2 Chronicles 4:2

KJV

Also he made a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and five cubits the height thereof; and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also he made {H6213} a molten {H3332} sea {H3220} of ten {H6235} cubits {H520} from brim {H8193} to brim {H8193}, round {H5696} in compass {H5439}, and five {H2568} cubits {H520} the height {H6967} thereof; and a line {H6957} of thirty {H7970} cubits {H520} did compass {H5437} it round about {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He made the cast metal "Sea" circular, seventeen-and-a-half feet from rim to rim, eight-and-three quarters feet high and fifty-two-and-a-half feet in circumference.

Berean Standard Bible

He also made the Sea of cast metal. It was circular in shape, measuring ten cubits from rim to rim, five cubits in height, and thirty cubits in circumference.

American Standard Version

Also he made the molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass; and the height thereof was five cubits; and a line of thirty cubits compassed it round about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 4:2 meticulously describes the "molten sea," a colossal bronze basin crafted for Solomon's Temple. This immense vessel, measuring ten cubits in diameter, five cubits in height, and thirty cubits in circumference, was a prominent feature in the Temple courtyard. Its precise dimensions underscore the divine blueprint for the Temple's construction, emphasizing the grandeur and functional necessity of this key implement, primarily for the ceremonial purification of the priests.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of 2 Chronicles (chapters 3-5) that provides a detailed account of the construction and furnishing of Solomon's Temple. Following the description of the Temple's main structure and inner sanctuary, the narrative shifts to the various bronze and gold implements. Chapter 4 specifically focuses on the bronze items, beginning with the bronze altar (2 Chronicles 4:1) and immediately moving to the "molten sea" in 2 Chronicles 4:2-6. This sequence highlights the essential elements for worship and priestly service, moving from sacrifice to purification, before detailing the other vessels and the completion of the work by Huram (or Hiram). The Chronicler's emphasis on these details underscores the Temple's magnificence and its adherence to divine instruction, echoing the meticulous descriptions found in [1 Kings 7:23-26](/1_kings/7-23 "1 Kings 7:23-26 - Description of the Molten Sea").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's Temple was built in Jerusalem during the 10th century BCE, a period of significant prosperity and political stability for Israel. The construction involved vast resources, skilled craftsmen from Tyre (like Huram), and a sophisticated understanding of architecture and metallurgy. Large basins for ritual washing were not unique to Israelite worship; similar water features existed in other ancient Near Eastern temples, often associated with cosmic symbolism or purification rites. However, the "molten sea" in Solomon's Temple was distinct in its scale and specific function within the Yahwistic cult. Its design and placement were likely influenced by the earlier wilderness tabernacle's bronze laver, though significantly enlarged, reflecting the transition from a portable sanctuary to a permanent, grand temple, as seen in [Exodus 30:18-21](/exodus/30-18 "Exodus 30:18-21 - The Bronze Laver in the Tabernacle"). The use of bronze, a durable and valuable metal, further emphasized the permanence and sacredness of the Temple furnishings.

* **Key Themes:** The description of the molten sea in 2 Chronicles 4:2 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Precision and Obedience**, as the exact dimensions provided reflect God's meticulous requirements for His dwelling place and the worship conducted therein. This echoes the detailed instructions given for the Tabernacle and reinforces the Chronicler's emphasis on adherence to divine law. Secondly, the primary function of the molten sea for priestly washing underscores the theme of **Purity and Sanctification**. Access to God's presence and participation in sacred service demanded ritual cleanliness, a foundational principle throughout the Old Testament, as exemplified by the need for priests to wash before ministering, as detailed in [Leviticus 8:6](/leviticus/8-6 "Leviticus 8:6 - Consecration of Priests"). Finally, the sheer scale and grandeur of the "molten sea" contribute to the theme of **Temple Grandeur and God's Glory**. Its immense size and elaborate construction were designed to inspire awe, reflecting the majesty and glory of the God whom the Temple was built to honor, a theme central to the Chronicler's theological agenda, particularly in [2 Chronicles 7:1-3](/2_chronicles/7-1 "2 Chronicles 7:1-3 - God's Glory Fills the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Molten Sea (Hebrew, _yam mutsaq'_):** The term "molten sea" (יָם מוּצָק) refers to a massive basin cast from bronze. "Yam" (יָם) literally means "sea" or "large body of water," a fitting description for its immense capacity and appearance. "Mutsaq" (מוּצָק) signifies "cast" or "molten," indicating its construction method. This name vividly conveys both its size, resembling a small lake, and its material composition. Its function was not for public bathing but specifically for the priests to wash their hands and feet before performing their duties, symbolizing the necessity of ritual purity for those who ministered before God.
* **Cubits (Hebrew, _'ammah'_):** The "cubit" (אַמָּה) was a standard ancient unit of linear measurement, typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its exact length varied slightly by region and period (ranging from approximately 18 to 21 inches or 45 to 53 cm), it provided a practical and widely understood metric for construction. The specific dimensions given for the molten sea—ten cubits diameter, five cubits height, and thirty cubits circumference—highlight the precision of the Temple's design, even if the circumference-to-diameter ratio (30/10 = 3) is a practical approximation of Pi (π ≈ 3.14159) rather than a precise mathematical statement. This approximation is common in ancient texts, reflecting practical engineering rather than abstract mathematical theory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also he made a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass,"**: This clause introduces the primary subject, the "molten sea," and immediately provides its first key dimension: a diameter of ten cubits. The phrase "from brim to brim" clarifies that this measurement spans the entire width of the circular basin. The description "round in compass" reiterates its circular shape, emphasizing its symmetrical and complete form, which would have been visually impressive and functional for its purpose.
* **"and five cubits the height thereof;"**: This part specifies the vertical dimension of the molten sea. A height of five cubits means the basin was substantial, requiring steps or a platform for priests to access the water for washing. This considerable height contributed to its majestic appearance and large volume, further underscoring its significance within the Temple complex.
* **"and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about."**: This final clause provides the circumference of the molten sea, stating it was thirty cubits. This measurement, when combined with the ten-cubit diameter, yields a ratio of 3:1 (circumference to diameter). As noted in the key word analysis, this is a practical approximation of Pi, common in ancient engineering. The phrase "did compass it round about" again emphasizes the circular nature and the complete measurement of its perimeter, completing the description of its impressive scale.

#### Literary Devices
The description of the molten sea in 2 Chronicles 4:2 employs several literary devices to convey its significance. **Numerical Detail** is paramount, with precise measurements (ten, five, thirty cubits) providing a sense of exactitude and divine instruction, reflecting the meticulous nature of the Temple's construction. This precision underscores the **Symbolism** of the molten sea itself; as a massive basin of water, it symbolizes purification and cleansing, essential for approaching a holy God. The sheer scale implied by these dimensions also contributes to **Grandeur**, portraying the Temple as an awe-inspiring structure befitting the glory of Yahweh. While not strictly **Hyperbole**, the term "sea" for a basin suggests its immense size, elevating its status beyond a mere laver and contributing to the overall sense of majesty and divine order within the sacred space.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The molten sea, with its immense size and purpose of purification, served as a powerful visual and functional symbol of the holiness required for approaching God in the Old Covenant. It underscored the reality that sin separates humanity from the divine and that ritual cleansing was a prerequisite for priestly service and access to God's presence. This concept of purification is a foundational theological theme that runs throughout Scripture, from the earliest instructions for the Tabernacle to the New Testament's emphasis on spiritual cleansing through Christ. The physical washing of the priests foreshadowed a deeper, spiritual washing necessary for all who would draw near to God.

* [Exodus 30:17-21](/exodus/30-17 "Exodus 30:17-21 - The Bronze Laver in the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 9:1-10](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-10 - Old Covenant Rituals and Limitations")
* [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - The Washing of Regeneration")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical molten sea no longer exists, its spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The need for cleansing before approaching God is an eternal truth. In the New Covenant, we understand that true purification is not achieved through ritual washing but through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This verse reminds us that holiness is still essential for fellowship with God, but our cleansing comes from within, through repentance, faith, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. We are called to live lives of ongoing spiritual purification, continually confessing our sins and relying on Christ's finished work. The grand scale of the molten sea also prompts us to consider the vastness of God's holiness and the immense grace required to bridge the gap between our sinfulness and His perfection, encouraging a posture of humility and reverence in our daily walk.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of ritual cleansing in the Old Testament, as symbolized by the molten sea, deepen your appreciation for the complete purification offered by Christ?**
* **In what ways do you actively pursue spiritual purity in your daily life, recognizing your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit?**
* **What does the grandeur and meticulous detail of the Temple's furnishings, like the molten sea, communicate about the character of God?**

### FAQ

**Why was it called a "sea" and not just a basin or laver?**

Answer: It was called a "sea" (Hebrew: _yam_) primarily due to its immense size and capacity. At ten cubits in diameter and five cubits high, holding an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 gallons of water (according to [1 Kings 7:26](/1_kings/7-26 "1 Kings 7:26 - Capacity of the Molten Sea")), it was far larger than any typical basin or laver. Its sheer scale would have made it appear like a small, contained body of water, hence the evocative name. This grand scale also emphasized the vastness of the priestly duties and the multitude of sacrifices requiring purification.

**What was the primary purpose of the molten sea?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the molten sea was for the ceremonial washing of the priests. Before performing their sacred duties and offering sacrifices, the priests were required to wash their hands and feet to maintain ritual purity. This practice ensured that those ministering in God's holy presence were ceremonially clean, a principle established earlier with the bronze laver in the Tabernacle (as described in [Exodus 30:18-21](/exodus/30-18 "Exodus 30:18-21 - The Bronze Laver's Purpose")). It was not for the general public or for drinking, but specifically for the sanctification of the Levitical priesthood.

**Does the biblical description of the molten sea's dimensions (diameter 10 cubits, circumference 30 cubits) contradict the mathematical value of Pi (π ≈ 3.14159)?**

Answer: No, it does not contradict Pi. The biblical description of a ten-cubit diameter and a thirty-cubit circumference provides a ratio of exactly 3. This is widely understood by scholars as a practical approximation common in ancient measurements and engineering. Ancient cultures often used whole numbers for convenience in construction, and a ratio of 3:1 for circumference to diameter is a reasonable working approximation for a large circular object. It's also possible the measurements refer to different points (e.g., inner diameter and outer circumference) or that the focus of the text is on the functional and symbolic aspects of the basin, not on precise mathematical calculation. The Bible is not a science textbook; its purpose is theological and historical, conveying God's instructions and the Temple's grandeur.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The molten sea, a massive vessel for priestly washing in the Old Testament Temple, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect cleansing found in Jesus Christ. While the "sea" provided ritual purity for priests to approach God through animal sacrifices, it could never truly cleanse the conscience or remove sin permanently. Its continuous use highlighted the ongoing need for purification, pointing to an eventual, definitive solution. Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God and our Great High Priest, fulfills this need. His sacrificial death on the cross provides the true and eternal "washing" that purifies us from all sin, not just ritually but spiritually and eternally. As [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience") declares, His blood cleanses our consciences from dead works to serve the living God. Through Christ, we have been washed, sanctified, and justified ([1 Corinthians 6:11](/1_corinthians/6-11 "1 Corinthians 6:11 - Washed, Sanctified, Justified")). The water of the molten sea pointed to the "washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit" that we receive through Christ ([Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration")). Now, through faith in Him, all believers are made priests unto God ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), having direct and confident access to God's presence, not through a physical basin, but through the shed blood of Jesus, our ultimate and eternal source of purification ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Boldness 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.

Cross-References

Exodus 30:18

Thou shalt also make a laver [of] brass, and his foot [also of] brass, to wash [withal]: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.

Exodus 30:21

So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, [even] to him and to his seed throughout their generations.

Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Zechariah 13:1

¶ In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.

Revelation 7:14

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

1 Kings 7:23

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.

1 Kings 7:26

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.