King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 6:15 Mean?

1 Kings 6:15 in the King James Version says “And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar, both the floor of the house, and the walls of the cieli...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar, both the floor of the house, and the walls of the cieling: and he covered them on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir. both: or, from the floor of the house unto the walls, etc”

1 Kings 6:15 · KJV

Context

13

And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.

14

So Solomon built the house, and finished it.

15

And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar, both the floor of the house, and the walls of the cieling: and he covered them on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir. both: or, from the floor of the house unto the walls, etc

16

And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built them for it within, even for the oracle, even for the most holy place.

17

And the house, that is, the temple before it, was forty cubits long.

Read 1 Kings 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar, both the floor of the house, and the walls of the cieling: and he covered them on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of 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 · 21 words
וַיִּבֶן֩1 of 21

“And he built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת2 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

קִיר֣וֹת3 of 21

“and the walls”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

הַבַּ֖יִת4 of 21

“of the house”

H1004

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

הַבַּ֖יִת5 of 21

“of the house”

H1004

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

בְּצַלְע֥וֹת6 of 21

“with boards”

H6763

a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje

אֲרָזִ֔ים7 of 21

“of cedar”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

קַרְקַ֥ע8 of 21

“both the floor”

H7172

floor (as if a pavement of pieces or tesseroe), of a building or the sea

הַבַּ֖יִת9 of 21

“of the house”

H1004

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

עַד10 of 21
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

קִיר֣וֹת11 of 21

“and the walls”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

הַסִּפֻּ֔ן12 of 21

“of the cieling”

H5604

a wainscot

וַיְצַ֛ף13 of 21

“and covered”

H6823

to sheet over (especially with metal)

עֵ֖ץ14 of 21

“with wood”

H6086

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

הַבַּ֖יִת15 of 21

“of the house”

H1004

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

וַיְצַ֛ף16 of 21

“and covered”

H6823

to sheet over (especially with metal)

אֶת17 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

קַרְקַ֥ע18 of 21

“both the floor”

H7172

floor (as if a pavement of pieces or tesseroe), of a building or the sea

הַבַּ֖יִת19 of 21

“of the house”

H1004

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

בְּצַלְע֥וֹת20 of 21

“with boards”

H6763

a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje

בְּרוֹשִֽׁים׃21 of 21

“of fir”

H1265

a cypress (?) tree; hence, a lance or a musical instrument (as made of that wood)

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 6:15 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 6:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 7:7

Test Your Knowledge

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