King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 6:38 Mean?

1 Kings 6:38 in the King James Version says “And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts t... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So was he seven years in building it. through out: or, with all the parts thereof, and with all the ordinances thereof

1 Kings 6:38 · KJV


Context

36

And he built the inner court with three rows of hewed stone, and a row of cedar beams.

37

In the fourth year was the foundation of the house of the LORD laid, in the month Zif:

38

And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So was he seven years in building it. through out: or, with all the parts thereof, and with all the ordinances thereof


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So was he seven years in building it.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
שָׁנִֽים׃1 of 17

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הָֽאַחַ֨ת2 of 17

And in the eleventh

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

עֶשְׂרֵ֜ה3 of 17
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

בְּיֶ֣רַח4 of 17

in the month

H3391

a lunation, i.e., month

בּ֗וּל5 of 17

Bul

H945

bul, the eighth hebrew month

ה֚וּא6 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הַחֹ֣דֶשׁ7 of 17

month

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַשְּׁמִינִ֔י8 of 17

which is the eighth

H8066

eight

כָּלָ֣ה9 of 17

finished

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

הַבַּ֔יִת10 of 17

was the house

H1004

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

לְכָל11 of 17
H3605

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

דְּבָרָ֖יו12 of 17

throughout all the parts

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וּלְכָל13 of 17
H3605

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

מִשְׁפָּטָ֑ו14 of 17

thereof and according to all the fashion

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וַיִּבְנֵ֖הוּ15 of 17

in building

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

שֶׁ֥בַע16 of 17

of it So was he seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

שָׁנִֽים׃17 of 17

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)


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 6:38 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 6:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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