New International Version He 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 Translation Then 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 Version Then 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 Bible He 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. Berean Literal Bible And he made the molten Sea, ten by the cubit from one brim to the other, round in compass, and five cubits its height, and a line of thirty by the cubit surrounding it all around. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Then 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 Bible He 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 1995 Also 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 1977 Also 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 Bible And 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 Bible He 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. Berean Annotated Bible He 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 <15 ft across x 7.5 x 45 ft around / 4.6 m across x 2.3 m x 13.7>. Christian Standard Bible Then 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 Bible Then 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 Version Also 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 Version He 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 Version Also 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® Translation Huram 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 Translation He also made a round tank of bronze, 7½ feet deep, 15 feet in diameter, and 45 feet in circumference. International Standard Version He 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 Bible He 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 Bible Also 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 Translation Also 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 Bible Also 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. Berean Literal Bible And he made the molten Sea, ten by the cubit from one brim to the other, round in compass, and five cubits its height, and a line of thirty by the cubit surrounding it all 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 Translation And 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 Version as 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 Bible He 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 Version Then 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 Translated And 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 Translation And 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 (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Bronze Altar and Molten Sea1He made a bronze altar twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and ten cubits high. 2He 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. 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 He also made the Sea of cast metal. 1 Kings 7:23-26 He 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. … 2 Kings 16:17 King Ahaz also cut off the frames of the movable stands and removed the bronze basin from each of them. He took down the Sea from the bronze oxen that were under it and put it on a stone base. Exodus 30:18-21 “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, / with which Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet. / Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister by presenting a food offering to the LORD, they must wash with water so that they will not die. … It was circular in shape, Job 26:10 He has inscribed a horizon on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness. Proverbs 8:27 I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep, Isaiah 40:22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. measuring ten cubits from rim to rim, Zechariah 2:1-2 Then I lifted up my eyes and saw a man with a measuring line in his hand. / “Where are you going?” I asked. “To measure Jerusalem,” he replied, “and to determine its width and length.” Ezekiel 40:3-4 So He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze. He was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand. / “Son of man,” he said to me, “look with your eyes, hear with your ears, and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Report to the house of Israel everything you see.” Revelation 11:1 Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the number of worshipers there. five cubits in height, 1 Kings 7:16 He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set on top of the pillars, each capital five cubits high. Exodus 27:18 The entire courtyard shall be a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide, with curtains of finely spun linen five cubits high, and with bronze bases. Exodus 38:18 The curtain for the entrance to the courtyard was embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. It was twenty cubits long and, like the curtains of the courtyard, five cubits high, and thirty cubits in circumference. Job 38:5 Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it? 1 Kings 6:2 The house that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high. 1 Kings 7:2 He built the House of the Forest of Lebanon a hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high, with four rows of cedar pillars supporting the cedar beams. 1 Kings 7:38-39 He 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. 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 saw it, 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 height was 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 Brim Cast Circular Circumference Compass Compassed Cubit Cubits Edge Encircled Encompassed Five Form Great Height High Hight Line Maketh Measured Measuring Metal Molten Rim Round Sea Shape Ten Thereof ThirtyJump to Next Brim Cast Circular Circumference Compass Compassed Cubit Cubits Edge Encircled Encompassed Five Form Great Height High Hight Line Maketh Measured Measuring Metal Molten Rim Round Sea Shape Ten Thereof Thirty2 Chronicles 4 1. The altar of brass2. The molten sea upon twelve oxen 6. The ten lavers, candlesticks, and tables 9. The courts, and the instruments of brass 19. The instruments of gold He also made the Sea of cast metal. Solomon’s craftsmen formed this immense bronze basin for the priests’ ceremonial washing. Its name recalled the vast waters of the sea, yet it stood under God’s command within the temple courts, serving the holiness required of those who drew near to Him. The Sea testified that cleansing was necessary before priestly service, anticipating the fuller cleansing from sin provided through Christ. 1Ki 7:23-26 He also made the Sea of cast metal. It was circular… It was circular in shape, Its rounded design gave the basin strength and provided access around its edge. The form suited its purpose as a central provision for the many priests serving in the temple. Job 26:10 He has inscribed a horizon on the face of the waters… measuring ten cubits from rim to rim, The Sea measured about fifteen feet across, revealing the scale of worship in Solomon’s temple and the provision made for continual sacrifices and priestly ministry. Zec 2:1-2 Then I lifted up my eyes and saw a man with a measuring line… five cubits in height, Standing about seven and a half feet high, the basin was an imposing reminder that the priests served before the holy God. Its elevated size also reflected the abundance of water needed for regular purification. 1Ki 7:16 He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set… and thirty cubits in circumference. The stated circumference, about forty-five feet, presents the dimensions in rounded whole numbers. The Sea’s great capacity enabled the priests to wash themselves as they prepared to carry out their appointed duties. Job 38:5 Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know!… Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe king of Israel who commissioned the building of the temple, including the Sea of cast metal. 2. The Temple The holy place in Jerusalem where the Israelites worshiped God, built by Solomon. 3. The Sea of Cast Metal A 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 Detail The 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 Rituals While 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 Christ The 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? 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 in 1 Kings 7:23. - Far from mathematical imprecision, the figure conveys the external measurement while the fuller description in 1 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). summary 2 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 pôthôth 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 of 1 Kings 7:23 are facsimiles of one author, except that here קָו stands, where the parallel shows קוה, 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 in 1 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. 2 Chronicles 4:2 NIV |
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