1 Kings 7:30

KJV

And every base had four brasen wheels, and plates of brass: and the four corners thereof had undersetters: under the laver [were] undersetters molten, at the side of every addition.

KJV (with Strong's)

And every {H259} base {H4350} had four {H702} brasen {H5178} wheels {H212}, and plates {H5633} of brass {H5178}: and the four {H702} corners {H6471} thereof had undersetters {H3802}: under the laver {H3595} were undersetters {H3802} molten {H3332}, at the side {H5676} of every {H376} addition {H3914}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Every trolley had four bronze wheels and bronze axles, and its four legs each had cast supports which were under the basin, with wreaths next to each.

Berean Standard Bible

Each stand had four bronze wheels with bronze axles and a basin resting on four supports, with wreaths at each side.

American Standard Version

And every base had four brazen wheels, and axles of brass; and the four feet thereof had undersetters: beneath the laver were the undersetters molten, with wreaths at the side of each.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:30 offers a highly detailed description of the movable bronze bases designed to support the ten lavers within Solomon's Temple, highlighting the extraordinary precision and rich materials employed in every component of God's dwelling. This verse, part of an extensive architectural account, underscores the meticulous craftsmanship and the profound significance attached to even the seemingly minor elements of the sacred structure, reflecting the divine standard of excellence for worship and service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within 1 Kings chapter 7, which provides an exhaustive account of the intricate furnishings and vessels crafted for King Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. Following the description of the Temple's main structure and Solomon's own palace in chapter 6, the narrative shifts focus to the elaborate bronze work commissioned from Hiram of Tyre, a master craftsman. Verses 13-47 detail Hiram's contributions, including the two great bronze pillars (Jachin and Boaz), the Molten Sea, and the ten movable stands with their lavers. Verse 30 specifically describes one aspect of these ten movable bases, demonstrating the narrative's meticulous attention to every component of the sacred space, emphasizing the divine blueprint's influence on the earthly construction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, temple construction was a monumental undertaking, often reflecting the wealth, power, and religious devotion of the reigning monarch. The use of "brass" (bronze) was highly significant; bronze was a valuable and durable alloy, requiring sophisticated metallurgical skills to cast and work, particularly for large, intricate pieces like these. The detailed descriptions in 1 Kings 7 are typical of ancient royal inscriptions that glorified building projects. The lavers themselves were essential for priestly ablutions, a common practice in ancient religions, but particularly emphasized in Israelite worship as a prerequisite for approaching a holy God. This practice, rooted in the [Tabernacle's design](/exodus/30-18 "Exodus 30:18 - The Laver in the Tabernacle"), underscored the necessity of ritual purity for those ministering in the sacred precincts, ensuring that all service was conducted in a state of ceremonial cleanliness.
* **Key Themes:** Several key themes emerge from this detailed description. Firstly, the emphasis on **Divine Precision and Excellence** is paramount; the exhaustive account of even the bases for the lavers underscores the divine standard for the Temple. Every component, no matter how seemingly minor, was to be crafted with utmost precision and quality, reflecting God's glory and the sacredness of His dwelling, a principle seen throughout the instructions for the [Tabernacle](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Tabernacle Instructions") and the [Temple](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon's Temple Construction"). Secondly, the theme of **Functionality and Purity** is evident. The "brasen wheels" indicate that these bases were designed to be movable, allowing the lavers to be positioned conveniently for the priests' washing rituals. This functionality was essential for maintaining the purity required for service before God, linking back to the broader theme of holiness in worship. Lastly, the consistent use of "brass" (bronze) and the detailed description of the "undersetters" highlight the **Rich Materials and Craftsmanship** dedicated to God's house, signifying the immense wealth and resources expended, as well as the high level of metallurgical and artistic skill present in ancient Israel, as noted in [Hiram's expertise](/1_kings/7-13 "1 Kings 7:13 - Hiram, the Bronze Craftsman").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brasen (Hebrew, _nᵊḥōšeṯ'_):** This term refers to bronze or copper, a highly durable and valuable metal extensively used in the ancient Near East for tools, weapons, and particularly for sacred objects and temple furnishings. Its presence throughout the Temple's construction signifies not only the wealth dedicated to God's house but also the permanence and strength intended for these sacred implements.
* **Undersetters (Hebrew, _kᵊthēphōṯ'_):** Literally meaning "shoulders" or "shoulder-pieces," this term describes strong, supportive elements. In the context of the bases, these were likely sturdy supports or decorative features resembling shoulders, providing both structural stability and aesthetic appeal. The repetition of "undersetters" suggests their critical role in the design, both at the corners and directly under the laver itself, reinforcing the base's capacity to bear the weight of the water-filled basin.
* **Laver (Hebrew, _kîyyôr'_):** A large basin or washing vessel. These lavers were crucial for the priests to wash their hands and feet before ministering in the holy place, emphasizing the requirement for ritual purity in worship and service to God. The fact that the bases were specifically designed to support these lavers highlights their functional importance in the Temple's daily operations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And every base had four brasen wheels, and plates of brass":** This clause immediately establishes the mobility and primary material of the bases. The "four brasen wheels" indicate that these substantial bronze stands were not stationary but could be moved, likely to facilitate the priests' washing rituals or for maintenance. The "plates of brass" refer to the bronze panels or coverings that formed the structure of the bases, emphasizing the uniform and robust use of this valuable metal throughout the design.
* **"and the four corners thereof had undersetters":** This describes specific structural or decorative elements at each of the base's four corners. As discussed in the key word analysis, "undersetters" (shoulders) imply strong, supportive features. These could have been ornate projections or sturdy braces that added to the stability and possibly the aesthetic grandeur of the stands, providing additional support for the weight of the laver.
* **"under the laver [were] undersetters molten, at the side of every addition":** This final clause provides even more precise detail about the support structure directly beneath the laver itself. The phrase "undersetters molten" suggests that these specific supports were cast as part of the base's structure, rather than being attached later. "At the side of every addition" likely refers to the points where the laver was secured to the base, indicating that these molten "shoulders" provided robust, integrated support at every crucial connection point, ensuring the stability of the heavy bronze basin.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Kings 7:30, and indeed throughout the architectural descriptions of Solomon's Temple, is **Detailed Description**. The verse meticulously enumerates the components of the laver bases: "four brasen wheels," "plates of brass," "undersetters" at the corners, and "undersetters molten" under the laver. This exhaustive cataloging serves to emphasize the extraordinary precision, craftsmanship, and expense invested in God's house. It is not merely a functional account but a testament to the divine standard of excellence. Furthermore, there is an element of **Symbolism** inherent in the materials and function. The use of bronze (brass), a durable and valuable metal, symbolizes strength, permanence, and the preciousness of God's dwelling. The lavers themselves, which these bases supported, symbolize the necessity of purity and cleansing for those who would approach God in worship, a foundational principle of Israelite theology. The mobility provided by the "wheels" might subtly symbolize the dynamic nature of God's presence or the accessibility of purification for the priests.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail given to the bases of the lavers in 1 Kings 7:30 conveys profound theological truths. It speaks to the character of God, who is a God of order, beauty, and absolute perfection, deserving of nothing less than the finest in every aspect of worship. The requirement for such precise and costly construction for even the supporting elements of the lavers underscores the paramount importance of purity and holiness in approaching the divine. The lavers were for cleansing, and their elaborate bases signify that even the means to purity were to be treated with utmost reverence and crafted with excellence. This principle extends beyond ritual; it teaches that every part of our service to God, no matter how seemingly small or foundational, should be offered with intentionality, integrity, and a commitment to excellence, reflecting the glory of the One we serve.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")
* [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Work Heartily for the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we no longer worship in a physical Temple with bronze lavers, the principles embedded in 1 Kings 7:30 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The divine demand for meticulous craftsmanship and the use of costly materials in God's house serve as a powerful reminder that God is worthy of our very best in every area of life. This isn't about material wealth, but about the attitude of our hearts. Just as the lavers symbolized the need for ritual cleansing before approaching God, so too are we called to spiritual purity and holiness, recognizing that our access to God is through Christ's perfect sacrifice. The attention to detail in the Temple's construction encourages us to consider the intentionality and excellence we bring to our spiritual disciplines, our service in the church, our work, and our relationships. Every aspect of our lives, when offered to God, can be a testament to His glory and our devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to offer "less than your best" to God, and how can you cultivate a spirit of excellence in those areas?**
* **How does the emphasis on purity in the Temple's design relate to the call for holiness in a believer's life today?**
* **What "foundational" or "behind-the-scenes" aspects of your faith or service might God be calling you to approach with greater intentionality and precision?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible include such meticulous architectural details about the Temple, even down to the bases of the lavers?**

Answer: The inclusion of such intricate architectural details, as seen in [1 Kings 7](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Temple Furnishings") and throughout the descriptions of the [Tabernacle](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Tabernacle Instructions"), serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores the divine origin and sacredness of the structure. God Himself provided the blueprint, and every detail was significant, reflecting His character of order, beauty, and perfection. Secondly, it emphasizes the immense value and reverence placed upon God's dwelling place and the worship conducted within it. No expense or effort was spared, signifying that God is worthy of the very best. Thirdly, these details often carry symbolic meaning, pointing to theological truths about purity, holiness, and God's presence. Finally, for the original audience, these descriptions would have affirmed the legitimacy and grandeur of Solomon's Temple, a central institution in Israelite life and worship.

**What is the significance of "brass" (bronze) being used so extensively for these Temple furnishings?**

Answer: The pervasive use of "brass" (bronze) for the Temple furnishings, including the lavers and their bases, is highly significant. Bronze was a valuable and durable alloy in the ancient world, requiring advanced metallurgical skills to produce and work. Its use signifies the immense wealth and resources dedicated to God's house, reflecting the king's devotion and the nation's prosperity. The material's durability also speaks to the permanence of God's covenant and the enduring nature of His presence among His people. Theologically, bronze was often associated with judgment and strength in biblical symbolism (e.g., the [bronze serpent](/numbers/21-9 "Numbers 21:9 - The Bronze Serpent") or the [bronze altar](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - The Bronze Altar")), though in this context, it primarily highlights the preciousness and robustness required for sacred objects used in the pure worship of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous design of the lavers and their bases in Solomon's Temple, emphasizing purity and perfection, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The bronze lavers served as a means of ritual cleansing for the priests, a necessary prerequisite for approaching a holy God. This foreshadowed the infinitely superior and complete cleansing offered by the [blood of Jesus](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood"). Unlike the repeated washings required under the Old Covenant, Christ's singular sacrifice provides a [perfect and eternal purification](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Offering"). The Temple itself, with its detailed and flawless construction, pointed to the perfect humanity and divine nature of Christ, who declared Himself to be the true [Temple](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus and the Temple"), the dwelling place of God among humanity. Furthermore, the Temple's purpose was to facilitate worship and communion with God; through Christ, believers are now made [living stones](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House") in a spiritual house, able to approach God directly with confidence, cleansed and sanctified by His grace. The precision and excellence demanded for the Temple's physical structure ultimately find their spiritual reality in the perfect work of Christ, who perfectly fulfills all the requirements of God's holiness and makes us holy in Him.

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

Ezekiel 10:10

And [as for] their appearances, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel.

Ezekiel 10:13

As for the wheels, it was cried unto them in my hearing, O wheel.

Ezekiel 1:15

¶ Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces.

Ezekiel 1:21

When those went, [these] went; and when those stood, [these] stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature [was] in the wheels.

Ezekiel 3:13

[I heard] also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels over against them, and a noise of a great rushing.