What number verse is 1 Kings 7:35 in the Bible?

1 Kings 7:35 is the 8,970th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 1 Kings 7:35 sits at position 8,970.

Translation

King James Version

And in the top of the base was there a round compass of half a cubit high: and on the top of the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof were of the same.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And in the top ^H7218 of the base ^H4350 was there a round ^H5696 compass ^H5439 of half ^H2677 a cubit ^H520 high ^H6967: and on the top ^H7218 of the base ^H4350 the ledges ^H3027 thereof and the borders ^H4526 thereof were of the same.

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Complete Jewish Bible

In the top of the trolley was a circular support ten-and-a-half inches high, and the trolley's corner-posts and panels were attached to its top.

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Berean Standard Bible

At the top of each stand was a circular band half a cubit high. The supports and panels were cast as a unit with the top of the stand.

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American Standard Version

And in the top of the base was there a round compass half a cubit high; and on the top of the base the stays thereof and the panels thereof were of the same.

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World English Bible Messianic

In the top of the base was there a round compass half a cubit high; and on the top of the base its stays and its panels were of the same.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And in the toppe of the base was a rounde compasse of halfe a cubite hie round about: and vpon the toppe of the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof were of the same.

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Young's Literal Translation

And in the top of the base is the half of a cubit in the height all round about; and on the top of the base its spokes and its borders are of the same.

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City Plan: Jerusalem in the Time of Solomon View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 8,970 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Kings 7:35 provides a highly specific architectural detail concerning the movable bronze bases within Solomon's Temple, describing a "round compass" of half a cubit high, along with its "ledges" and "borders." This verse, part of an extensive account of the Temple's furnishings, highlights the extraordinary level of precision, craftsmanship, and divine order that characterized every aspect of the sacred structure, underscoring the reverence and dedication involved in constructing a dwelling place for the Lord.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is situated within 1 Kings 7, a chapter dedicated to the detailed description of the various furnishings and structures within Solomon's Temple, particularly those crafted from bronze by Hiram of Tyre. Following the account of the two immense bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz (1 Kings 7:15-22), and the colossal "molten sea" (1 Kings 7:23-26), the narrative shifts to the ten smaller, highly elaborate bronze bases and their accompanying lavers (1 Kings 7:27-39). These bases were designed to be movable and featured intricate decorations such as lions, oxen, and cherubim. Verse 35 specifically focuses on the uppermost part of these bases, detailing a circular rim or "round compass" along with its supporting "ledges" and "borders," all crafted with meticulous precision. This level of detail underscores the sacredness and divine blueprint of the entire Temple complex.
Historical & Cultural Context: The construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, around the 10th century BCE, marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history, establishing a permanent central sanctuary for the worship of Yahweh, replacing the mobile Tabernacle. The project was a monumental undertaking, requiring vast resources, skilled labor, and advanced metallurgical knowledge, much of which was provided by Hiram, King of Tyre, and his master craftsman, also named Hiram. In the ancient Near East, temples were considered the dwelling places of deities, and their construction often involved immense wealth, intricate design, and precise execution to reflect the deity's power and majesty. The meticulous descriptions in Kings, including the details of the lavers and their bases, reflect this cultural emphasis on divine order and ritual purity, as the lavers were used for washing and purification within the Temple courts, as seen in Exodus 30:18-21.
Key Themes: The meticulous detail of 1 Kings 7:35 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes Divine Precision and Order, illustrating that God's dwelling place was to be constructed with absolute exactness, mirroring the detailed instructions given for the Tabernacle in the wilderness (e.g., the comprehensive blueprint found in Exodus 25 and Exodus 26). Secondly, the unparalleled craftsmanship highlights the theme of Excellence in Worship and Service, demonstrating that no effort or detail was too small when building a house for the Lord. This speaks to the reverence and dedication expected in all acts of service to God. Lastly, the grandeur and intricate design of the Temple furnishings, even seemingly minor components like these bases, served to magnify God's Glory and Presence, creating a physical space that visually communicated the majesty of the One who would dwell there, a theme powerfully echoed in the dedication prayer of 1 Kings 8.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Base (Hebrew, mᵉkôwnâh', H4350): This feminine noun refers to a pedestal or a spot. In the context of the Temple, it specifically denotes the movable stands upon which the bronze lavers rested. Its construction was highly elaborate, indicating its significant role in the Temple's functional and aesthetic design.
Compass (Hebrew, çâbîyb', H5439): This term refers to a circle, something round, or environs. Here, it describes a distinct circular feature at the very top of the bronze base, designed to secure the laver. This detail underscores the precise, circular form of this component, crucial for stability and alignment.
Ledges (Hebrew, yâd', H3027): This primitive word primarily means "hand," but its extensive range of applications includes "ledge," "border," or "side." In this verse, it refers to the structural or decorative projections or supports on the base, indicating intricate joinery and robust construction that contributed to both the stability and the ornate appearance of the bases.

Verse Breakdown

"And in the top of the base [was there] a round compass of half a cubit high": This clause describes a distinct circular feature at the uppermost part of each of the ten bronze bases. This "round compass" stood approximately 9 inches (or 23 cm) tall, based on a cubit being roughly 18 inches. Its height suggests it was a significant, visible component, likely designed to provide a stable and secure platform for the lavers, preventing them from shifting or falling. The precision of the measurement underscores the meticulous engineering involved in every aspect of the Temple's construction.
"and on the top of the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof [were] of the same": This second clause specifies that the structural and decorative elements—the "ledges" and "borders"—located on the upper portion of the base were crafted from the same material (bronze) and exhibited the same high quality and consistent design as the "round compass" and the rest of the base. This repetition of "of the same" emphasizes uniformity, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in every component, reinforcing the overall grandeur and sacredness of the Temple's furnishings.

Literary Devices

The description in 1 Kings 7:35, like much of the surrounding text describing the Temple's construction, employs Technical Description, providing precise architectural and material specifications. This device serves to convey the exactness required for the sacred space and underscores the divine authority behind its design. Furthermore, the mention of "ledges" and "borders" alongside the "round compass" can be seen as a form of Merism, where two or more contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a whole. In this case, these terms collectively encompass all the intricate structural and decorative elements of the base's top, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the craftsmanship. The phrase "[were] of the same" also acts as a form of Repetition, emphasizing the consistency of material and quality throughout the construction, thereby reinforcing the theme of meticulous craftsmanship and uniformity in the Temple's sacred furnishings.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The meticulous detail found in 1 Kings 7:35, describing even the "round compass" and "ledges" of the Temple's bronze bases, speaks profoundly to the nature of God and His expectations for worship. It reveals that God is a God of order, precision, and beauty, who delights in excellence and demands holiness in all that pertains to Him. The Temple, as His designated dwelling place, was not merely a functional building but a sacred space designed to reflect His glory and character in every minute detail. This level of care for a physical structure serves as a powerful theological statement about the infinite value God places on His presence among His people and the reverence due to Him. It teaches us that true worship involves not just grand gestures but also faithfulness and excellence in the seemingly small, hidden aspects of our service and lives.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The detailed account of the Temple's construction, even down to the "round compass" and "ledges" of a bronze base, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that if God cared so deeply about the minute architectural details of a physical structure, how much more does He value precision, excellence, and holiness in the "temples" of our own lives—our bodies, our character, our relationships, and our service. This verse challenges us to consider whether we approach our work, our worship, and our daily responsibilities with the same diligence and commitment to quality that was evident in the building of the Temple. It encourages us to recognize that faithfulness in the "small things" is not insignificant but contributes to a larger, divine purpose, reflecting God's own character of order and beauty. Our lives, lived for God's glory, should be marked by intentionality and excellence, knowing that every detail matters to Him.

Questions for Reflection

In what areas of your life or service to God might you be tempted to overlook "small" details, and how can this verse encourage greater diligence and precision?
How does the emphasis on precision and beauty in the Temple's construction inform your understanding of worship and the pursuit of excellence in your spiritual walk?
Considering that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), how does the meticulous care given to the ancient Temple inspire you to care for your own spiritual and physical well-being?

FAQ

Why is such a minute detail recorded in Scripture?

Answer: The recording of such minute details, like the "round compass" of half a cubit high, serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores the divine origin and authority of the Temple's design. It emphasizes that God's plan extended to every single component, not just the overall structure, reinforcing the idea that the Temple was built "according to the pattern" revealed by God, much like the Tabernacle (e.g., Exodus 25:9). Secondly, it highlights the immense value and sacredness attributed to the Temple as God's dwelling place; no effort, resource, or level of precision was considered too great for its construction. This communicates the reverence and awe due to God. Finally, for the original audience and for us, it serves as a historical and theological record, confirming the exact fulfillment of the divine blueprint and the unparalleled craftsmanship involved, thereby demonstrating both Solomon's devotion and God's glory. It teaches us that God cares about the details, and so should we in our service to Him.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While 1 Kings 7:35 meticulously describes a component of the physical Temple, its profound emphasis on precision, perfection, and divine order finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly Temple, with all its intricate details and sacred furnishings, was but a shadow and a copy of a greater, heavenly reality (as described in Hebrews 8:5). Jesus himself declared that He was the true Temple, speaking of the temple of His body (John 2:19-21). Every "round compass," "ledge," and "border" in Solomon's Temple, crafted with flawless precision, foreshadowed the perfect, unblemished life and sacrifice of Christ, who is the ultimate dwelling place of God's presence. He is the Lamb of God, whose perfect offering cleanses us from sin, making the physical lavers and their bases obsolete (Hebrews 9:11-14). Moreover, through Christ, believers are incorporated into a spiritual Temple, becoming living stones built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone (as taught in Ephesians 2:19-22). Our bodies, too, become temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), called to reflect the same divine order, purity, and excellence that characterized every detail of the ancient Temple, all made possible by the perfect work of Christ.

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Commentary on 1 Kings 7 verses 13–47

13 ¶ And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre.

14 He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.

15 For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about.

16 And he made two chapiters of molten brass, to set upon the tops of the pillars: the height of the one chapiter was five cubits, and the height of the other chapiter was five cubits:

17 And nets of checker work, and wreaths of chain work, for the chapiters which were upon the top of the pillars; seven for the one chapiter, and seven for the other chapiter.

18 And he made the pillars, and two rows round about upon the one network, to cover the chapiters that were upon the top, with pomegranates: and so did he for the other chapiter.

19 And the chapiters that were upon the top of the pillars were of lily work in the porch, four cubits.

20 And the chapiters upon the two pillars had pomegranates also above, over against the belly which was by the network: and the pomegranates were two hundred in rows round about upon the other chapiter.

21 And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.

22 And upon the top of the pillars was lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished.

23 And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.

24 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.

25 It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.

26 And it was an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths.

27 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.

28 And the work of the bases was on this manner: they had borders, and the borders were between the ledges:

29 And on the borders that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and cherubims: and upon the ledges there was a base above: and beneath the lions and oxen were certain additions made of thin work.

30 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.

31 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.

32 And under the borders were four wheels; and the axletrees of the wheels were joined to the base: and the height of a wheel was a cubit and half a cubit.

33 And the work of the wheels was like the work of a chariot wheel: their axletrees, and their naves, and their felloes, and their spokes, were all molten.

34 And there were four undersetters to the four corners of one base: and the undersetters were of the very base itself.

35 And in the top of the base was there a round compass of half a cubit high: and on the top of the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof were of the same.

36 For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about.

37 After this manner he made the ten bases: all of them had one casting, one measure, and one size.

38 Then made he ten lavers of brass: one laver contained forty baths: and every laver was four cubits: and upon every one of the ten bases one laver.

39 And he put five bases on the right side of the house, and five on the left side of the house: and he set the sea on the right side of the house eastward over against the south.

40 And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basons. So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he made king Solomon for the house of the LORD:

41 The two pillars, and the two bowls of the chapiters that were on the top of the two pillars; and the two networks, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters which were upon the top of the pillars;

42 And four hundred pomegranates for the two networks, even two rows of pomegranates for one network, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters that were upon the pillars;

43 And the ten bases, and ten lavers on the bases;

44 And one sea, and twelve oxen under the sea;

45 And the pots, and the shovels, and the basons: and all these vessels, which Hiram made to king Solomon for the house of the LORD, were of bright brass.

46 In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarthan.

47 And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because they were exceeding many: neither was the weight of the brass found out.

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

We have here an account of the brass-work about the temple. There was no iron about the temple, though we find David preparing for the temple iron for things of iron, Ch1 29:2. What those things were we are not told, but some of the things of brass are here described and the rest mentioned.

I. The brasier whom Solomon employed to preside in this part of the work was Hiram, or Huram (Ch2 4:11), who was by his mother's side an Israelite, of the tribe of Naphtali, by his father's side a man of Tyre, Kg1 7:14. If he had the ingenuity of a Tyrian, and the affection of an Israelite to the house of God (the head of a Tyrian and the heart of an Israelite), it was happy that the blood of the two nations mixed in him, for thereby he was qualified for the work to which he was designed. As the tabernacle was built with the wealth of Egypt, so the temple with the wit of Tyre. God will serve himself by the common gifts of the children of men.

II. The brass he made use of was the best he could get. All the brazen vessels were of bright brass (Kg1 7:45), good brass, so the Chaldee, that which was strongest and looked finest. God, who is the best, must be served and honoured with the best.

III. The place where all the brazen vessels were cast was the plain of Jordan, because the ground there was stiff and clayey, fit to make moulds of for the casting of the brass (Kg1 7:46), and Solomon would not have this dirty smoky work done in or near Jerusalem.

IV. The quantity was not accounted for. The vessels were unnumbered (so it may be read, Kg1 7:47, as well as unweighed), because they were exceedingly numerous, and it would have been an endless thing to keep the account of them; neither was the weight of the brass, when it was delivered to the workmen, searched or enquired into; so honest were the workmen, and such great plenty of brass they had, that there was no danger of wanting. We must ascribe it to Solomon's care that he provided so much, not to his carelessness that he kept no account of it.

V. Some particulars of the brass-work are described.

1.Two brazen pillars, which were set up in the porch of the temple (Kg1 7:21), whether under the cover of the porch or in the open air is not certain; it was between the temple and the court of the priests. These pillars were neither to hang gates upon nor to rest any building upon, but purely for ornament and significancy. (1.) What an ornament they were we may gather from the account here given of the curious work that was about them, chequer-work, chain-work, net-work, lily-work, and pomegranates in rows, and all of bright brass, and framed no doubt according to the best rules of proportion, to please the eye. (2.) Their significancy is intimated in the names given them (Kg1 7:21): Jachin - he will establish; and Boaz - in him is strength. Some think they were intended for memorials of the pillar of cloud and fire which led Israel through the wilderness: I rather think them designed for memorandums to the priests and others that came to worship at God's door, [1.] To depend upon God only, and not upon any sufficiency of their own, for strength and establishment in all their religious exercises. When we come to wait upon God, and find our hearts wandering and unfixed, then by faith let us fetch in help from heaven: Jachin - God will fix this roving mind. It is a good thing that the heart be established with grace. We find ourselves weak and unable for holy duties, but this is our encouragement: Boaz - in him is our strength, who works in us both to will and to do. I will go in the strength of the Lord God. Spiritual strength and stability are to be had at the door of God's temple, where we must wait for the gifts of grace in the use of the means of grace. [2.] It was a memorandum to them of the strength and establishment of the temple of God among them. Let them keep close to God and duty, and they should never lose their dignities and privileges, but the grant should be confirmed and perpetuated to them. The gospel church is what God will establish, what he will strengthen, and what the gates of hell can never prevail against. But, with respect to this temple, when it was destroyed particular notice was taken of the destroying of these pillars (Kg2 25:13, Kg2 25:17), which had been the tokens of its establishment, and would have been so if they had not forsaken God.

2.A brazen sea, a very large vessel, above five yards in diameter, and which contained above 500 barrels of water for the priests' use, in washing themselves and the sacrifices, and keeping the courts of the temple clean, Kg1 7:23, etc. It stood raised upon the figures of twelve oxen in brass, so high that either they must have stairs to climb up to it or cocks at the bottom to draw water from it. The Gibeonites, or Nethinim, who were to draw water for the house of God, had the care of filling it. Some think Solomon made the images of oxen to support this great cistern in contempt of the golden calf which Israel had worshipped, that (as bishop Patrick expresses it) the people might see there was nothing worthy of adoration in those figures; they were fitter to make posts of than to make gods of. Yet this prevailed not to prevent Jerusalem's setting up the calves for deities. In the court of the tabernacle there was only a laver of brass provided to wash in, but in the court of the temple a sea of brass, intimating that by the gospel of Christ much fuller preparation is made for our cleansing than was by the law of Moses. That had a laver, this has a sea, a fountain opened, Zac 13:1.

3.Ten bases, or stands, or settles, of brass, on which were put ten lavers, to be filled with water for the service of the temple, because there would not be room at the molten sea for all that had occasion to wash there. The bases on which the lavers were fixed are very largely described here, Kg1 7:27, etc. They were curiously adorned and set upon wheels, that the lavers might be removed as there was occasion; but ordinarily they stood in two rows, five on one side of the court and five on the other, Kg1 7:39. Each laver contained forty baths, that is, about ten barrels, Kg1 7:38. Those must be very clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Spiritual priests and spiritual sacrifices must be washed in the laver of Christ's blood and of regeneration. We must wash often, for we daily contract pollution, must cleanse our hands and purify our hearts. Plentiful provision is made for our cleansing; so that if we have our lot for ever among the unclean it will be our own fault.

4.Besides these, there was a vast number of brass pots made to boil the flesh of the peace-offerings in, which the priests and offerers were to feast upon before the Lord (see Sa1 2:14); also shovels, wherewith they took out the ashes of the altar. Some think the word signifies flesh-hooks, with which they took meat out of the pot. The basins also were made of brass, to receive the blood of the sacrifices. These are put for all the utensils of the brazen altar, Exo 38:3. While they were about it they made abundance of them, that they might have a good stock by them when those that were first in use wore out and went to decay. Thus Solomon, having wherewithal to do so, provided for posterity.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 13–47. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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