1 Kings 7:31

KJV

And the mouth of it within the chapiter and above [was] a cubit: but the mouth thereof [was] round [after] the work of the base, a cubit and an half: and also upon the mouth of it [were] gravings with their borders, foursquare, not round.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the mouth {H6310} of it within {H1004} the chapiter {H3805} and above {H4605} was a cubit {H520}: but the mouth {H6310} thereof was round {H5696} after the work {H4639} of the base {H3653}, a cubit {H520} and an half {H2677}: and also upon the mouth {H6310} of it were gravings {H4734} with their borders {H4526}, foursquare {H7251}, not round {H5696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The opening of the stand into which the basin was inserted was eighteen inches high; the stand was round, resembling a pedestal, and it was two-and-a-half feet in diameter. On the stand were carvings, and the outside was square, not round.

Berean Standard Bible

The opening to each stand inside the crown at the top was one cubit deep, with a round opening like the design of a pedestal, a cubit and a half wide. And around its opening were engravings, but the panels of the stands were square, not round.

American Standard Version

And the mouth of it within the capital and above was a cubit: and the mouth thereof was round after the work of a pedestal, a cubit and a half; and also upon the mouth of it were gravings, and their panels were foursquare, not round.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:31 offers an exceptionally precise and technical description of the "mouth" or opening of the ten bronze lavers, which were integral components of King Solomon's Temple. This verse details the varying dimensions, shapes (both round and foursquare), and decorative "gravings" of these openings, underscoring the extraordinary meticulousness and artistry invested in every element of the sacred Temple furnishings. It highlights the divine emphasis on order, beauty, and functional precision in the sacred space dedicated to Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a lengthy and highly detailed architectural account of Solomon's construction projects, specifically focusing on the Temple and its furnishings (1 Kings 6-7). Following the completion of the Temple structure itself, chapter 7 meticulously describes the various bronze vessels and implements crafted by Hiram of Tyre. Verses 27-39 are dedicated entirely to the ten movable bronze stands (bases) and the lavers (basins) that rested upon them. These lavers, along with the larger [Molten Sea](/1_kings/7-23 "1 Kings 7:23 - The Molten Sea"), were essential for the priests to perform ritual washings, ensuring purity before offering sacrifices and entering the holy areas. The granular detail in 1 Kings 7:31, specifying the dimensions and ornamentation of the lavers' openings, demonstrates the profound importance attached to every single item within the Temple complex, reflecting a divine blueprint for sacred service and worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of Solomon's Temple marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history, establishing a permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people, a significant upgrade from the portable Tabernacle. This era, around the 10th century BCE, was a period of great wealth and political stability for Israel, allowing Solomon to undertake such a monumental and opulent building project. The use of highly skilled artisans, like Hiram of Tyre, was common in the ancient Near East for grand architectural endeavors, reflecting the advanced metallurgical and artistic capabilities of the time. The meticulous attention to detail, including specific measurements and decorative elements, was not merely aesthetic but deeply symbolic, indicating the sacredness of the space and the objects within it. Ritual purity, facilitated by these lavers, was a cornerstone of Israelite worship, rooted in the Mosaic Law and essential for maintaining a right relationship with a holy God, as seen in instructions for the [Tabernacle laver](/exodus/30-18 "Exodus 30:18 - The Bronze Laver in the Tabernacle").
* **Key Themes:** The detailed description in 1 Kings 7:31 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Meticulous Craftsmanship** and **Divine Order**, emphasizing that God desires excellence and precision in all matters pertaining to His worship. The specific measurements ("a cubit," "a cubit and an half") and geometric forms ("round," "foursquare") underscore a deliberate design, not left to human whim but guided by divine instruction, much like the detailed instructions for the [Tabernacle](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - The Pattern for the Tabernacle"). Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Sacred Space and Purity**. The lavers were instruments of purification, and their intricate design underscores the sanctity of the Temple and the necessity of ritual cleanliness for those who served within it. Finally, the emphasis on the "gravings" and borders points to the theme of **Beauty and Adornment in Worship**, demonstrating that functionality was coupled with aesthetic splendor, reflecting the glory and majesty of the God being worshipped.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chapiter (Hebrew: מַעֲשֶׂה, _ma'aseh'_):** While "chapiter" typically refers to the capital of a column, in this specific context (1 Kings 7:31), the Hebrew word _ma'aseh_ (meaning "work," "structure," or "construction") refers to the upper part or "superstructure" of the movable bronze base (מְכוֹנָה, _mekhonah_) where the laver itself was seated. It denotes the intricate, elevated framework that supported the basin, rather than a standalone pillar capital. The KJV's "chapiter" here refers to this specific, ornate upper section of the base that housed the laver's opening.
* **Gravings (Hebrew: מִקְלָעוֹת, _miqla'ot'_):** This term refers to carved or engraved work, specifically ornamental designs. The presence of "gravings" on the "mouth" of the laver indicates that these functional vessels were also highly decorated. This highlights the artistic skill involved in their creation and the aesthetic value placed on every component of the Temple furnishings, signifying that beauty and intricate detail were considered appropriate for the sacred space.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the mouth of it within the chapiter and above [was] a cubit:"** This clause describes the height or depth of the opening of the laver as it was situated within the upper part (the "chapiter" or superstructure) of the bronze base. A "cubit" is an ancient unit of measurement, approximately 18-21 inches (45-53 cm). This dimension likely refers to the vertical extent of the opening or the space it occupied within the supporting structure.
* **"but the mouth thereof [was] round [after] the work of the base, a cubit and an half:"** This part specifies the shape and diameter of the main opening of the laver itself. It was "round," consistent with the overall design of the base, and measured "a cubit and an half" across. This indicates a significant opening, suggesting the lavers were substantial in size and capacity, necessary for the extensive washing rituals.
* **"and also upon the mouth of it [were] gravings with their borders, foursquare, not round."** This final clause describes the decorative elements surrounding the round opening. While the opening itself was round, the "gravings" (ornamental carvings) and their "borders" were "foursquare." This detail reveals a sophisticated architectural design that incorporated contrasting geometric shapes—a round opening framed or adorned by square decorative elements. This juxtaposition of forms speaks to the complexity and artistic ingenuity employed in the Temple's construction.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Kings 7:31, and indeed throughout the detailed descriptions of the Temple, is **Precision**. The text meticulously enumerates specific measurements ("a cubit," "a cubit and an half") and geometric forms ("round," "foursquare"), leaving no ambiguity about the exact design. This precision serves to underscore the divine origin and sacredness of the Temple's blueprint, implying that every detail was divinely ordained and held significance. Furthermore, there is an element of **Contrast** in the description of the "mouth" being "round" while its "gravings with their borders" were "foursquare." This highlights the intricate and multi-faceted nature of the design, showcasing a sophisticated blend of forms rather than simple, uniform shapes. This artistic complexity can also be seen as a form of **Symbolism**, where the deliberate and harmonious combination of diverse elements reflects the order, beauty, and multifaceted glory of God, for whom the Temple was built.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail provided in 1 Kings 7:31, describing the dimensions, shapes, and ornamentation of the lavers' openings, transcends mere architectural specification. It profoundly communicates God's character and His expectations for worship. The divine insistence on such precision for even seemingly minor elements of the Temple furnishings reveals that God is a God of order, beauty, and excellence. He is not content with haphazard or half-hearted efforts in His service; rather, He desires that all things pertaining to His worship reflect His own perfection and glory. This attention to detail underscores the sanctity of the Temple as His dwelling place and the seriousness of the priestly service performed there, particularly the rituals of purification. It teaches us that true reverence involves giving our best, not just in grand gestures but in every small detail, recognizing that all aspects of our lives and worship are to be consecrated to Him.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern of the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Heavenly Pattern")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Kings 7:31 might initially appear as a dry, technical passage, its inclusion in the inspired Word of God invites us to profound reflection. The exhaustive detail given to the Temple's furnishings, even down to the specific dimensions and decorative elements of a laver's opening, serves as a powerful reminder of God's profound care for order, beauty, and excellence in all things, especially in matters pertaining to His worship. This passage challenges us to consider the quality and intentionality we bring to our own spiritual lives and service. Are we content with mediocrity, or do we strive for excellence in our devotion, our discipleship, and our contributions to the body of Christ? Just as every part of the physical Temple was designed with meticulous care to reflect God's glory, so too should our lives, as spiritual temples, be built with diligence, precision, and a commitment to honoring God in every detail, recognizing that our God is worthy of our very best.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in this verse challenge your understanding of God's character and His expectations for worship?**
* **In what areas of your life, particularly your spiritual disciplines or service, might you be called to greater intentionality and excellence, mirroring the precision seen in the Temple's construction?**
* **How can appreciating the beauty and order of the Temple's design deepen your reverence for God and inspire you to cultivate beauty and order in your own "spiritual house"?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Bible include such technical and seemingly minor details about the Temple's architecture?**

Answer: The inclusion of such minute details, like those in 1 Kings 7:31, serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores the divine origin of the Temple's design. God provided specific instructions for its construction, much like the [Tabernacle](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - The Pattern for the Tabernacle"), indicating that every element was part of a sacred blueprint, not merely human invention. This emphasizes God's meticulous nature and His desire for order and perfection in His dwelling place and in the worship offered to Him. Secondly, these details highlight the immense value and sacredness attributed to every component of the Temple. Nothing was considered insignificant when it came to the house of God. Finally, the precision demonstrates the extraordinary craftsmanship and resources dedicated to this monumental project, reflecting the glory and majesty of the God being worshipped.

**What is the significance of the "mouth" being both "round" and having "foursquare" borders?**

Answer: This seemingly contradictory description ("round... foursquare, not round") highlights the sophisticated and complex architectural design of the lavers. It suggests that while the main opening of the laver itself was circular (round), the decorative "gravings" and their surrounding "borders" on the superstructure of the base were square. This juxtaposition of shapes demonstrates a high level of artistic skill and intentionality. Symbolically, the combination of roundness (often associated with wholeness, eternity, or divine perfection) and foursquare (representing stability, completeness, or the four corners of the earth) could signify the comprehensive and stable nature of God's presence and the worship offered in the Temple. It speaks to the beauty and intricacy that God desired for His sacred space.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed description of the Temple's lavers in 1 Kings 7:31, with their precise dimensions and intricate design, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect provision for cleansing found in Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, with its elaborate furnishings and rituals, served as a shadow of greater spiritual realities to come, as articulated in the New Testament (cf. [Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow")). The lavers were essential for the priests to maintain ritual purity, symbolizing the need for cleansing before approaching a holy God. However, this cleansing was temporary and had to be repeated. In Christ, we find the definitive and eternal purification. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose single, perfect sacrifice on the cross provides a cleansing that is complete and everlasting (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The meticulous craftsmanship of the Temple, reflecting God's desire for perfection, points to the flawless and divinely orchestrated work of redemption accomplished by Jesus. He is the true Temple, the place where God fully dwells among humanity (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")), and through Him, we are made truly clean, not by ritual washings, but by His precious blood, enabling us to draw near to God with confidence (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the 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.