2 Chronicles 4:5

KJV

And the thickness of it [was] an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; [and] it received and held three thousand baths.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the thickness {H5672} of it was an handbreadth {H2947}, and the brim {H8193} of it like the work {H4639} of the brim {H8193} of a cup {H3563}, with flowers {H6525} of lilies {H7799}; and it received {H2388} and held {H3557} three {H7969} thousand {H505} baths {H1324}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was a handbreadth thick, its rim was made like the rim of a cup, like the flower of a lily; and its capacity was 16,500 gallons.

Berean Standard Bible

It was a handbreadth thick, and its rim was fashioned like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom. It could hold three thousand baths.

American Standard Version

And it was a handbreadth thick; and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily: it received and held three thousand baths.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 4:5 meticulously details the "molten sea," a colossal bronze basin in Solomon's Temple, specifying its thickness, the artistic design of its brim resembling a cup adorned with lilies, and its immense capacity to hold three thousand baths of water. This verse underscores the grand scale, exquisite craftsmanship, and functional purpose of the sacred furnishings, reflecting God's demand for excellence and abundance in His dwelling place and the provision for ritual purification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a broader description of the Temple's furnishings and implements, following the general dimensions of the molten sea in [2 Chronicles 4:2](/2_chronicles/4-2 "2 Chronicles 4:2 - Dimensions of the Molten Sea") and its placement on twelve oxen in [2 Chronicles 4:3-4](/2_chronicles/4-3 "2 Chronicles 4:3-4 - Molten Sea on Oxen"). The account in [2 Chronicles 4](/2_chronicles/4 "2 Chronicles 4 - Temple Furnishings") parallels [1 Kings 7:23-26](/1_kings/7-23 "1 Kings 7:23-26 - Description of the Molten Sea"), though with some variations, particularly regarding the capacity of the molten sea. The Chronicler emphasizes the Temple's glory and the meticulous detail of its construction, highlighting the divine mandate behind every aspect of the worship space. The subsequent verses in [2 Chronicles 4:6-10](/2_chronicles/4-6 "2 Chronicles 4:6-10 - Other Temple Furnishings") continue to describe other essential items like the lavers, lampstands, and tables, all contributing to the functionality and beauty of the Temple.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of Solomon's Temple was a monumental undertaking, symbolizing the establishment of God's dwelling among His people and the centralization of Israelite worship. The molten sea itself was an innovative feature, distinct from the smaller lavers of the Tabernacle. Its immense size reflected the grandeur of the Solomonic era and the nation's prosperity. Functionally, it served as a primary reservoir for the water used by the priests for ritual cleansing before ministering in the Temple, a practice deeply rooted in the Levitical law (e.g., [Exodus 30:17-21](/exodus/30-17 "Exodus 30:17-21 - The Bronze Laver")). The emphasis on purity was paramount for approaching a holy God, and the molten sea facilitated this essential aspect of Temple service, ensuring that priests were ritually prepared for their sacred duties.

* **Key Themes:** The details in [2 Chronicles 4:5](/2_chronicles/4-5 "2 Chronicles 4:5 - Details of the Molten Sea") contribute to several overarching themes in the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Grandeur and Meticulous Design**, demonstrating that God desires excellence and beauty in His worship, down to the precise measurements and artistic flourishes like the "flowers of lilies." This reflects the Creator's own attention to detail in His creation. Secondly, the enormous capacity of "three thousand baths" highlights **Abundance and Provision**, signifying God's limitless resources and His generous supply for the needs of His people, particularly those who serve Him. Thirdly, the primary function of the molten sea for ritual washing reinforces the theme of **Purity and Holiness**, which is central to Old Testament worship and the very nature of God. The need for cleansing before approaching God is a consistent thread throughout the Old Testament, from the Tabernacle instructions in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests") to the detailed sacrificial laws in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Holiness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Handbreadth (Hebrew, _ṭephach'_):** An ancient unit of measurement, approximately 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm), representing the width of four fingers joined together. This detail emphasizes the substantial and robust construction of the molten sea, indicating its durability and the significant amount of bronze used, reinforcing the sense of grandeur and permanence for this sacred vessel.
* **Lilies (Hebrew, _shoshanim'_):** Refers to decorative carvings resembling lily flowers. This artistic detail on the brim of the molten sea highlights the aesthetic beauty and meticulous craftsmanship incorporated into the Temple's furnishings. Lilies were often associated with beauty, purity, and sometimes royalty in ancient Near Eastern art, adding a layer of symbolic significance to the vessel's design.
* **Bath (Hebrew, _bath'_):** A liquid measure, roughly equivalent to 6 gallons (22 liters). The stated capacity of "three thousand baths" (approximately 18,000 gallons or 66,000 liters) indicates an extraordinary volume of water. This immense capacity underscores the abundant provision for ritual purification and signifies the scale of the Temple's operations and the resources dedicated to its service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the thickness of it [was] an handbreadth":** This clause specifies the substantial wall thickness of the molten sea, indicating its massive and durable construction. A handbreadth (approximately 3-4 inches) for such a large bronze vessel signifies immense weight and solidity, ensuring it could withstand the vast volume of water it contained and endure for generations.
* **"and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies":** This phrase describes the artistic design of the vessel's rim. The comparison to "the brim of a cup" suggests a graceful, perhaps flaring or rounded, edge. The addition of "flowers of lilies" indicates intricate, decorative carvings, adding beauty and elegance to the functional structure. This detail highlights the blend of utility and artistry in the Temple's design, reflecting the desire for God's dwelling to be both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
* **"[and] it received and held three thousand baths":** This final clause states the molten sea's immense capacity. The figure of "three thousand baths" (approximately 18,000 gallons) points to an extraordinary volume of water, far exceeding the 2,000 baths mentioned in the parallel account in [1 Kings 7:26](/1_kings/7-26 "1 Kings 7:26 - Capacity of the Molten Sea"). This large capacity ensured an ample supply of water for the priests' extensive purification rituals, symbolizing God's abundant provision for His servants and the magnitude of the cleansing required for approaching His holiness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Detailed Description** is paramount, as the Chronicler meticulously records specific measurements ("handbreadth") and artistic elements ("flowers of lilies"), emphasizing the precision and grandeur of the Temple's construction. This attention to detail serves to magnify the glory of God's dwelling. A **Simile** is used in "the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup," which helps the reader visualize the elegant and refined design of the vessel's edge. The "flowers of lilies" introduce **Symbolism**, as lilies often represent purity, beauty, and even divine favor, aligning perfectly with the molten sea's function for ritual purification. Finally, the mention of "three thousand baths" might be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or a different measurement perspective when compared to the 2,000 baths in 1 Kings. If hyperbole, it serves to emphasize the sheer abundance and extraordinary capacity, underscoring God's limitless provision and the vastness of the cleansing required for His service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The detailed description of the molten sea, particularly its immense capacity and beautiful design, speaks volumes about God's character and His relationship with His people. It reveals a God who is not only concerned with grand plans but also with meticulous execution and aesthetic excellence in worship. The abundance of water for purification underscores the pervasive need for holiness in approaching God, a theme central to the Old Covenant. This physical provision for cleansing foreshadows a deeper, spiritual reality—that God provides abundantly for the purification of His people, preparing them for sacred service and intimate communion. The beauty of the lilies reminds us that our worship should not merely be functional but also offered with sincerity, beauty, and a heart reflecting God's own glorious nature.

* [Exodus 30:17-21](/exodus/30-17 "Exodus 30:17-21 - The Bronze Laver for Washing")
* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Psalm 51:7](/psalm/51-7 "Psalm 51:7 - Cleanse Me with Hyssop")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 4:5 invites us to consider the profound care and intentionality God invests in every detail, even in the physical structures dedicated to His worship. The massive molten sea, with its precise dimensions and beautiful adornments, reminds us that God values both functionality and beauty, abundance and purity. For us today, this translates into a call for excellence in all areas of our lives, especially in our worship and service to God. Just as the priests needed abundant water for cleansing, we recognize our constant need for spiritual purification. The provision of such a large quantity of water points to God's limitless grace and His boundless capacity to cleanse us. Our approach to God should be marked by a deep appreciation for His holiness, a desire for personal purity, and an offering of our best, not just in grand gestures but in the meticulous details of our daily walk.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on meticulous detail in the Temple's construction challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways do you see the theme of "abundance" in God's provision for your spiritual needs today?**
* **How can the concept of "purity" symbolized by the molten sea be practically applied to your daily life and worship in a New Covenant context?**

### FAQ

**Why does 2 Chronicles 4:5 state "three thousand baths" when 1 Kings 7:26 says "two thousand baths" for the molten sea's capacity?**

Answer: This discrepancy is a well-known point of discussion among scholars, and several explanations are commonly offered. One prevailing view suggests that the 2,000 baths in [1 Kings 7:26](/1_kings/7-26 "1 Kings 7:26 - Capacity of the Molten Sea") refers to the actual working capacity or the amount of water it usually held, while the 3,000 baths in [2 Chronicles 4:5](/2_chronicles/4-5 "2 Chronicles 4:5 - Details of the Molten Sea") represents its maximum, brim-full capacity. Another possibility is that the Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic audience, might have used a different standard of measurement or rounded up to emphasize the immense scale and God's abundant provision, which was a significant theological point for a people rebuilding their faith and nation. It is also possible that the 3,000 baths refers to the total amount of water that could be supplied *to* the sea, not just held *by* it at one time. Ultimately, both accounts agree on the vastness of the vessel and its purpose for ritual purification.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The molten sea, with its immense capacity for water and its function for priestly purification, serves as a powerful Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate and abundant cleansing found in Jesus Christ. Just as the priests needed to wash themselves before ministering, signifying the need for holiness to approach God, humanity, stained by sin, requires a far greater purification. The vast volume of water in the molten sea foreshadows the boundless grace and infinite cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice. He is the true and living "fountain opened for sin and uncleanness" ([Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - A Fountain for Sin and Uncleanness")). The meticulous design and beauty of the molten sea, adorned with lilies, hint at the perfection and glory of the One who would offer Himself as the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His shed blood, we are not merely ritually cleansed but truly purified from all sin, allowing us to draw near to God with confidence, not through physical washing, but through faith in Him ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")). He is our ultimate and sufficient provision for holiness, enabling us to serve the living God with a truly clean conscience ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing of Conscience by Christ's Blood")).

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

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.