King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 10:19 Mean?

1 Kings 10:19 in the King James Version says “The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place o... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays. behind: Heb. on the hinder part thereof stays: Heb. hands

1 Kings 10:19 · KJV


Context

17

And he made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three pound of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.

18

Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold.

19

The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays. behind: Heb. on the hinder part thereof stays: Heb. hands

20

And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom. the like: Heb. so

21

And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon. none: or, there was no silver in them


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
  2. What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
שֵׁ֧שׁ1 of 18

had six

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

מַֽעֲל֣וֹת2 of 18

steps

H4609

elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o

לַכִּסֵּה֙3 of 18

The throne

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

וְרֹאשׁ4 of 18

and the top

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

עָגֹ֤ל5 of 18

was round

H5696

circular

לַכִּסֵּה֙6 of 18

The throne

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

מֵאַֽחֲרָ֔יו7 of 18

behind

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הַיָּדֽוֹת׃8 of 18

and there were stays

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מִזֶּ֥ה9 of 18
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וּמִזֶּ֖ה10 of 18
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֶל11 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מְק֣וֹם12 of 18

on either side on the place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַשָּׁ֑בֶת13 of 18

of the seat

H7675

properly, session; but used also concretely, an abode or locality

וּשְׁנַ֣יִם14 of 18

and two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אֲרָי֔וֹת15 of 18

lions

H738

a lion

עֹֽמְדִ֖ים16 of 18

stood

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

אֵ֥צֶל17 of 18

beside

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

הַיָּדֽוֹת׃18 of 18

and there were stays

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 10:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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