King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 6:18 Mean?

1 Kings 6:18 in the King James Version says “And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen. knops:...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen. knops: or, gourds open: Heb. openings of”

1 Kings 6:18 · KJV

Context

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.

18

And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen. knops: or, gourds open: Heb. openings of

19

And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of the LORD.

20

And the oracle in the forepart was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and so covered the altar which was of cedar. pure: Heb. shut up

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen.

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 · 13 words
אֶ֔רֶז1 of 13

“And the cedar”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

אֶל2 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַבַּ֙יִת֙3 of 13

“of the house”

H1004

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

פְּנִ֔ימָה4 of 13

“within”

H6441

faceward, i.e., indoors

מִקְלַ֣עַת5 of 13

“was carved”

H4734

a sculpture (probably in bas-relief)

פְּקָעִ֔ים6 of 13

“with knops”

H6497

a semi-globe

וּפְטוּרֵ֖י7 of 13
H6358

opened, i.e., (as noun) a bud

צִצִּ֑ים8 of 13

“flowers”

H6731

properly, glistening, i.e., a burnished plate; a wing (as gleaming in the air)

הַכֹּ֣ל9 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֶ֔רֶז10 of 13

“And the cedar”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

אֵ֥ין11 of 13
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אֶ֖בֶן12 of 13

“there was no stone”

H68

a stone

נִרְאָֽה׃13 of 13

“seen”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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 6:18 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 6:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 7:24

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