1 Kings 7:24

Verse

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.

American Standard Version (1901)

And under the brim of it round about there were knops which did compass it, for ten cubits, compassing the sea round about: the knops were in two rows, cast when it was cast.

Bible in Basic English

And under the edge of it, circling it all round for ten cubits, were two lines of flower buds, made together with it from liquid metal.

Free Bible Version

Below the edge it was decorated with ornamental gourds that encircled it, ten per cubit all the way around. They were in two rows cast as one piece with the Sea.

Geneva Bible 1599

And vnder the brimme of it were knoppes like wilde cucumers compassing it round about, ten in one cubite, compassing the sea round about: and the two rowes of knoppes were cast, when it was molten.

King James (Authorized) Version

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.

Translation for Translators

Around the outer edge of the rim of the tank were two rows of gourds that were made of bronze. But the gourds were not cast separately; they were cast in the same mold as the rest of the tank. For each foot of length around the rim of the tank there were six figures of gourds.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Under the brim encircling the sea were gourds, ten in each cubit, cast in one piece with “The Sea,” when that basin was cast.

Noah Webster Bible

And under the brim of it around there were knobs compassing it, ten in a cubit, compassing the sea around: the knobs were cast in two rows, when it was cast.

World English Bible

Under its brim around there were buds which encircled it for ten cubits, encircling the sea. The buds were in two rows, cast when it was cast.

Young's Literal Translation

and knops beneath its brim round about are compassing it, ten by the cubit, going round the sea round about; in two rows [are] the knops, cast in its being cast.

Context

The Molten Sea

²³He 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.²⁴Below 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.

Summary

This verse describes the intricate design of the bronze sea in King Solomon's temple, which was a massive basin supported by twelve oxen. The oxen faced outward, three facing north, south, east, and west, symbolizing strength and stability. The bronze sea was a significant part of the temple's furnishings, highlighting the grandeur and craftsmanship dedicated to the worship of God. The attention to detail in constructing this basin reflects the reverence and honor accorded to the Lord in the splendor of His sanctuary.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

It stood upon twelve oxen,.... Figures of them in brass, of full proportion: three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east; and so turned to the four quarters of the world: and the sea was set above upon them; as it were on the backs of them, and their mouths served as spouts or cocks, to let water out of it on all sides: and all their hinder parts were inward; that they might not be seen, and which met in a centre; they that were north came against those that were south, and they in the east met with those to the west. The brass of the sea, according to Jacob Leon (r), weighed 1,800 arobas, and, with twelve oxen under, 33,500; each aroba being twenty five pounds weight. (r) Relation of Memorable Things in the Temple, ch. 4. p. 21.