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.