Base
Base as a Physical Foundation
In its most literal sense, "base" refers to a foundation, pedestal, or support structure. The word appears most frequently in descriptions of the tabernacle and temple furnishings. Solomon's temple featured elaborate bronze bases (stands) that supported ten movable lavers used for ceremonial washing (1 Kings 7:27-43). These bases were richly decorated with lions, oxen, and cherubim, demonstrating that even the supports for sacred objects were crafted with artistry and care. When Ahaz modified the temple, he removed the bases from under the lavers (2 Kings 16:17), and when the Babylonians destroyed the temple, they broke up the bronze bases and carried the metal to Babylon (2 Kings 25:13; Jeremiah 52:17).
The tabernacle also featured bases or pedestals. The laver that stood between the tabernacle and the altar rested on a bronze base (Exodus 30:18; 38:8). The golden lampstand had a base or shaft from which its branches extended (Exodus 25:31; 37:17). The altar of burnt offering likewise rested on a base where the blood of sacrifices was poured (Exodus 29:12; Leviticus 4:7).
Base as Lowly or Humble
The adjective "base" in older English translations describes persons or conditions of low social standing. When David danced before the ark of the covenant, his wife Michal accused him of behaving shamefully. David replied that he would become "even more undignified" or "base" in his own eyes for the sake of worshiping the Lord (2 Samuel 6:22). Here, baseness is associated with voluntary humility before God. The prophet Ezekiel used the term to describe a modest, unambitious kingdom that would not rebel against its overlord (Ezekiel 17:14; 29:14-15), while Daniel was told that God gives kingdoms to the "lowest" or most base of men (Daniel 4:17).
Base as Morally Worthless
Scripture also uses "base" to describe moral depravity and worthlessness. Job spoke of nameless, disreputable people as "children of base men" (Job 30:8), referring to those without standing or honor. The phrase "sons of Belial" (literally "worthless men") is frequently translated as "base fellows" in older versions, describing individuals who acted with complete disregard for God and moral standards (Deuteronomy 13:13; Judges 19:22; 1 Samuel 2:12). In Acts, Luke describes a mob stirred up against Paul in Thessalonica as "certain vile fellows of the rabble" or "base" men of the marketplace (Acts 17:5).
God's Choice of the Base
Paul turned the concept of baseness on its head in his letter to the Corinthians. He wrote, "God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are" (1 Corinthians 1:27-28). The Greek word agenes ("of no birth" or "of low birth") underscores that God deliberately selects what the world considers base and insignificant to accomplish his purposes, overturning human hierarchies and reducing all human boasting to nothing.
Paul and the Charge of Baseness
Paul's opponents in Corinth accused him of being "timid" or "base" when present but bold when writing from a distance (2 Corinthians 10:1). The Greek word tapeinos here means "lowly" or "humble," and Paul's critics intended it as an insult. Yet Paul embraced the label, understanding that his apparent lowliness was actually modeled on Christ, who himself "humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8). What the world sees as base, God sees as faithful.
Biblical Context
The word 'base' appears in both testaments with distinct meanings. As a physical object, it refers to the bases of the temple lavers (1 Kings 7:27-43), the base of the tabernacle laver (Exodus 30:18), the base of the lampstand (Exodus 25:31), and the base of the altar (Exodus 29:12; Leviticus 4:7). As an adjective, it describes David's voluntary humility (2 Samuel 6:22), worthless individuals (Job 30:8; Acts 17:5), and God's deliberate choice of the lowly (1 Corinthians 1:27-28).
Theological Significance
The dual meaning of 'base' illuminates a central biblical paradox: God builds his kingdom on foundations and through people that the world considers insignificant. The physical bases of the temple supported the instruments of worship, reminding worshipers that even the most sacred objects required humble supports. The theological use of 'base' reaches its climax in Paul's teaching that God chooses the lowly and despised to shame the powerful, revealing that divine wisdom operates by different standards than human wisdom.
Historical Background
The bronze bases of Solomon's temple were remarkable works of ancient metalwork. Each base was a wheeled cart approximately 1.5 meters square and 1 meter high, decorated with panels depicting lions, oxen, and palm trees. Similar wheeled stands have been found in archaeological excavations from Cyprus, suggesting that this type of furnishing was known across the eastern Mediterranean. The social stratification reflected in the adjective 'base' was a pervasive feature of ancient societies, where birth, wealth, and family connections determined one's place in the social hierarchy.