King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 6:5 Mean?

1 Kings 6:5 in the King James Version says “And against the wall of the house he built chambers round about, against the walls of the house round about, both of the...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And against the wall of the house he built chambers round about, against the walls of the house round about, both of the temple and of the oracle: and he made chambers round about: against the wall: or, upon, or, joining to the wall built chambers: Heb. built floors made chambers: Heb. made ribs”

1 Kings 6:5 · KJV

Context

3

And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house.

4

And for the house he made windows of narrow lights. of: or, broad within, and narrow without: or, skewed and closed

5

And against the wall of the house he built chambers round about, against the walls of the house round about, both of the temple and of the oracle: and he made chambers round about: against the wall: or, upon, or, joining to the wall built chambers: Heb. built floors made chambers: Heb. made ribs

6

The nethermost chamber was five cubits broad, and the middle was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad: for without in the wall of the house he made narrowed rests round about, that the beams should not be fastened in the walls of the house. narrowed: Heb. narrowings, or, rebatements

7

And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And against the wall of the house he built chambers round about, against the walls of the house round about, both of the temple and of the oracle: and he made chambers round about:

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. Temple architecture followed patterns common to ancient Near Eastern sanctuaries, but Israel's temple distinctly lacked any image of Yahweh, emphasizing His transcendence. 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 · 15 words
וַיִּבֶן֩1 of 15

“he built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

עַל2 of 15
H5921

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

קִיר֤וֹת3 of 15

“And against the wall”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

הַבַּ֙יִת֙4 of 15

“of the house”

H1004

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

יָצִ֙ועַ֙5 of 15

“chambers”

H3326

spread, i.e., a bed; (architecture) an extension, i.e., wing or lean-to (a single story or collectively)

סָבִֽיב׃6 of 15

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

אֶת7 of 15
H853

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

קִיר֤וֹת8 of 15

“And against the wall”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

הַבַּ֙יִת֙9 of 15

“of the house”

H1004

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

סָבִֽיב׃10 of 15

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

לַֽהֵיכָ֖ל11 of 15

“both of the temple”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

וְלַדְּבִ֑יר12 of 15

“and of the oracle”

H1687

the shrine or innermost part of the sanctuary

וַיַּ֥עַשׂ13 of 15

“and he made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

צְלָע֖וֹת14 of 15

“chambers”

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

סָבִֽיב׃15 of 15

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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 6:5 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 6:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 6:162 Chronicles 4:201 Kings 6:312 Chronicles 5:71 Kings 6:19-21Psalms 28:2

Places in This Verse

Holy Place 2Room · Modern: Mount Moriah · 31.78°N, 35.24°E23 verses across 8 books
View all places in 1 Kings 6 →

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