their service.

Where else these words appear

“thickness” Hebrew H5672 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:26 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.
  • 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.

“handbreadth” 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.
  • 1 Kings 7:26 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.
  • 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.

“baths” Hebrew H1324 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:26 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.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:10 And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.
  • 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.
  • 1 Kings 7:49 And the candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right side, and five on the left, before the oracle, with the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs of gold,