2 Chronicles 4:5
2 Chronicles 4:5 in Multiple Translations
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.
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.
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.
It was as thick as a man's open hand, and the edge of it was curved like the edge of a cup, like a lily flower; it would take three thousand baths.
It was as thick as the width of a hand, and its edge was like the flared edge of a cup or a lily flower. It held three thousand baths.
And the thickenesse thereof was an hande breadth, and the brim thereof was like the worke of the brim of a cuppe with floures of lilies: it conteined three thousand baths.
And its thickness [is] a handbreadth, and its lip as the work of the lip of a cup flowered with lilies; taking hold — baths three thousand it containeth.
It was a handbreadth thick. Its brim was made like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily. It received and held three thousand baths.
And the thickness of it was a hand-breadth, 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.
Now the thickness of it was a handbreadth, and the brim of it was like the brim of a cup, or of a crisped lily: and it held three thousand measures.
The sides of the tank were 3 inches thick, and its rim was shaped like a cup that curved outward like the petals of flowers. The basin held about 16,500 gallons of water.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 4:5
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.
2 Chronicles 4:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עָבְי֣/וֹ
טֶ֔פַח
וּ/שְׂפָת/וֹ֙
כְּ/מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
שְׂפַת
כּ֔וֹס
פֶּ֖רַח
שֽׁוֹשַׁנָּ֑ה
מַחֲזִ֣יק
בַּתִּ֔ים
שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת
אֲלָפִ֖ים
יָכִֽיל
וְ/עָבְי֣/וֹ
ʻăbîy
H5672
thickness
Conj | N-ms | Suff
טֶ֔פַח
ṭêphach
H2947
handbreadth
N-ms
וּ/שְׂפָת/וֹ֙
sâphâh
H8193
lips
Conj | N-fs | Suff
כְּ/מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
Prep | N-ms
שְׂפַת
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fs
כּ֔וֹס
kôwç
H3563
cup
N-fs
פֶּ֖רַח
perach
H6525
flower
N-ms
שֽׁוֹשַׁנָּ֑ה
shûwshan
H7799
lily
N-cs
מַחֲזִ֣יק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
V-Hiphil
בַּתִּ֔ים
bath
H1324
bath
N-cp
שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
אֲלָפִ֖ים
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
יָכִֽיל
kûwl
H3557
to sustain
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 4:5
וְ/עָבְי֣/וֹ
ʻăbîy
H5672
"thickness"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means thickness or density, like the thickness of a wall or the depth of a body of water, and is used to describe something that is heavy or substantial.
Definition: thickness
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: thick(-ness). Compare H5645 (עָב). See also: 1 Kings 7:26; Job 15:26; Jeremiah 52:21.
טֶ֔פַח
ṭêphach
H2947
"handbreadth"
N-ms
This word measures the width of a hand, about the length of a palm. It is used in Exodus 25:10-22 to describe the construction of the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark had precise measurements.
Definition: 1) span, width of the hand, hand breadth 1a) a unit of measurement, measurement of length 2) coping (an architectural term)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: coping, hand-breadth. See also: 1 Kings 7:9; 2 Chronicles 4:5; Psalms 39:6.
וּ/שְׂפָת/וֹ֙
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
כְּ/מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
Prep | 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.
שְׂפַת
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fs
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
כּ֔וֹס
kôwç
H3563
"cup"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word can mean a cup or a type of owl, possibly due to the owl's unique eye shape. It's often used figuratively, like in Psalm 16:5, where God is the cup that fills our lives. The KJV translates it as 'cup' or 'owl'.
Definition: cup
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cup, (small) owl. Compare H3599 (כִּיס). See also: Genesis 40:11; Proverbs 23:31; Psalms 11:6.
פֶּ֖רַח
perach
H6525
"flower"
N-ms
A flower or blossom, this word describes the bloom of a plant. It can also mean a bud or sprout, symbolizing new life and growth in the Bible.
Definition: bud, sprout
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: blossom, bud, flower. See also: Exodus 25:31; Numbers 17:23; Isaiah 5:24.
שֽׁוֹשַׁנָּ֑ה
shûwshan
H7799
"lily"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to a lily flower, which was also used as a symbol in architecture. It is mentioned in the title of Psalm 45. The word 'lily' represents purity and beauty.
Definition: 1) lily 1a) probably any lily-like flower 1b) Shoshannim, in title of Ps 45:1
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: lily, Shoshannim. See also: 1 Kings 7:19; Song of Solomon 2:2; Psalms 45:1.
מַחֲזִ֣יק
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
V-Hiphil
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
בַּתִּ֔ים
bath
H1324
"bath"
N-cp
A bath is an old Hebrew unit of measurement for liquids, equal to about 9 gallons. It is used in the Bible to describe quantities of oil, wine, and other liquids. In Ezekiel 45:10-14, it is used to define the amounts of offerings.
Definition: bath, a unit of liquid measure, equal to dry measure ephah (about 9 imperial gallons or 40 litres, rabbinical writings give sizes of one-half this amount) Aramaic equivalent: bat (בַּת "bath" H1325)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: bath. See also: 1 Kings 7:26; Isaiah 5:10; Ezekiel 45:14.
שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
אֲלָפִ֖ים
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
יָכִֽיל
kûwl
H3557
"to sustain"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to sustain or support something, like holding it in or keeping it going, and is used in various senses, such as nourishing or enduring, as seen in Psalm 55:22.
Definition: 1) to seize, contain, measure 1a)(Qal) to measure, calculate 1b) (Pilpel) to sustain, maintain, contain 1b1) to sustain, support, nourish 1b2) to contain, hold in, restrain 1b3) to support, endure 1c) (Polpal) to be supplied 1d) (Hilpil) to contain, hold, hold in, endure 1d1) to contain 1d2) to sustain, endure
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: (be able to, can) abide, bear, comprehend, contain, feed, forbearing, guide, hold(-ing in), nourish(-er), be present, make provision, receive, sustain, provide sustenance (victuals). See also: Genesis 45:11; 2 Chronicles 2:5; Psalms 55:23.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 4:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 4:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 4:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 4:5
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 4:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 4:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 4:5
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 4:5
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 4:5
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 4:5
Context — The Bronze Altar and Molten Sea
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.
4The 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.
5It 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.
6He also made ten basins for washing and placed five on the south side and five on the north. The parts of the burnt offering were rinsed in them, but the priests used the Sea for washing. 7He made ten gold lampstands according to their specifications and placed them in the temple, five on the south side and five on the north.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 7:26 | It was a handbreadth thick, and its rim was fashioned like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom. It could hold two thousand baths. |
2 Chronicles 4:5 Summary
The Sea, described in 2 Chronicles 4:5, was a large basin used for ritual purification in the temple. Its thickness and durability symbolize the importance of a strong spiritual foundation, while its beautiful design reflects God's attention to detail and care for His people. Just as the Sea was used for washing and purification, we can apply the principle of spiritual cleansing to our own lives, as seen in Ephesians 5:26-27, and trust in God's providence and provision, as expressed in Psalm 138:8 and Matthew 6:26-30. By reflecting on the Sea's capacity to hold three thousand baths, we can consider our own capacity to receive and share God's love and blessings with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Sea being a handbreadth thick?
The thickness of the Sea, as described in 2 Chronicles 4:5, signifies its durability and strength, much like the walls of the temple, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation in our spiritual lives, as seen in Matthew 7:24-27.
Why is the rim of the Sea fashioned like a lily blossom?
The design of the rim, resembling a lily blossom, may symbolize beauty and purity, reflecting the holy and sacred nature of the temple and its vessels, as mentioned in Exodus 25:31-40 and Hebrews 8:5.
What is the purpose of the Sea holding three thousand baths?
The capacity of the Sea to hold three thousand baths, as stated in 2 Chronicles 4:5, highlights its role in ritual purification, as the priests would use it for washing, as seen in 2 Chronicles 4:6, emphasizing the importance of spiritual cleansing in our lives, as taught in Ephesians 5:26-27.
How does the description of the Sea relate to our spiritual lives?
The description of the Sea in 2 Chronicles 4:5 serves as a reminder of God's attention to detail and care for His people, encouraging us to trust in His providence and provision, as expressed in Psalm 138:8 and Matthew 6:26-30.
Reflection Questions
- As I reflect on the beauty and design of the Sea, what areas of my life need purification and cleansing, and how can I apply the principles of spiritual washing, as seen in Ephesians 5:26-27?
- In what ways can I, like the Sea, be a vessel for God's glory and purpose, and how can I ensure that my life is a reflection of His beauty and purity, as described in 1 Peter 1:13-16?
- How does the capacity of the Sea to hold three thousand baths relate to my own capacity to receive and share God's love and blessings with others, and what steps can I take to increase my spiritual capacity, as taught in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8?
- As I consider the significance of the Sea's thickness and durability, what spiritual foundations do I need to establish or strengthen in my life, and how can I apply the principles of Matthew 7:24-27 to my daily walk with God?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 4:5
[See comments on 2 Chronicles 3:1].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 4:5
It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 4:5
2 Chronicles 4:5 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.Ver. 5. Three thousand baths.] See on 1 Kings 7:26. There it is said "two thousand baths": Dicendum hic addi, &c., salth Vatablus. This prophet addeth what is wanting in the other; ea enim est mens autheris huius libri, for that is the design of this our author.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 4:5
(5) And the thickness . . . a cup.—Identical with 1 Kings 7:26. With flowers of lilies.—See margin. “Lily” here is shτshannβh; in Kings, shτshβn. LXX., “graven with lily buds.” Syriac and Arabic, “and it was very beautiful.” Vulg., “like the lip of a cup, or of an open lily.” And it received and held three thousand baths.—Literally, holding (whole) baths: three thousand would it contain. The bath was the largest of Hebrew liquid measures. Perhaps the true reading is, “holding three thousand baths,” the last verb being a gloss borrowed from Kings. So Vulg. Syriac and Arabic omit the clause. The LXX. had the present reading. 1 Kings 7:26 reads, two thousand baths would it contain. Most critics assume this to be correct. Some scribe may have read ’alβphξm, “thousands,” instead of ‘alpayim, “two thousand,” and then have added “three” (shĕ ?lτsheth) under the influence of the last verse.
But it is more likely that the numeral “three” having been inadvertently omitted from the text of Kings, the indefinite word “thousands” was made definite by turning it into the dual “two thousand” Either mistake would be possible, because in the unpointed text ‘alβphξm and ’alpayim are written alike. The Syriac has the curious addition, “And he made ten poles, and put five on the right and five on the left, and bare with them the altar of burnt offerings.” Similarly the Arabic version.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 4:5
Verse 5. It - held three thousand baths.] In 1Kg 7:26, it is said to hold only two thousand baths. As this book was written after the Babylonish captivity, it is very possible that reference is here made to the Babylonish bath which might have been less than the Jewish. We have already seen that the cubit of Moses, or of the ancient Hebrews, was longer than the Babylonish by one palm; see on 2 Chronicles 3:3. It might be the same with the measures of capacity; so that two thousand of the ancient Jewish baths might have been equal to three thousand of those used after the captivity. The Targum cuts the knot by saying, "It received three thousand baths of dry measure, and held two thousand of liquid measure."
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 4:5
5. the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies] R.V. the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily. three thousand baths] In 1 Kings 7:26, two thousand baths. Whether the textual corruption is to be attributed to 1 Kin. or to Chron. cannot be determined. The bath was a measure for liquids equal to about 8¼ gallons.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 4:5
Three thousand baths - See 1 Kings 7:23 note. It is quite possible that either here or in Kings the text may have been accidentally corrupted.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 4:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Building for God by Walter Wilson | In this sermon, Dr. Walter emphasizes the importance of education and studying the word of God. He encourages believers to learn about various aspects of the Bible, such as the sev |