New International VersionHe made the Sea of cast metal, circular in shape, measuring ten cubits from rim to rim and five cubits high. It took a line of thirty cubits to measure around it.
New Living TranslationThen he cast a great round basin, 15 feet across from rim to rim, called the Sea. It was 7 1 / 2 feet deep and about 45 feet in circumference.
English Standard VersionThen he made the sea of cast metal. It was round, ten cubits from brim to brim, and five cubits high, and a line of thirty cubits measured its circumference.
Berean Standard BibleHe 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.
King James BibleAlso 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.
New King James VersionThen he made the Sea of cast bronze, ten cubits from one brim to the other; it was completely round. Its height was five cubits, and a line of thirty cubits measured its circumference.
New American Standard BibleHe also made the Sea of cast metal, ten cubits from brim to brim, circular in form, and its height was five cubits and its circumference thirty cubits.
NASB 1995Also he made the cast metal sea, ten cubits from brim to brim, circular in form, and its height was five cubits and its circumference thirty cubits.
NASB 1977Also he made the cast metal sea, ten cubits from brim to brim, circular in form, and its height was five cubits and its circumference thirty cubits.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd he made the sea of cast metal ten cubits from brim to brim, circular in form, and its height was five cubits, and thirty cubits in its circumference.
Amplified BibleHe also made the Sea [that is, the large basin used for ceremonial washing] of cast metal, ten cubits from brim to brim, circular in form, and five cubits in height, and its circumference was thirty cubits.
Christian Standard BibleThen he made the cast metal basin, 15 feet from brim to brim, perfectly round. It was 7 1 /2 feet high and 45 feet in circumference.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen he made the cast metal reservoir, 15 feet from brim to brim, perfectly round. It was 7 1/2 feet high and 45 feet in circumference.
American Standard VersionAlso 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.
Contemporary English VersionHe also gave orders to make a large metal bowl called the Sea. It was 4.5 meters across, just over two meters deep, and 13.5 meters around.
English Revised VersionAlso 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.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHuram made a pool from cast metal. It was 15 feet in diameter. It was round, 7 1/2 feet high, and had a circumference of 45 feet.
Good News TranslationHe also made a round tank of bronze, 7½ feet deep, 15 feet in diameter, and 45 feet in circumference.
International Standard VersionHe crafted a circular sea of cast metal 10 cubits from rim to rim and five cubits tall. A line 30 cubits long surrounded it.
NET BibleHe also made the big bronze basin called "The Sea." It measured 15 feet from rim to rim, was circular in shape, and stood seven and one-half feet high. Its circumference was 45 feet.
New Heart English BibleAlso he made the molten sea seventeen feet and three inches from brim to brim, round in compass; and its height was eight feet and seven inches; and a line of fifty-one feet and eight inches encircled it.
Webster's Bible TranslationAlso he made a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and five cubits the hight of it; and a line of thirty cubits encompassed it. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe 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.
World English BibleAlso he made the molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim. It was round, five cubits high, and thirty cubits in circumference. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he makes the molten sea; ten by the cubit, from its edge to its edge, round in encompassment, and its height [is] five by the cubit, and a line of thirty by the cubit surrounds it around.
Young's Literal Translation And he maketh the molten sea; ten by the cubit, from its edge unto its edge, round in compass, and five by the cubit its height, and a line of thirty by the cubit doth compass it, round about.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he will make the molten sea ten by the cubit from its lip to its lip, rounded round about; and five by the cubit its height; and a cord thirty by the cubit will surround it round about. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAlso a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass: it was five cubits high, and a line of thirty cubits compassed it round about.
Catholic Public Domain Versionas well as a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in its circumference. It had five cubits in height, and a line of thirty cubits went around it on all sides.
New American BibleHe also made the molten sea. It was made with a circular rim, and measured ten cubits across, five in height, and thirty in circumference.
New Revised Standard VersionThen he made the molten sea; it was round, ten cubits from rim to rim, and five cubits high. A line of thirty cubits would encircle it completely. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bibleland he made a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in shape, and five cubits its height and thirty cubits its circumference.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd he made a sea which was smelted, ten cubits from its rim to its rim, the inner part as a circle, and five cubits its height, and a cord of thirty cubits around it from all its sides. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Also 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 did compass it round about.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd he made the molten sea, in diameter ten cubits, entirely round, and the height of it five cubits, and the circumference thirty cubits.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Bronze Altar and Molten Sea1He made a bronze altar twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and ten cubits high. 2He also madethe Seaof cast metal.It was circular in shape,measuring tencubitsfrom rimtorim,fivecubitsin height,and thirtycubitsin circumference.3Below the rim, figures of oxen encircled it, ten per cubit all the way around the Sea, cast in two rows as a part of the Sea.…
Cross References 1 Kings 7:23-26He 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. / Below the rim, ornamental buds encircled it, ten per cubit all the way around the Sea, cast in two rows as a part of the Sea. / The Sea stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The Sea rested on them, with all their hindquarters toward the center. ...
Exodus 30:18“You are to make a bronze basin with a bronze stand for washing. Set it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it,
1 Kings 7:38-39He also made ten bronze basins, each holding forty baths and measuring four cubits across, one basin for each of the ten stands. / He set five stands on the south side of the temple and five on the north, and he put the Sea on the south side, at the southeast corner of the temple.
1 Kings 7:44the Sea; the twelve oxen underneath the Sea;
1 Kings 7:40Additionally, Huram made the pots, shovels, and sprinkling bowls. So Huram finished all the work that he had undertaken for King Solomon in the house of the LORD:
1 Kings 7:29and on the panels between the uprights were lions, oxen, and cherubim. On the uprights was a pedestal above, and below the lions and oxen were wreaths of beveled work.
1 Kings 7:25The Sea stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The Sea rested on them, with all their hindquarters toward the center.
1 Kings 7:31The 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.
1 Kings 7:33The wheels were made like chariot wheels; their axles, rims, spokes, and hubs were all of cast metal.
1 Kings 7:35At 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.
1 Kings 7:37In this way he made the ten stands, each with the same casting, dimensions, and shape.
1 Kings 7:45and the pots, shovels, and sprinkling bowls. All the articles that Huram made for King Solomon in the house of the LORD were made of burnished bronze.
1 Kings 7:48Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of the LORD: the golden altar; the golden table on which was placed the Bread of the Presence;
1 Kings 7:50the pure gold basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, ladles, and censers; and the gold hinges for the doors of the inner temple (that is, the Most Holy Place) as well as for the doors of the main hall of the temple.
1 Kings 7:51So all the work that King Solomon had performed for the house of the LORD was completed. Then Solomon brought in the items his father David had dedicated—the silver, the gold, and the furnishings—and he placed them in the treasuries of the house of the LORD.
Treasury of Scripture 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. a molten sea Exodus 20:18-21 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people sawit, they removed, and stood afar off… 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 heightwas five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about. 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. brim to brim [heb] his brim to brim Jump to Previous BrimCastCircularCircumferenceCompassCompassedCubitCubitsEdgeEncircledEncompassedFiveFormGreatHeightHighHightLineMakethMeasuredMeasuringMetalMoltenRimRoundSeaShapeTenThereofThirtyJump to Next BrimCastCircularCircumferenceCompassCompassedCubitCubitsEdgeEncircledEncompassedFiveFormGreatHeightHighHightLineMakethMeasuredMeasuringMetalMoltenRimRoundSeaShapeTenThereofThirty2 Chronicles 4 1.The altar of brass2.The molten sea upon twelve oxen6.The ten lavers, candlesticks, and tables9.The courts, and the instruments of brass19.The instruments of goldHe also made the Sea of cast metal.The "Sea" refers to a large basin used in the temple for ceremonial washing by the priests. The term "cast metal" indicates that it was made using a casting process, likely involving bronze, which was a common material for temple furnishings. This basin symbolizes purification and cleansing, essential for the priests before performing their duties. The use of metal signifies durability and the importance of the object in temple rituals. The Sea's construction reflects the craftsmanship and resources available during Solomon's reign, emphasizing the grandeur of the temple. It was circular in shape,
The circular shape of the Sea is significant, as circles often symbolize eternity and perfection in biblical literature. This design choice may reflect the divine nature of God, who is eternal and perfect. The circular form also allows for a large volume of water, necessary for the numerous purification rituals conducted by the priests. The shape may also have practical implications, facilitating easier access for the priests around its perimeter. measuring ten cubits from rim to rim,
A cubit is an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 45 centimeters. Therefore, the Sea's diameter was approximately 15 feet or 4.5 meters. This substantial size underscores the importance of purification in temple worship and the scale of operations in Solomon's temple. The dimensions also highlight the resources and labor invested in the temple's construction, reflecting the wealth and dedication of Solomon's kingdom. five cubits in height,
The height of five cubits, about 7.5 feet or 2.25 meters, indicates the Sea's significant capacity and the volume of water it could hold. This height would require steps or a platform for the priests to access the water, suggesting a structured approach to ritual purification. The height also emphasizes the grandeur and imposing presence of the Sea within the temple courtyard. and thirty cubits in circumference.
The circumference of thirty cubits, approximately 45 feet or 13.5 meters, confirms the Sea's large size and capacity. This measurement aligns with the mathematical relationship between diameter and circumference, demonstrating the precision and skill of the craftsmen. The Sea's size allowed it to serve the needs of many priests, facilitating the temple's extensive sacrificial system. The number thirty may also have symbolic significance, as numbers often carry deeper meanings in biblical texts, potentially representing completeness or divine order. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe king of Israel who commissioned the building of the temple, including the Sea of cast metal. 2. The TempleThe holy place in Jerusalem where the Israelites worshiped God, built by Solomon. 3. The Sea of Cast MetalA large basin used for ceremonial washing by the priests, symbolizing purification and readiness for service. Teaching Points Symbolism of PurificationThe Sea of cast metal represents the need for spiritual cleansing. Just as the priests needed to be clean to serve, we must seek spiritual purity through Christ. God's Attention to DetailThe precise measurements and craftsmanship of the Sea reflect God's concern for order and beauty in worship. We should strive for excellence in our service to God. The Role of RitualsWhile rituals like washing were important, they pointed to a deeper spiritual truth. Our religious practices should lead us to a closer relationship with God, not just be empty traditions. The Fulfillment in ChristThe ceremonial washings foreshadow the ultimate cleansing from sin through Jesus. We are reminded of the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice for our purification. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 4:2?
2.What does the "sea of cast metal" symbolize in 2 Chronicles 4:2?
3.How does the sea's size reflect God's majesty and provision for worship?
4.Connect the sea's purpose to New Testament teachings on purification and cleansing.
5.How can we ensure our worship spaces reflect God's holiness and grandeur today?
6.What lessons from 2 Chronicles 4:2 apply to our personal spiritual growth?
7.What is the significance of the Sea of cast metal in 2 Chronicles 4:2?
8.How does the Sea's size reflect God's majesty in 2 Chronicles 4:2?
9.Why was the Sea of cast metal important in Solomon's temple?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 4?
11.Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the massive dimensions of the temple furnishings described in 2 Chronicles 4:2–5?
12.What is the "sea of glass" in Revelation?
13.2 Chronicles 3:4 - How could the porch realistically be 120 cubits high when no known structures of that era matched such a height?
14.How do we reconcile the apparent capacity discrepancy of the bronze sea between 1 Kings 7:26 (2,000 baths) and 2 Chronicles 4:5 (3,000 baths)?What Does 2 Chronicles 4:2 Mean He also made the Sea of cast metal- This “Sea” was a massive basin fashioned for Solomon’s temple (2 Chronicles 4:6), standing in continuity with God’s earlier instruction to place a bronze laver at the tabernacle entrance (Exodus 30:18). - Cast metal underscores permanence and grandeur, echoing how the Lord equips His house with excellence (1 Chronicles 29:2;1 Kings 7:23). - The size and strength of the Sea remind worshipers that cleansing is God-provided, not man-made (Hebrews 9:13-14).
It was circular in shape- A perfect circle symbolized wholeness and endlessness, fitting for a God whose mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). - The circle also made the Sea accessible from any direction, hinting that all Israel could draw near (Isaiah 55:1). - The unbroken line mirrors the Lord’s unchanging character (James 1:17).
Measuring ten cubits from rim to rim- Ten cubits—about fifteen feet—communicates impressive scale; this was no household washbasin but a national symbol of purity (1 Kings 7:23). - “Ten” often marks completeness in Scripture (Exodus 20’s commandments,Luke 15:8-10’s coins). Here it reinforces a fully sufficient provision for those serving in the temple (2 Chronicles 4:6).
Five cubits in height- Roughly seven and a half feet tall, the Sea held vast quantities of water, later specified as three thousand baths (2 Chronicles 4:5). - Its towering presence reminded priests of the gravity of approaching a holy God (Psalm 24:3-4;Leviticus 8:6). - The height also lifted the cleansing water above ordinary ground, foreshadowing the higher, inward washing accomplished in Christ (John 13:10;Hebrews 10:22).
Thirty cubits in circumference- A perimeter of thirty cubits reflects the same vastness described above, matching the numbers given in1 Kings 7:23. - Far from mathematical imprecision, the figure conveys the external measurement while the fuller description in1 Kings 7:26 notes a hand-breadth-thick rim; taken together they show reliable, eyewitness detail. - The comprehensiveness of the circumference points to God’s all-encompassing provision (Job 38:5;Isaiah 40:12).
summary2 Chronicles 4:2 presents the Sea as a monumental, circular, cast-bronze basin—ten cubits wide, five cubits high, thirty cubits around—built for the temple’s cleansing rituals. Its sheer size, perfect shape, and enduring material proclaim God’s sufficiency, purity, and permanence. Every dimension invites worshipers to recognize that approaching the holy Lord requires cleansing He Himself provides, a truth ultimately fulfilled in Christ’s once-for-all washing of His people. (2) Even if pothoth be correct in Kings, the chronicler might have understood the word to mean openings, rather than hinges, and so have substituted the common word pethah, which has that sense. The resemblance of the one word to the other would be a further consideration in its favour, according to ancient notions of interpretation. Verse 2. -A molten sea. The Hebrew of this verse and of1 Kings 7:23 are facsimiles of one author, except that hereקָו stands, where the parallel showsקוה, probably the fruit merely of some error in transcription. Verses like these point not to the derivation of Chronicles from Kings, but rather of both from some older common source. This sea of brass superseded the laver of the tabernacle (Exodus 30:18, 28;Exodus 31:9;Exodus 35:16;Exodus 39:39). It was called a sea on account of its size. We are told in1 Chronicles 18:8 whence David had drawn the supplies of metal necessary for this work. The size of the diameter measured from upper rim to rim (ten cubits) harmonizes, of course, to all practical purposes, with that of the circumference (thirty cubits); it would assist questions connected with the contents of this large vessel, however, if we had been told whether the circumference were measured at the rim, or, as the form of language here used might slightly favour, round the girth. (For these questions, see ver. 5 below.) This sea for the washing of the priests significantly follows the altar. Beside the general suggestion of the need of purification or sanctification, it here reminds of the fact that the earthly priest and high priest must need the purification, which their great Antitype would not need.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew He also made
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ(way·ya·‘aś)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, make
the Sea
הַיָּ֖ם(hay·yām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3220:A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin
of cast metal.
מוּצָ֑ק(mū·ṣāq)
Verb - Hofal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3332:To pour out, to melt, cast as metal, to place firmly, to stiffen, grow hard
[It was] circular in shape,
עָג֣וֹל ׀(‘ā·ḡō·wl)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5696:Circular
measuring ten
עֶ֣שֶׂר(‘e·śer)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 6235:Ten
cubits
בָּֽ֠אַמָּה(bā·’am·māh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 520:A mother, a cubit, a door-base
from rim
מִשְּׂפָת֨וֹ(miś·śə·p̄ā·ṯōw)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8193:The lip, language, a margin
to
אֶל־(’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to
[rim],
שְׂפָת֜וֹ(śə·p̄ā·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8193:The lip, language, a margin
five
וְחָמֵ֤שׁ(wə·ḥā·mêš)
Conjunctive waw | Number - feminine singular
Strong's 2568:Five
cubits
בָּֽאַמָּה֙(bā·’am·māh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 520:A mother, a cubit, a door-base
in height,
קֽוֹמָת֔וֹ(qō·w·mā·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6967:Height
and thirty
שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים(šə·lō·šîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 7970:Thirty, thirtieth
cubits
בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה(bā·’am·māh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 520:A mother, a cubit, a door-base
in circumference.
וְקָו֙(wə·qāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6957:A cord, for, measuring, a rule, a rim, a musical string, accord
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OT History: 2 Chronicles 4:2 Also he made the molten sea (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
