1 Kings 7:31
1 Kings 7:31 in Multiple Translations
The 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.
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.
And the mouth of it within the capital and above was a cubit: and the mouth thereof was round after the work of a pedestal, a cubit and a half; and also upon the mouth of it were gravings, and their panels were foursquare, not round.
The mouth of it inside the angle-plate was one cubit across; it was round like a pillar, a cubit and a half across; it had designs cut on it; the sides were square, not round.
At the top of each cart was a round opening like a pedestal to hold the basin. The opening was one cubit deep, and one and a half cubits wide. The opening had carvings around it. The panels of the cart were square, not round.
And the mouth of it was within the chapiter and aboue to measure by the cubite: for the mouth thereof was round made like a base, and it was a cubite and halfe a cubite: and also vpon the mouth thereof were grauen workes, whose borders were foure square, and not round.
And its mouth within the chapiter and above [is] by the cubit, and its mouth [is] round, the work of the base, a cubit and half a cubit; and also on its mouth [are] carvings and their borders, square, not round.
Its opening within the capital and above was a cubit. Its opening was round like the work of a pedestal, a cubit and a half; and also on its opening were engravings, and their panels were square, not round.
And the mouth of it within the capital and above was a cubit: but the mouth of it was round after the work of the base, a cubit and a half: and also upon the mouth of it were gravings with their borders, foursquare, not round.
The mouth also of the laver within, was in the top of the chapiter: and that which appeared without, was of one cubit all round, and together it was one cubit and a half: and in the corners of the pillars were divers engravings: and the spaces between the pillars were square, not round.
On top of each cart, under each basin, was a frame that resembled a circular collar. The top of each circular frame was 18 inches above the top of the cart, and the bottom of it was nine inches below the top of the cart. There were also decorations of bronze wreaths on the frame engraved within square panels.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 7:31
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 7:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ֠/פִי/הוּ
מִ/בֵּ֨ית
לַ/כֹּתֶ֤רֶת
וָ/מַ֨עְלָ/ה֙
בָּֽ/אַמָּ֔ה
וּ/פִ֨י/הָ֙
עָגֹ֣ל
מַעֲשֵׂה
כֵ֔ן
אַמָּ֖ה
וַ/חֲצִ֣י
הָֽ/אַמָּ֑ה
וְ/גַם
עַל
פִּ֨י/הָ֙
מִקְלָע֔וֹת
וּ/מִסְגְּרֹתֵי/הֶ֥ם
מְרֻבָּע֖וֹת
לֹ֥א
עֲגֻלּֽוֹת
וּ֠/פִי/הוּ
peh
H6310
lip
Conj | N-ms | Suff
מִ/בֵּ֨ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
לַ/כֹּתֶ֤רֶת
kôthereth
H3805
capital
Prep | N-fs
וָ/מַ֨עְלָ/ה֙
maʻal
H4605
above
Conj | Adv | Suff
בָּֽ/אַמָּ֔ה
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
Prep | N-fs
וּ/פִ֨י/הָ֙
peh
H6310
lip
Conj | N-ms | Suff
עָגֹ֣ל
ʻâgôl
H5696
round
Adj
מַעֲשֵׂה
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-ms
כֵ֔ן
kên
H3653
stand
N-ms
אַמָּ֖ה
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
N-fs
וַ/חֲצִ֣י
chêtsîy
H2677
half
Conj | N-ms
הָֽ/אַמָּ֑ה
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
Art | N-fs
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פִּ֨י/הָ֙
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
מִקְלָע֔וֹת
miqlaʻath
H4734
engraving
N-fp
וּ/מִסְגְּרֹתֵי/הֶ֥ם
miçgereth
H4526
perimeter
Conj | N-fp | Suff
מְרֻבָּע֖וֹת
râbaʻ
H7251
to square
V-Pual-Inf-c
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
עֲגֻלּֽוֹת
ʻâgôl
H5696
round
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 7:31
וּ֠/פִי/הוּ
peh
H6310
"lip"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
מִ/בֵּ֨ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
לַ/כֹּתֶ֤רֶת
kôthereth
H3805
"capital"
Prep | N-fs
This word describes the capital or top part of a column, often decorated with intricate designs, like those found in Solomon's Temple.
Definition: capital crown, capital of a pillar
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: chapiter. See also: 1 Kings 7:16; 1 Kings 7:41; Jeremiah 52:22.
וָ/מַ֨עְלָ/ה֙
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Conj | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
בָּֽ/אַמָּ֔ה
ʼammâh
H520
"cubit"
Prep | N-fs
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
וּ/פִ֨י/הָ֙
peh
H6310
"lip"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
עָגֹ֣ל
ʻâgôl
H5696
"round"
Adj
This Hebrew word means something that is round or circular. It is used to describe shapes and forms in the Bible. The word appears in the book of Isaiah and Ezekiel, describing round objects.
Definition: round
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: round. See also: 1 Kings 7:23; 1 Kings 7:35; 2 Chronicles 4:2.
מַעֲשֵׂה
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
כֵ֔ן
kên
H3653
"stand"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a base or pedestal, like the base of a statue or a foundation. It can also mean a place or office, such as a position of authority. It appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) base, stand, pedestal, office, foot, place, estate 1a) base, pedestal 1b) office, place
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: base, estate, foot, office, place, well. See also: Genesis 40:13; Exodus 40:11; Isaiah 33:23.
אַמָּ֖ה
ʼammâh
H520
"cubit"
N-fs
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
וַ/חֲצִ֣י
chêtsîy
H2677
"half"
Conj | N-ms
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
הָֽ/אַמָּ֑ה
ʼammâh
H520
"cubit"
Art | N-fs
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פִּ֨י/הָ֙
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
מִקְלָע֔וֹת
miqlaʻath
H4734
"engraving"
N-fp
An engraving or carving is a decorative sculpture, possibly in bas-relief, as described in the Bible, such as the carvings in Solomon's temple. It is a work of art created by skilled craftsmen.
Definition: carving
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: carved (figure), carving, graving. See also: 1 Kings 6:18; 1 Kings 6:32; 1 Kings 7:31.
וּ/מִסְגְּרֹתֵי/הֶ֥ם
miçgereth
H4526
"perimeter"
Conj | N-fp | Suff
This word means a border or perimeter of a region, like the edge of a city or a mountain. It is used in the Bible to describe the borders of Israel in Numbers 34:7-12 and the strongholds of God in Psalm 31:2-4. The word can also refer to a secure or fortified place.
Definition: 1) border, fastness, rim 1a) border, rim 1b) fastness
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: border, close place, hole. See also: Exodus 25:25; 1 Kings 7:31; Psalms 18:46.
מְרֻבָּע֖וֹת
râbaʻ
H7251
"to square"
V-Pual-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to make something square or four-sided, like a square-shaped building. It is used to describe something with four equal sides. In the Bible, it is used to describe the shape of the altar in Ezekiel's vision.
Definition: 1) to square, be squared 1a) (Qal) square (participle) 1b) (Pual) square (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: (four-) square(-d). See also: Exodus 27:1; 1 Kings 7:5; Ezekiel 45:2.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עֲגֻלּֽוֹת
ʻâgôl
H5696
"round"
Adj
This Hebrew word means something that is round or circular. It is used to describe shapes and forms in the Bible. The word appears in the book of Isaiah and Ezekiel, describing round objects.
Definition: round
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: round. See also: 1 Kings 7:23; 1 Kings 7:35; 2 Chronicles 4:2.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 7:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 1 Kings 7:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 7:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 7:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:31
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:31
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 7:31
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 7:31
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:31
Context — The Ten Bronze Stands
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.
30Each stand had four bronze wheels with bronze axles and a basin resting on four supports, with wreaths at each side.
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.
32There were four wheels under the panels, and the axles of the wheels were attached to the stand; each wheel was a cubit and a half in diameter. 33The wheels were made like chariot wheels; their axles, rims, spokes, and hubs were all of cast metal.1 Kings 7:31 Summary
The stands in 1 Kings 7:31 were carefully designed with a round opening and engravings, which may have served a decorative or symbolic purpose. This attention to detail reflects the importance of creating a sacred space for worship and sacrifice, as seen in the overall theme of the Temple (1 Kings 6:38). Just as the stands were designed to hold the basins of water, we are called to be vessels for God's Spirit, as described in 2 Corinthians 4:7. By considering the design of the stands, we can learn about the value of careful planning and attention to detail in our own lives and service to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the round opening on the stands in 1 Kings 7:31?
The round opening on the stands, one cubit deep and a cubit and a half wide, suggests a design that allows for the efficient pouring of water, as seen in the description of the molten sea in 2 Chronicles 4:2-5, which was also used for ceremonial cleansing.
Why are the panels of the stands described as square, not round, in 1 Kings 7:31?
The square panels of the stands, as opposed to the round opening, may indicate a deliberate design choice to create a sense of stability and foundation, much like the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:16, where the city is laid out as a square.
What is the purpose of the engravings around the opening of the stands in 1 Kings 7:31?
The engravings around the opening of the stands may have served a decorative or symbolic purpose, similar to the engravings on the walls of the Temple in Ezekiel 41:18-20, which added to the beauty and majesty of the structure.
How do the details of the stands in 1 Kings 7:31 relate to the overall theme of the Temple?
The attention to detail in the construction of the stands, including the round opening and engravings, reflects the careful planning and craftsmanship that went into building the Temple, as described in 1 Kings 6:38, and highlights the importance of creating a sacred space for worship and sacrifice.
Reflection Questions
- As I consider the intricate design of the stands, what can I learn about the importance of attention to detail in my own life and service to God?
- How do the physical descriptions of the Temple and its furnishings, like the stands in 1 Kings 7:31, help me to better understand the spiritual realities they represent?
- In what ways can I apply the principles of careful planning and craftsmanship, seen in the construction of the Temple, to my own spiritual growth and development?
- As I reflect on the symbolic significance of the round opening and engravings on the stands, what can I learn about the relationship between form and function in my own life and worship?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 7:31
And the mouth of it within the chapiter, and above, was a cubit,.... On the lid of the base rose up a lesser base, called the chapiter, which was circular, like a coronet, as the word signifies, the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 7:31
And the work of the bases was on this manner: they had borders, and the borders were between the ledges: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:31
The mouth of it; so he calls that part in the top of the base which was left hollow, that the foot of the laver might be let into it, and fastened in it. Within the chapiter, i.e. within the little base, which he calls the chapiter, because it rose up from and stood above the great base, as the head doth above the rest of the body. And above; above the chapiter; for the mouth went up and grew wider, like a funnel. Was a cubit; either in breadth; or rather in height, ; whereof half a cubit was above the chapiter or little base, as is said, , and the other half is here implied to be within it, and below it. A cubit and a half, to wit, in compass. Four-square, not round; so the innermost part, called the mouth, was round, but the outward part was square, as when a circle is made within a quadrangle.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:31
1 Kings 7:31 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.Ver. 31. And the mouth of it within the chapiter.] The round hollow place of the base, into which the lower part of the laver was put to the upper, was a cubit.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:31
(31) And the mouth.—This is most obscure, and in our version unintelligible. Keil renders it: “And the mouth of it (the laver) was within the chapiter, and in a cubit above it; and the mouth of it (the chapiter) was round, after the manner of pedestal, a cubit and a half; and upon the mouth was carved work, and the panels of it (the mouth) were square, not round.” But the rendering of the word “mouth,” now for the laver, now for the chapiter, is arbitrary, and the whole is still obscure. As the circular stand (or chapiter) was half a cubit deep, it looks as if the lower surface of the laver was a cubit above the “mouth.” If the laver were emptied by a cock near the bottom, this circular stand may have received the drippings. And as the top of this base would be square on plan, and the stand circular, there would be, of course, spaces left at each corner, which may possibly be the engraved “panels” referred to.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 7:31
31. And the mouth of it] Here the pronoun must, I think, be referred, as in ‘corners (feet) thereof’ of 1 Kings 7:30, to the base. The bases appear to have had a circular orifice in the top, which is here called the mouth. This opening was, as it seems, surmounted and surrounded by a capital, which itself had an opening to receive the lowest part of the laver. The height of the capital above the level surface of the top of the base appears not to be specified unless the half cubit of 1 Kings 7:35 be taken to refer to the capital. One cubit was the diameter of the orifice in the top of the base. but the mouth thereof] Better, ‘And’ &c. The pronoun here by a difference of gender in the original is shewn to refer to a different noun. This can only be the ‘chapiter.’ That superstructure widened out towards the top, and the round opening in top of it, to receive the bottom of the laver, is what is meant by the second ‘mouth.’ after the work of the base] Better, as the word is the same which was so rendered in 1 Kings 7:29, after the work of a pedestal. It was in this way that the chapiter served as a support to the laver. This chapiter had graved work all round about its upper edge, which may be fitly called ‘mouth’ as it was meant to receive the laver. with their borders, foursquare, not round] Better, And their borders were foursquare, not round.
It is better to render as literally as possible for it is very doubtful whether these words have reference at all to the chapiter. They seem to be a recurrence to the description of those borders (or panels) spoken of in 1 Kings 7:28-29. In that case the pronoun ‘their’ in this clause would refer to the bases. This is the more probable because the ‘borders’ of the next verse are certainly those panels on the sides of the bases.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 7:31
It seems impossible to determine what is meant by the “mouth” of the laver, or what by its “chapiter.”
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:31
31. The mouth of it — The mouth of the laver; its opening at the top; involving in this case, also, the entire cavity or hollow of the laver.