King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 5:18 Mean?

1 Kings 5:18 in the King James Version says “And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to b...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house. stonesquares: or, Giblites”

1 Kings 5:18 · KJV

Context

16

Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work.

17

And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house.

18

And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house. stonesquares: or, Giblites

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of preparations for building the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').

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.

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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 does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
  2. What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַֽיִּפְסְל֞וּ1 of 11

“did hew”

H6458

to carve, whether wood or stone

לִבְנ֥וֹת2 of 11

“builders”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

שְׁלֹמֹ֛ה3 of 11

“And Solomon's”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

לִבְנ֥וֹת4 of 11

“builders”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

חִיר֖וֹם5 of 11

“and Hiram's”

H2438

chiram or chirom, the name of two tyrians

וְהַגִּבְלִ֑ים6 of 11

“them and the stonesquarers”

H1382

a gebalite, or inhabitant of gebal

וַיָּכִ֛ינוּ7 of 11

“so they prepared”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

הָֽעֵצִ֥ים8 of 11

“timber”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

וְהָֽאֲבָנִ֖ים9 of 11

“and stones”

H68

a stone

לִבְנ֥וֹת10 of 11

“builders”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

הַבָּֽיִת׃11 of 11

“the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

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 5:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 5:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 13:5Ezekiel 27:9Psalms 83:7

Places in This Verse

Gebal 1Settlement · Modern: Byblos · 34.12°N, 35.65°E3 verses across 3 books
View all places in 1 Kings 5 →

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