King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 6:32 Mean?

1 Kings 6:32 in the King James Version says “The two doors also were of olive tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, an...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The two doors also were of olive tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims, and upon the palm trees. two: or, leaves of the doors open flowers: Heb. openings of flowers”

1 Kings 6:32 · KJV

Context

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

32

The two doors also were of olive tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims, and upon the palm trees. two: or, leaves of the doors open flowers: Heb. openings of flowers

33

So also made he for the door of the temple posts of olive tree, a fourth part of the wall. a fourth: or, foursquare

34

And the two doors were of fir tree: the two leaves of the one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding.

Read 1 Kings 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The two doors also were of olive tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims, and upon the palm trees.

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 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 · 20 words
וּשְׁתֵּי֮1 of 20

“The two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

דַּלְת֣וֹת2 of 20

“doors”

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

עֲצֵי3 of 20

“tree”

H6086

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

שֶׁמֶן֒4 of 20

“also were of olive”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וְקָלַ֣ע5 of 20

“and he carved”

H7049

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

עֲ֠לֵיהֶם6 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מִקְלְע֨וֹת7 of 20

“upon them carvings”

H4734

a sculpture (probably in bas-relief)

הַכְּרוּבִ֥ים8 of 20

“of cherubims”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

הַתִּֽמֹר֖וֹת9 of 20

“and palm trees”

H8561

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

וּפְטוּרֵ֥י10 of 20
H6358

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

צִצִּ֖ים11 of 20

“flowers”

H6731

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

וְצִפָּ֣ה12 of 20

“and overlaid”

H6823

to sheet over (especially with metal)

הַזָּהָֽב׃13 of 20

“gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וַיָּ֛רֶד14 of 20

“and spread”

H7286

to tread in pieces, i.e., (figuratively) to conquer, or (specifically) to overlay

עַל15 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַכְּרוּבִ֥ים16 of 20

“of cherubims”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

וְעַל17 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַתִּֽמֹר֖וֹת18 of 20

“and palm trees”

H8561

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

אֶת19 of 20
H853

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

הַזָּהָֽב׃20 of 20

“gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

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 6:32 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 6:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 6:291 Kings 6:18

Test Your Knowledge

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