King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 6:29 Mean?

1 Kings 6:29 in the King James Version says “And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, w...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without. open flowers: Heb. openings of flowers”

1 Kings 6:29 · King James Version

Context

27

And he set the cherubims within the inner house: and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house. they: or, the cherubims stretched forth their wings

28

And he overlaid the cherubims with gold.

29

And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without. open flowers: Heb. openings of flowers

30

And the floor of the house he overlaid with gold, within and without.

31

And for the entering of the oracle he made doors of olive tree: the lintel and side posts were a fifth part of the wall. a fifth: or, fivesquare

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.

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.

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 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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְאֵת֩1 of 14
H853

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

כָּל2 of 14
H3605

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

קִיר֨וֹת3 of 14

“all the walls”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

הַבַּ֜יִת4 of 14

“of the house”

H1004

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

מֵסַ֣ב׀5 of 14

“round about”

H4524

a divan (as enclosing the room); abstractly (adverbial) around

קָלַ֗ע6 of 14

“And he carved”

H7049

to sling; also to carve (as if a circular motion, or into light forms)

פִּתּוּחֵי֙7 of 14

“with carved”

H6603

sculpture (in low or high relief or even intaglio)

מִקְלְעוֹת֙8 of 14

“figures”

H4734

a sculpture (probably in bas-relief)

כְּרוּבִ֣ים9 of 14

“of cherubims”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

וְתִֽמֹרֹ֔ת10 of 14

“and palm trees”

H8561

(architectural) a palm-like pilaster (i.e., umbellate)

וּפְטוּרֵ֖י11 of 14
H6358

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

צִצִּ֑ים12 of 14

“flowers”

H6731

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

מִלִּפְנִ֖ים13 of 14

“within”

H6441

faceward, i.e., indoors

וְלַֽחִיצֽוֹן׃14 of 14

“and without”

H2435

properly, the (outer) wall side; hence, exterior; figuratively, secular (as opposed to sacred)

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 6:29 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 6:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 6:32Psalms 148:2Psalms 92:12-15Revelation 7:9Ephesians 3:10Revelation 5:11-14

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