Old Testament
1 Kings 7:38
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He then made 10 bronze basins, one for each stand. Each basin held 40 baths of water and measured 4 cubits across.
Compare translations
Then made he ten lavers of brass: one laver contained forty baths: and every laver was four cubits: and upon every one of the ten bases one laver.
What 1 Kings 7:38 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we learn about the construction of ten bronze basins, which were designed for use in the temple. Each basin was quite large, capable of holding 40 baths of water, which is a significant amount. The basins measured 4 cubits across, indicating they were substantial in size. These basins were placed on stands, suggesting they were elevated for easy access. The craftsmanship involved in creating these basins reflects the importance of the temple and the care taken in its construction. The basins served a practical purpose, likely for washing and purification rituals, which were essential in the religious practices of the time. This detail highlights the significance of cleanliness and preparation in approaching sacred spaces. Overall, this passage emphasizes the dedication to creating a place of worship that was both functional and beautiful, showcasing the value placed on honoring the divine through tangible means. The basins symbolize the importance of preparation and purity in our own lives as we seek to connect with something greater than ourselves.
How to apply 1 Kings 7:38 to your life
Just as the basins were essential for purification in the temple, we can reflect on our own lives and the importance of preparing ourselves for meaningful experiences. Consider what practices help you feel clean and ready to engage with your values. Create space for reflection and renewal in your daily routine to foster personal growth and connection with your purpose. Embrace the idea of preparation as a way to honor your journey.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Kings 7:38
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Kings 7:38
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 7:38 mean?
1 Kings 7:38 describes the creation of ten bronze basins for the temple, each capable of holding 40 baths of water and measuring 4 cubits across. This emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and preparation in worship.
What is the significance of the basins in 1 Kings 7:38?
The basins in 1 Kings 7:38 were essential for purification rituals in the temple, highlighting the value placed on cleanliness in approaching sacred spaces. They symbolize the importance of preparation in spiritual practices.
How were the basins used according to 1 Kings 7:38?
According to 1 Kings 7:38, the basins were likely used for washing and purification rituals, which were crucial in the religious practices of the time, ensuring that worshippers were clean before engaging in sacred activities.
What materials were used for the basins in 1 Kings 7:38?
The basins mentioned in 1 Kings 7:38 were made of bronze, indicating a high level of craftsmanship and the significance of the temple's construction.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.