1 Kings 7:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H6213} ten {H6235} bases {H4350} of brass {H5178}; four {H702} cubits {H520} was the length {H753} of one {H259} base {H4350}, and four {H702} cubits {H520} the breadth {H7341} thereof, and three {H7969} cubits {H520} the height {H6967} of it.

Complete Jewish Bible

He made ten bronze trolleys, each one seven feet long, seven feet wide, and five-and-a-quarter feet high.

Berean Standard Bible

In addition, he made ten movable stands of bronze, each four cubits long, four cubits wide, and three cubits high.

American Standard Version

And he made the 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:27 provides precise architectural specifications for the ten movable bronze bases crafted for Solomon's Temple. This verse, embedded within a detailed account of the Temple's construction and furnishings, highlights the exact dimensions—four cubits in length and breadth, and three cubits in height—of these substantial stands. These bases were integral components, designed to support the large lavers used by priests for ritual washing, underscoring the meticulous planning and divine standard of excellence applied to every aspect of the sacred edifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive narrative of Solomon's building projects, primarily focused on the construction of the Temple, found in [1 Kings 6-7](/1-kings/6 "1 Kings 6-7 - Construction of Solomon's Temple"). Following the general architectural layout of the Temple building itself in [1 Kings 6](/1-kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Temple Construction Details"), the text in [1 Kings 7](/1-kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Temple Furnishings and Solomon's Palace") shifts its focus to the intricate and numerous furnishings and sacred vessels. This transition from the grand structure to its detailed contents emphasizes the holistic nature of the divine blueprint. The description of these bases immediately precedes the detailed account of the lavers they supported ([1 Kings 7:38-39](/1-kings/7-38 "1 Kings 7:38-39 - The Ten Lavers")). The meticulous enumeration of dimensions and materials underscores the importance of each element in the overall design, reflecting a divinely inspired precision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of Solomon's Temple was a monumental undertaking, reflecting the peak of Israelite power and wealth during the United Monarchy. King Solomon leveraged vast resources and international expertise, most notably employing skilled artisans from Tyre, a renowned center for metalwork and craftsmanship. [Hiram of Tyre](/1-kings/7-13 "1 Kings 7:13 - Hiram, the Skilled Craftsman") is specifically mentioned as the master craftsman responsible for the bronze work, including these bases. Bronze (often translated "brass" in older versions) was a highly valued and durable metal in the ancient Near East, signifying strength, permanence, and often sacred use. The precise measurements, given in cubits, were standard for ancient construction, emphasizing the practical engineering required for such large, functional objects. The Temple itself was the central place of worship for Israel, and every component, including these bases and their lavers, played a role in the prescribed rituals of purification and sacrifice, vital to the Israelite covenant relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous description of the bases in [1 Kings 7:27](/1-kings/7-27 "1 Kings 7:27 - Dimensions of the Bronze Bases") contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Mandate and Meticulous Detail** required for God's dwelling place. The precise dimensions underscore that the Temple was not merely a human construction but built according to a divine pattern, similar to the earlier Tabernacle ([Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern of the Tabernacle")). Secondly, the **Functionality for Sacred Service** is paramount; these bases were not decorative but served the vital purpose of holding the lavers for priestly purification, emphasizing the essential role of holiness and cleansing in approaching God ([Exodus 30:17-21](/exodus/30-17 "Exodus 30:17-21 - The Bronze Laver in the Tabernacle")). Finally, the sheer number (ten) and substantial size of these bronze structures, along with the other opulent materials, speak to the **Grandeur and Abundant Resources** committed to the Lord's house, reflecting Solomon's dedication and the nation's prosperity under God's blessing ([1 Kings 10:23-27](/1-kings/10-23 "1 Kings 10:23-27 - Solomon's Wealth and Wisdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bases (Hebrew, _mekonot'_):** This term refers to the movable stands or wheeled carts designed to support the lavers. The detailed description in [1 Kings 7:27-37](/1-kings/7-27 "1 Kings 7:27-37 - Description of the Bronze Bases") reveals their intricate design, including panels, frames, wheels, and supports, indicating they were sophisticated pieces of engineering. Their mobility would have allowed priests to position the lavers as needed for various purification rituals within the Temple courts.
* **Brass (Hebrew, _nechoshet'_):** While often translated "brass," the metal referred to here is more accurately bronze, an alloy of copper and tin. Bronze was a common and valuable metal in the ancient Near East, prized for its durability, strength, and workability. Its use throughout the Temple furnishings, from the great Sea to the lavers and their bases, signifies the permanence and sacredness of these elements, as well as the immense resources dedicated to the Temple.
* **Cubits (Hebrew, _ammah'_):** The cubit was a standard ancient unit of linear measurement, typically based on the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its exact modern equivalent varied regionally and over time, it is generally estimated to be between 18 and 21 inches (approximately 45-53 cm). Thus, each base, measuring four cubits in length and breadth (approx. 6-7 feet or 1.8-2.1 meters) and three cubits in height (approx. 4.5-5.25 feet or 1.4-1.6 meters), was a substantial, robust structure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made ten bases of brass":** This opening clause immediately informs us of the quantity and material of these significant Temple furnishings. The number "ten" indicates a symmetrical arrangement within the Temple courts, likely five on the north side and five on the south, as later described in [1 Kings 7:39](/1-kings/7-39 "1 Kings 7:39 - Placement of the Lavers"). The use of "brass" (bronze) emphasizes the durability and value of these components, reflecting the quality of materials dedicated to God's house.
* **"four cubits [was] the length of one base, and four cubits the breadth thereof":** This specifies the square footprint of each base. A square shape would have provided excellent stability for supporting the heavy lavers, which themselves were quite large. The consistent dimensions across all ten bases highlight the uniformity and orderliness of the Temple's design, reflecting divine precision.
* **"and three cubits the height of it":** This detail provides the vertical dimension, indicating that these bases were not low stands but elevated structures. Their height would have made the lavers accessible for the priests performing their ritual washings, while also elevating the sacred vessels, signifying their importance and separating them from common use.

#### Literary Devices
The description in [1 Kings 7:27](/1-kings/7-27 "1 Kings 7:27 - Dimensions of the Bronze Bases") employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Precision**, evident in the exact numerical dimensions provided ("four cubits... four cubits... three cubits"). This meticulous detail is not merely architectural but serves a theological purpose, emphasizing the divine standard of excellence and the exact adherence to God's instructions for His sacred dwelling. This **Repetition** of "cubits" reinforces the precise nature of the construction. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metonymy**, where "bases of brass" stands for the entire complex, divinely-ordered system of Temple worship. The material, "brass" (bronze), also carries **Symbolism**, representing strength, permanence, and the costly dedication of resources to God. The very act of detailing these measurements contributes to the overall sense of **Grandeur** and the monumental scale of Solomon's Temple, a physical manifestation of God's presence among His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail provided for the bronze bases in [1 Kings 7:27](/1-kings/7-27 "1 Kings 7:27 - Dimensions of the Bronze Bases") is not merely an architectural footnote but carries profound theological weight. It underscores the divine expectation for excellence and order in all matters pertaining to worship and service to God. Just as the Tabernacle was built according to a specific divine pattern, so too was the Temple, signifying that God is a God of order, beauty, and intentionality. The bases, by supporting the lavers for ritual purification, point to the foundational biblical theme of holiness and the necessity of cleansing before approaching a holy God. This physical preparation for worship foreshadows the spiritual purity required for true communion with the divine, a principle that transcends the Old Covenant.

* [Exodus 30:18-21](/exodus/30-18 "Exodus 30:18-21 - The Laver in the Tabernacle") - Details the bronze laver in the Tabernacle, its purpose for priestly washing, and the penalty for neglecting this purification.
* [2 Chronicles 4:6](/2-chronicles/4-6 "2 Chronicles 4:6 - The Lavers and Their Purpose") - Provides additional context on the ten lavers and their function for the burnt offering, highlighting the comprehensive need for ritual cleansing.
* [Hebrews 9:1-10](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-10 - The Earthly Sanctuary and Its Limitations") - Describes the Old Covenant sanctuary and its furnishings, including the various elements for purification, emphasizing their symbolic nature and temporary efficacy.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of the Temple's construction, even down to the dimensions of the bronze bases, invites us to reflect on the nature of our own worship and service to God. The meticulousness with which these sacred objects were crafted speaks to God's demand for excellence and intentionality in all that is dedicated to Him. We are called not to casual or half-hearted devotion, but to offer our very best—our time, talents, and resources—with a spirit of reverence and precision, recognizing that we serve a holy God. Furthermore, the function of these bases in facilitating purification reminds us of the ongoing need for spiritual cleansing in our lives. Just as the priests had to wash before ministering, believers today are called to walk in holiness, confessing sin and allowing the Holy Spirit to purify and transform us, enabling us to draw near to God with clean hands and a pure heart. This pursuit of purity and excellence in our daily walk and service is our contemporary expression of the meticulous devotion exemplified in the Temple's construction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the Temple's construction challenge my own approach to worship and service to God?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to pursue greater spiritual purity, reflecting the symbolic cleansing of the lavers?**
* **What "best" gifts, talents, or efforts am I currently withholding from God, and how can I offer them with greater intentionality and excellence?**
* **How can the principle of "order and beauty" in the Temple's design inform my personal spiritual disciplines and the way I contribute to my faith community?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of these "bases of brass"?**

Answer: The "bases of brass" (bronze) were intricately designed, movable stands or wheeled carts specifically created to support the ten large lavers (basins) within the Temple courts. These lavers held water and were essential for the priests to wash their hands and feet before ministering at the altar or entering the Holy Place, signifying the absolute necessity of ritual purification for sacred service. The bases elevated the lavers and allowed them to be positioned conveniently for the priests' use.

**Why are the dimensions of these bases so precisely detailed in the Bible?**

Answer: The precise detailing of the dimensions—four cubits in length and breadth, and three cubits in height—serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it underscores the divine origin and pattern for the Temple's construction, much like the Tabernacle was built according to exact specifications given by God ([Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle")). This precision highlights God's demand for order, excellence, and adherence to His instructions in worship. Secondly, it provides a comprehensive historical record of Solomon's monumental achievement, demonstrating the scale and grandeur of the Temple and the immense resources and skill invested. It also offers insight into ancient Israelite architectural practices and measurement systems.

**What is a "cubit" in modern measurements?**

Answer: A "cubit" was an ancient unit of length, typically based on the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its exact modern equivalent varied historically and geographically, it is generally estimated to be between 18 and 21 inches (approximately 45 to 53 centimeters). Therefore, each base described in [1 Kings 7:27](/1-kings/7-27 "1 Kings 7:27 - Dimensions of the Bronze Bases") would have been quite substantial, roughly 6 to 7 feet (about 1.8 to 2.1 meters) in length and width, and about 4.5 to 5.25 feet (about 1.4 to 1.6 meters) in height.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The bronze bases and the lavers they supported in Solomon's Temple, with their emphasis on ritual purification for priestly service, find their ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant system, with its physical structures and ceremonial washings, served as a shadow pointing to the perfect, once-for-all cleansing offered by Christ. Just as the priests needed to be purified to approach God, humanity, stained by sin, requires a greater washing. Jesus is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and His shed blood provides the ultimate and eternal purification that the Temple's lavers could only symbolize ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the Temple itself, where God's presence dwelt, foreshadowed Christ's own body as the true temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), and subsequently, the Church as the spiritual temple where God's Spirit now resides among believers ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1-corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). Thus, the meticulous detail of the bases, designed to facilitate access to a holy God, now points to Christ as our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") who has opened a new and living way for us to draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")).

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.