1 Kings 7:24

KJV

And under the brim of it round about [there were] knops compassing it, ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about: the knops [were] cast in two rows, when it was cast.

KJV (with Strong's)

And under the brim {H8193} of it round about {H5439} there were knops {H6497} compassing {H5437} it, ten {H6235} in a cubit {H520}, compassing {H5362} the sea {H3220} round about {H5439}: the knops {H6497} were cast {H3333} in two {H8147} rows {H2905}, when it was cast {H3332}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Under its rim, three hundred gourds encircled it in two rows; they were cast when the Sea was cast.

Berean Standard Bible

Below the rim, ornamental buds encircled it, ten per cubit all the way around the Sea, cast in two rows as a part of the Sea.

American Standard Version

And under the brim of it round about there were knops which did compass it, for ten cubits, compassing the sea round about: the knops were in two rows, cast when it was cast.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 7:24 meticulously details the intricate ornamentation of the Molten Sea, a colossal bronze basin central to the Temple complex. This verse specifically describes the "knops," or decorative gourds, cast in two rows around the brim, precisely ten per cubit, underscoring the extraordinary craftsmanship and attention to aesthetic detail that characterized the construction of Solomon's Temple. It highlights the blend of functionality and beauty inherent in the sacred furnishings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger section of 1 Kings (chapters 6-7) that provides an exhaustive account of the construction of Solomon's Temple and its elaborate furnishings. Following the detailed description of the Temple structure itself in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple"), chapter 7 shifts focus to the magnificent bronze work crafted by Hiram of Tyre. Specifically, [1 Kings 7:23](/1_kings/7-23 "1 Kings 7:23 - The Molten Sea Described") introduces the Molten Sea, describing its immense size and circular shape, resting on twelve bronze oxen. Verse 24 then zooms in on the decorative elements, providing precise measurements and arrangement of the "knops" that adorned its brim. This level of detail emphasizes the meticulous nature of the construction, reflecting the divine blueprint given to David and passed to Solomon, ensuring every component was fashioned with precision and artistry for God's dwelling place.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple, including the Molten Sea, represents a pinnacle of Israelite architecture and metallurgy in the ancient Near East. Bronze work was a highly specialized and valued craft, requiring significant skill in smelting, casting, and finishing. The mention of Hiram of Tyre, a master craftsman from a region renowned for its artisans, underscores the international collaboration and the high caliber of expertise employed. Large bronze castings like the Molten Sea were monumental undertakings, demonstrating the wealth and technological sophistication of Solomon's kingdom. Culturally, the use of natural motifs like "knops" (gourds or buds) was common in ancient Near Eastern art, often symbolizing fertility, life, or abundance. Their integration into sacred architecture, alongside cherubim and palm trees (as seen in [1 Kings 6:29](/1_kings/6-29 "1 Kings 6:29 - Temple Carvings")), reflects a reverence for God's creation and its beauty. The Molten Sea itself served a practical purpose for priestly ablutions, emphasizing the cultural importance of ritual purity in approaching the divine.
* **Key Themes:** First Kings 7:24 contributes to several overarching themes within the book and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Exquisite Craftsmanship and Excellence**, demonstrating that God's dwelling place was to be adorned with the finest materials and most meticulous artistry, reflecting His glory and worthiness of the absolute best. The precise measurements ("ten in a cubit") and the casting "in two rows" speak to a deliberate pursuit of perfection. Secondly, the verse subtly reinforces the theme of **Divine Ordination and Design**. While Hiram executed the work, the overall design of the Temple and its furnishings was not arbitrary but divinely inspired, passed down through generations, as evidenced by the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle (e.g., [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle")). This suggests that even the decorative elements were part of a larger, sacred schema. Lastly, although focused on decoration, the Molten Sea's primary function for **Ritual Purity** is implicitly underscored. The beauty and grandeur of the basin would have emphasized the sacredness and importance of the cleansing it facilitated, a concept central to Old Testament worship and a foreshadowing of the deeper spiritual purity required to approach God, as explored in passages like [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalms/24-3 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knops (Hebrew, פְּקָעִים, _peka'im'_):** This term refers to ornamental gourds or wild cucumbers. In the context of ancient Near Eastern art, such motifs were common and often symbolized fertility, life, or abundance. Their use on the Molten Sea suggests a connection to natural forms, perhaps signifying the life-giving nature of God's presence or the flourishing of His people. The detailed description of their arrangement ("ten in a cubit," "in two rows") indicates that these were not random embellishments but part of a carefully planned, symmetrical, and aesthetically pleasing design, contributing to the overall grandeur and sacred beauty of the Temple.
* **Cubit (Hebrew, אַמָּה, _'ammah'_):** A standard unit of measurement in the ancient world, typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger (approximately 18-21 inches or 45-53 cm). The specification "ten in a cubit" highlights the precise and uniform spacing of the knops, demonstrating the meticulous attention to detail and the high level of engineering and artistic skill involved in the Temple's construction. This precision underscores the value placed on order and exactness in the sacred space.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And under the brim of it round about [there were] knops compassing it":** This clause establishes the location and general nature of the ornamentation. The "brim" (or lip) of the Molten Sea was adorned with decorative elements called "knops," which encircled the entire basin. This immediate visual detail sets the scene for the intricate design.
* **"ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about":** This provides the specific density and arrangement of the knops. For every cubit of the brim's circumference, there were ten knops. The repetition of "compassing the sea round about" emphasizes the continuous, unbroken decorative band, highlighting the meticulous and comprehensive nature of the design.
* **"the knops [were] cast in two rows, when it was cast":** This final phrase reveals the method of creation and the specific arrangement of the knops. They were not applied after the fact but were an integral part of the casting process, indicating a high level of metallurgical skill. Furthermore, their arrangement in "two rows" suggests a layered or multi-dimensional aesthetic, adding depth and richness to the visual appeal of the Molten Sea.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Precision** and **Detailing** are paramount, as the text provides exact measurements ("ten in a cubit") and specific arrangements ("in two rows"), immersing the reader in the meticulous craftsmanship. **Repetition** is also evident in the phrase "compassing... round about," which appears twice, emphasizing the circular, continuous nature of the ornamentation. The repeated mention of "knops" and "cast" further reinforces the focus on these specific decorative elements and their creation. While not a direct metaphor, the Molten Sea itself can be seen as a **Symbol** of purification and the sacred space, and the knops, by extension, contribute to this symbolism by adding to its grandeur and sacred beauty. The detailed description serves to impress upon the reader the magnificence and divine worthiness of the Temple and its furnishings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The detailed description of the Molten Sea's ornamentation in 1 Kings 7:24 speaks volumes about God's value for excellence, beauty, and order in worship. It demonstrates that sacred spaces and objects were not merely functional but were to reflect the glory and majesty of the God they served, crafted with the highest skill and attention to detail. This principle extends beyond physical structures, inviting believers to offer their "best" in all aspects of their lives and worship, recognizing that God is worthy of nothing less than our wholehearted devotion and the finest expression of our gifts. The beauty of the Molten Sea, though decorative, contributed to the reverence and awe associated with the acts of purification performed there, underscoring the seriousness and sanctity of approaching a holy God.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle"): "According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it."
* [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy"): "For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy..."
* [Psalm 96:9](/psalms/96-9 "Psalm 96:9 - Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness"): "O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail given to the "knops" on the Molten Sea, seemingly a minor decorative element, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of detail, beauty, and excellence, who delights in the finest expressions of human skill offered in His service. This challenges us to consider the quality of our own offerings—whether in worship, service, or daily life. Are we content with mediocrity, or do we strive for excellence, recognizing that our work, when done unto the Lord, is an act of worship? Furthermore, the Molten Sea's primary function for purification, adorned with such beauty, speaks to the profound truth that holiness is not merely functional but is also beautiful and glorious in God's eyes. Our pursuit of purity, facilitated by Christ, should be marked by intentionality and a desire to reflect the beauty of His character. This verse encourages us to cultivate a life that is both functionally righteous and aesthetically pleasing to God, characterized by integrity, diligence, and a heart devoted to His glory in every small detail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or service do I tend to offer "just enough" rather than striving for excellence, reflecting God's nature?**
* **How does the emphasis on beauty and detail in the Temple's construction inform my understanding of God's character and His expectations for our worship?**
* **Considering the Molten Sea's purpose for purification, how does the beauty of its design connect with the pursuit of holiness in my own life?**
* **What "small details" in my spiritual walk or daily responsibilities might God be calling me to approach with greater intentionality and excellence?**

### FAQ

**What are "knops" and what is their significance in this context?**

Answer: The "knops" (Hebrew: _peka'im_) mentioned in [1 Kings 7:24](/1_kings/7-24 "1 Kings 7:24 - Knops on the Molten Sea") are ornamental gourds or buds. These natural forms were common decorative motifs in ancient Near Eastern art and architecture, often symbolizing life, growth, or abundance. Their inclusion on the Molten Sea, a sacred vessel, indicates that even the decorative elements of the Temple were carefully chosen to contribute to its overall beauty and symbolic richness. Their precise arrangement ("ten in a cubit," "in two rows") highlights the meticulous craftsmanship and the high value placed on aesthetic detail in the construction of God's dwelling place. They were not merely functional but added to the grandeur and sacred artistry of the Molten Sea.

**What was the primary purpose of the Molten Sea in Solomon's Temple?**

Answer: The Molten Sea, described in [1 Kings 7:23-26](/1_kings/7-23 "1 Kings 7:23-26 - Description of the Molten Sea") and [2 Chronicles 4:2-5](/2_chronicles/4-2 "2 Chronicles 4:2-5 - The Molten Sea"), was a massive bronze basin primarily used by the priests for ritual ablutions. Before ministering in the Temple, priests would wash their hands and feet in its waters to purify themselves, symbolizing the necessity of holiness and cleanliness when approaching God. It also served for washing the implements used in Temple service. Its immense size and prominent placement underscored the importance of purity in Israelite worship, a theme central to the Old Testament sacrificial system and the entire Mosaic Law, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 16:4](/leviticus/16-4 "Leviticus 16:4 - Aaron's Cleansing for Atonement").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Molten Sea, with its intricate knops and primary function of purification, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The detailed craftsmanship and beauty of the Molten Sea, designed for ritual cleansing, foreshadow the perfect and complete purification offered through the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). While the Molten Sea provided external washing for priests, Christ's sacrifice provides internal, spiritual cleansing for all who believe, making them fit to approach a holy God. As [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood") declares, "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" The Temple, with all its magnificent details, pointed to Christ as the true and ultimate Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")). The "knops" and other precise decorations, reflecting God's demand for excellence in His dwelling, ultimately find their perfect expression in the flawless character and work of Christ, who is the [radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory"). Through Him, we are not merely cleansed but are made part of a spiritual temple, built together as a [dwelling place for God by the Spirit](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21 - Growing into a Holy Temple").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 6:18

And the cedar of the house within [was] carved with knops and open flowers: all [was] cedar; there was no stone seen.

2 Chronicles 4:3

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.

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 25:36

Their knops and their branches shall be of the same: all it [shall be] one beaten work [of] pure gold.

Exodus 37:17

And he made the candlestick [of] pure gold: [of] beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same:

Exodus 37:22

Their knops and their branches were of the same: all of it [was] one beaten work [of] pure gold.