What Does 1 Kings 7:26 Mean in the King James?

And it was an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths.

1 Kings 7:26 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

This verse in the Selah Decoded Version

THE KEY

The basin’s capacity is named with the root of strength: its defining power is that it can hold.

THE MEANING

The basin has a handbreadth-thick wall, a rim worked like a cup and adorned with lilies, and room for two thousand baths. The verb behind “contained” also carries the sense of holding fast: its capacity is pictured as strength in action.

THE ROOT

יַחֲזִיק

yachazik

GROWS FROM

חזק

Be strong or firm; in this form, hold or contain.

English “contained” can sound like a label for volume, but ⁨יַחֲזִיק⁩ (yachazik, it holds) comes from ⁨חזק⁩ (chazaq, be strong or firm; hold fast). The basin’s capacity is strength expressed as holding: its formed boundary carries what fills it.

ALSO GROWS

chazaq: Be strong; be firm.

חָזַק

The same root appears as “be of good courage” in Psalm 27:14, linking the basin’s capacity to hold with firmness.

hecheziq: Hold fast; take hold.

הֶחֱזִיק

This branch makes containment an active holding, rather than only a measure of volume.

THE PATTERN

A vessel’s form and boundary make its capacity concrete, whether it carries water or receives provision.

Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.

Exodus 30:18 · KJVThe laver’s shape, placement, and water give its purpose a visible form.

And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

John 2:6 · KJVThe waterpots are defined by both their use and the amount each can hold.

And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.

2 Kings 4:6 · KJVThe vessels’ capacity marks the point at which the provision stops.

THE THREAD

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalm 27:14 · KJV

“Be of good courage” renders ⁨חֲזַק⁩ (chazaq, be strong or firm), the same root behind the basin’s “contained.” The shared root gives firmness two forms: a vessel holds water, and a person stands firm while waiting.

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