Original Word: לֹיָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: loyah
Pronunciation: lo-yah
Phonetic Spelling: (lo-yaw')
KJV: addition
NASB: wreaths
Word Origin: [a form of H3880 (לִויָה - garland)]

1. a wreath

addition

A form of livyah; a wreath -- addition.

see HEBREW livyah

Word Origin
from the same as livyah
Definition
perhaps wreath
NASB Translation
wreaths (3).

[לֹיָה] noun feminine wreath ? (meaning dubious, compare Sta^{ZAW iii. 1883, 161}; possibly = לְוֺיָה); — plural לֹיוֺת 1 Kings 7:29,30,36 of carved work on bases of lavers in Solomon's temple.

Temple Ornamentation

Lôyâh appears exclusively in the record of Solomon’s bronze stands for the temple lavers (1 Kings 7:29, 30, 36). The word denotes the braided, festoon-like “wreaths of hanging work” (Berean Standard Bible) that encircled each stand. These were not mere aesthetic flourishes; they proclaimed the majesty of the God who had chosen to dwell among His people. Just as “palm trees, cherubim, and open flowers” beautified the inner sanctuary (1 Kings 6:29), the exterior furnishings echoed the same theme of ordered beauty, reminding worshipers that holiness and craftsmanship go hand in hand (Exodus 31:1-11).

Occurrences and Context

• 1 Kings 7:29 — Wreaths positioned “below the lions and oxen,” linking strength and service with decorative glory.
• 1 Kings 7:30 — Wreaths cast beneath each laver, visually lifting the basin and separating it from the mundanity of the court floor.
• 1 Kings 7:36 — Wreaths engraved “all around,” framing the symbols of cherubim, lions, and palms.

In each verse the feature is inseparably tied to bronze craftsmanship by Hiram of Tyre (1 Kings 7:13-14). The recurring refrain “according to the pattern shown” suggests that these details ultimately originated in the mind of God, just as the tabernacle pattern had (Exodus 25:40).

Symbolic Layers

1. Celebration and Victory

In the wider Ancient Near Eastern milieu, wreaths conveyed triumph and honor. Placed on temple equipment, they anticipated the LORD’s victories on behalf of Israel and foreshadowed the eschatological conquering King (Revelation 19:11-16).

2. Continuity of Life

The circular, interwoven design evokes unending life (Psalm 103:17). Stationed at the lavers—where priests washed before approaching the altar—the motif quietly affirmed that purity leads to life, not death (Leviticus 10:3).

3. Covenant Joy

A garland also signifies festivity (Proverbs 4:9; Isaiah 61:3, though different Hebrew terms). The temple, center of covenant fellowship, was meant to be a place of rejoicing (Psalm 122:1). The lôyâh visually preached that truth as the priests served daily.

Theological Trajectory

The temple stands were temporary shadows (Hebrews 9:8-10). In Jesus Christ the cleansing laver is fulfilled (Ephesians 5:26) and the victorious crown promised to believers surpasses every bronze wreath (2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4). Yet the enduring principle remains: the worship of a glorious God warrants excellence, beauty, and reverent joy.

Ministry Applications

• Artistic Gifts. Hiram’s Spirit-empowered skill (1 Kings 7:14) legitimizes artistic vocation in the service of God. Churches today may embrace godly artisans who shape environments that elevate hearts toward worship.

• Holiness and Beauty. Lavish adornment did not distract from holiness; it embodied it. Congregations should guard against utilitarian minimalism that forgets the divine worthiness of beauty.

• Anticipatory Hope. Each bronze wreath whispered of a better crown. Present trials may strip outward adornment, but believers press on toward “an unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4).

Conclusion

Though lôyâh surfaces only three times, its contribution to the temple narrative is rich. The bronze wreaths remind readers that God’s dwelling is marked by triumphant beauty, covenant joy, and life-giving purity—realities ultimately revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ and destined to be celebrated forever in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2-3).

וְלֹי֖וֹת וליות לֹי֖וֹת לֹיֽוֹת׃ ליות ליות׃ lō·yō·wṯ loYot lōyōwṯ veloYot wə·lō·yō·wṯ wəlōyōwṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts