Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The Sea stood on twelve bulls, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south and three facing east. The Sea rested on top of them, and their hindquarters were toward the center. New Living Translation The Sea was placed on a base of twelve bronze oxen, all facing outward. Three faced north, three faced west, three faced south, and three faced east, and the Sea rested on them. English Standard Version It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The sea was set on them, and all their rear parts were inward. Berean Standard Bible 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. King James Bible 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 them, and all their hinder parts were inward. New King James Version It stood on twelve oxen: three looking toward the north, three looking toward the west, three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east; the Sea was set upon them, and all their back parts pointed inward. New American Standard Bible It was standing on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east; and the Sea was set on top of them, and all their rear parts turned inward. NASB 1995 It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east; and the sea was set on top of them, and all their rear parts turned inward. NASB 1977 It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east; and the sea was set on top of them, and all their rear parts turned inward. Legacy Standard Bible It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east; and the sea was set on top of them, and all their rear parts turned inward. Amplified Bible It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three west, three south, and three east; the Sea was set on top of them, and all their rear parts pointed inward. Christian Standard Bible It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The basin was on top of them and all their hindquarters were toward the center. Holman Christian Standard Bible It stood on 12 oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The reservoir was on top of them and all their hindquarters were toward the center. American Standard Version 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 upon them above, and all their hinder parts were inward. Contemporary English Version The bowl itself sat on top of twelve bronze bulls with three bulls facing outward in each of four directions. English Revised Version 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 upon them above, and all their hinder parts were inward. GOD'S WORD® Translation The pool was set on 12 metal bulls. Three bulls faced north, three faced west, three faced south, and three faced east. The pool was set on them, and their hindquarters were toward the center [of the pool]. Good News Translation The tank rested on the backs of twelve bronze bulls that faced outward, three facing in each direction. International Standard Version The sea stood on top of twelve oxen. Three faced north, three faced west, three faced south, and three faced east. The sea was set on top of them, and their hind parts faced the center. NET Bible "The Sea" stood on top of twelve bulls. Three faced northward, three westward, three southward, and three eastward. "The Sea" was placed on top of them, and they all faced outward. New Heart English Bible It stood on 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 on them above, and all their backs were toward the center. Webster's Bible Translation It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking towards the north, and three looking towards the west, and three looking towards the south, and three looking towards the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe 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. World English Bible It stood on 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 on them above, and all their hindquarters were inward. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIt is standing on twelve oxen, three facing the north, and three facing the west, and three facing the south, and three facing the east, and the sea [is] on them above, and all their back parts [are] inward. Young's Literal Translation It is standing on twelve oxen, three facing the north, and three facing the west, and three facing the south, and three facing the east, and the sea is upon them above, and all their hinder parts are inward. Smith's Literal Translation It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking to the north, and three looking to the sea, and three looking to the south, and three looking to the sunrising: and the sea upon them from above, and all their behinds inside: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd it stood upon twelve oxen, of which three looked towards the north, and three towards the west, and three towards the south, and three towards the east, and the sea was above upon them, and their hinder parts were all hid within. Catholic Public Domain Version And it was standing upon twelve oxen, of which three were looking toward the north, and three toward the west, and three toward the south, and three toward the east. And the sea above was over them. And their posteriors were entirely hidden within. New American Bible This rested on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east, with their haunches all toward the center; upon them was set the sea. New Revised Standard Version It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east; the sea was set on them. The hindquarters of each were toward the inside. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIt stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, three looking toward the west, three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east; and the sea was set upon them, and their hinder parts were inward. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And it stood on twelve oxen; three faced to the North and three faced to the West and three faced to the South and three faced to the East, and the sea was upon them from over them, and their rear was inside the enclosure. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917It 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 upon them above, and all their hinder parts were inward. Brenton Septuagint Translation And there were twelve oxen under the sea: three looking to the north, and three looking to the west, and three looking to the south, and three looking to the east: and all their hinder parts were inward, and the sea was above upon them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Molten Sea…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. 25The 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. 26It 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.… Cross References 2 Chronicles 4:4 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. Exodus 25:18-20 Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, / one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. / And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat. Revelation 4:6-7 And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back. / The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. Ezekiel 1:10 The form of their faces was that of a man, and each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, the face of an ox on the left side, and also the face of an eagle. Numbers 7:89 When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony. Thus the LORD spoke to him. Revelation 15:2 And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, beside which stood those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name. They were holding harps from God, Isaiah 6:2-3 Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” Ezekiel 10:14 Each of the cherubim had four faces: the first face was that of a cherub, the second that of a man, the third that of a lion, and the fourth that of an eagle. Revelation 5:6 Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Exodus 37:7-9 He made two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, / one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. / And the cherubim had wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the mercy seat. Ezekiel 1:5-12 and within it was the form of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: They had a human form, / but each had four faces and four wings. / Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the hooves of a calf, gleaming like polished bronze. ... Revelation 21:12 The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates. Exodus 26:1 “You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, each with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and cherubim skillfully worked into them. Ezekiel 43:14-17 The space from the gutter on the ground to the lower ledge shall be two cubits, and the ledge one cubit wide. The space from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge shall be four cubits, and the ledge one cubit wide. / The altar hearth shall be four cubits high, and four horns shall project upward from the hearth. / The altar hearth shall be square at its four corners, twelve cubits long and twelve cubits wide. ... Revelation 4:8 And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” Treasury of Scripture It stood on 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 on them, and all their hinder parts were inward. 2 Chronicles 4:4,5 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 them, and all their hinder parts were inward… Jeremiah 52:20 The two pillars, one sea, and twelve brasen bulls that were under the bases, which king Solomon had made in the house of the LORD: the brass of all these vessels was without weight. Ezekiel 1:10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. Jump to Previous East Facing Hinder Inward North Oxen Parts Sea South Stood Three Turned Twelve WestJump to Next East Facing Hinder Inward North Oxen Parts Sea South Stood Three Turned Twelve West1 Kings 7 1. The building of Solomon's house2. Of the house of Lebanon 6. Of the porch of pillars 7. Of the porch of judgment 8. Of the house for Pharaoh's daughter 13. Hiram's work of the two pillars, 23. Of the molten sea 27. Of the ten bases 38. Of the ten lavers 40. and all the vessels The Sea stood on twelve oxen The "Sea" refers to the large basin or laver used in Solomon's Temple for the priests to wash themselves, symbolizing purification. The twelve oxen represent the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying the unity and strength of the nation. Oxen were considered symbols of strength and service, reflecting the role of Israel as a servant nation to God. The use of oxen also connects to the sacrificial system, as oxen were common sacrificial animals. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. The SeaThis refers to the large basin or laver used in Solomon's Temple for the priests to wash. It symbolizes purity and cleansing. 2. Twelve Oxen These represent the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing strength and support for the nation. 3. Solomon's Temple The temple built by King Solomon in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites. 4. King Solomon The son of David, known for his wisdom and for building the temple. 5. Jerusalem The city where the temple was located, considered the spiritual center for the Israelites. Teaching Points Symbolism of the Twelve TribesThe twelve oxen represent the unity and strength of the nation of Israel. As believers, we are called to support one another in unity, reflecting the body of Christ. Purity and Cleansing The Sea's purpose for washing signifies the need for spiritual cleansing. In our lives, we must continually seek purification through repentance and the Word of God. Divine Order and Structure The precise arrangement of the oxen and the Sea reflects God's order. We should strive to maintain order and discipline in our spiritual practices. Foundation of Strength Just as the Sea rested on the oxen, our faith should rest on a strong foundation of biblical truth and community support. Facing All Directions The oxen facing all directions symbolize readiness and vigilance. We are called to be watchful and prepared in all aspects of our spiritual journey. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 7:25?2. How does 1 Kings 7:25 reflect God's attention to detail in creation? 3. What is the significance of the "twelve oxen" supporting the Sea? 4. How can we apply the craftsmanship in 1 Kings 7:25 to our work? 5. What does the arrangement of oxen teach about God's order and purpose? 6. How does this verse connect to God's provision in other Scripture passages? 7. What is the significance of the twelve oxen in 1 Kings 7:25? 8. How does 1 Kings 7:25 reflect the craftsmanship of Solomon's temple? 9. What do the oxen symbolize in the context of 1 Kings 7:25? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 7? 11. How does 2 Kings 14:7's claim of killing 10,000 Edomites align with the lack of archaeological evidence for such a battle? 12. How do we reconcile the apparent capacity discrepancy of the bronze sea between 1 Kings 7:26 (2,000 baths) and 2 Chronicles 4:5 (3,000 baths)? 13. Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the massive dimensions of the temple furnishings described in 2 Chronicles 4:2-5? 14. How plausible is the ornate design and sheer volume of items crafted in 1 Kings 7:27-29 when compared to similar works from that era? What Does 1 Kings 7:25 Mean The Sea stood on twelve oxenSolomon’s massive “Sea,” a bronze basin for priestly washing (1 Kings 7:23; 2 Chron 4:2), did not sit on the ground. Instead, God’s design lifted it onto twelve sculpted oxen—symbols of strength and service. • Twelve recalls the tribes of Israel (Exodus 24:4; Revelation 21:12), quietly declaring that the whole covenant people were to be cleansed and consecrated. • Oxen were integral to sacrifice and labor (Numbers 7:3; 1 Samuel 6:14), so placing the Sea on them ties cleansing to sacrificial worship and daily obedience. three facing north From the sanctuary’s entrance one would see three oxen looking toward the northern tribes’ territory (Numbers 2:25–31). • God’s cleansing provision was not limited to those closest to the Temple but reached the remotest clan. • Psalm 75:6–7 reminds us that promotion “does not come from the north… but God is Judge,” so even the direction emphasizes dependence on Him rather than geography. three facing west The western tribes often enjoyed fertile land and major trade routes (Deuteronomy 33:18–19). • The west-facing oxen teach that prosperity still requires purification (Deuteronomy 8:10–14). • Revelation 21:13 shows gates on every side of the New Jerusalem, including the west, underscoring universal access to God’s presence. three facing south Judah and Simeon camped to the south (Numbers 2:10–16); Jerusalem itself lay in Judah’s allotment. • Even those nearest the altar needed washing—location never substitutes for holiness (Jeremiah 7:4–7). • Isaiah 43:6 speaks of God calling sons “from the south,” mirroring His invitation to cleansing and service. and three facing east The east gate was the principal entrance (Ezekiel 43:1–2). • These oxen faced the sunrise, a picture of new beginnings and resurrection hope (Malachi 4:2; Matthew 28:1). • Positioning them eastward affirms that every new day demands renewed purity (Lamentations 3:22–23). The Sea rested on them The basin’s immense weight—holding some 11,000 gallons (1 Kings 7:26)—was fully supported by the twelve. • God entrusted Israel to uphold His cleansing witness to the nations (Exodus 19:6; Isaiah 42:6). • In Christ, the Church now bears that privilege (Ephesians 5:25–27), showing living water to a thirsty world (John 7:37–38). with all their hindquarters toward the center Each ox faced outward, directing attention away from itself toward those approaching, while their rears faced the center under the Sea. • Outward orientation symbolized service to others, not self-display (Philippians 2:3–4). • No part obstructed movement to the Sea; similarly, nothing should hinder access to Christ’s cleansing (Hebrews 10:19–22). • Their inward-turned hindquarters kept impurity from defiling the water’s source, echoing 2 Corinthians 7:1’s call to “purify ourselves… perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” summary Every detail in 1 Kings 7:25 points to God’s comprehensive provision of cleansing: strength undergirds it (oxen), the whole covenant community benefits (twelve, four directions), and humble, outward-facing service showcases it. The Sea foreshadows the ultimate washing accomplished by Jesus, who invites all—north, west, south, and east—to be made clean and set apart for His glory. Verse 25. - It stood [Heb. standing] upon twelve oxen [The import of the number twelve is well explained by. Bahr, Symbolik, 1:201 sqq. Like seven, it is compounded out of three and four. But the primary reference here is to the twelve tribes], three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east [So the tribes in the camp formed a square round the tabernacle, three on each side - east, south, west, and north (Numbers 2.)]: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward. The same regard of the cardinal points (see Bahr, Symbolik, 1:210 sqq.) has been noticed in the pomegranates on the capitals of the two columns. See note on ver. 20. Keil says the feet of the oxen no doubt rested on a metal plate, so that they were fixed and immoveable; but this lacks proof. The oxen would be immovable in any case, owing to the weight of the metal and the water. All conjectures as to the height and size of the oxen are necessarily of little value.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew [The Sea] stoodעֹמֵ֞ד (‘ō·mêḏ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against twelve שְׁנֵ֧י (šə·nê) Number - mdc Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) oxen, בָּקָ֗ר (bā·qār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1241: Beef cattle, ox, a herd three שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה (šə·lō·šāh) Number - masculine singular Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice facing פֹנִ֣ים ׀ (p̄ō·nîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 6437: To turn, to face, appear, look north, צָפ֡וֹנָה (ṣā·p̄ō·w·nāh) Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 6828: Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter three וּשְׁלֹשָׁה֩ (ū·šə·lō·šāh) Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice facing פֹנִ֨ים ׀ (p̄ō·nîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 6437: To turn, to face, appear, look west, יָ֜מָּה (yām·māh) Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin three וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה ׀ (ū·šə·lō·šāh) Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice facing פֹּנִ֣ים (pō·nîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 6437: To turn, to face, appear, look south, נֶ֗גְבָּה (neḡ·bāh) Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 5045: South country, the Negeb, south and three וּשְׁלֹשָׁה֙ (ū·šə·lō·šāh) Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice facing פֹּנִ֣ים (pō·nîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 6437: To turn, to face, appear, look east. מִזְרָ֔חָה (miz·rā·ḥāh) Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 4217: Place of sunrise, the east [The Sea] וְהַיָּ֥ם (wə·hay·yām) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin rested on them, עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם (‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against with all וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every their hindquarters אֲחֹֽרֵיהֶ֖ם (’ă·ḥō·rê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 268: The hinder part, behind, backward, the West toward the center. בָּֽיְתָה׃ (bā·yə·ṯāh) Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 1004: A house Links 1 Kings 7:25 NIV1 Kings 7:25 NLT 1 Kings 7:25 ESV 1 Kings 7:25 NASB 1 Kings 7:25 KJV 1 Kings 7:25 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 7:25 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 7:25 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 7:25 French Bible 1 Kings 7:25 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 7:25 It stood on twelve oxen three looking (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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