King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 6:7 Mean?

1 Kings 6:7 in the King James Version says “And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was n...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 6:7 · KJV

Context

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.

8

The door for the middle chamber was in the right side of the house: and they went up with winding stairs into the middle chamber, and out of the middle into the third. side: Heb. shoulder

9

So he built the house, and finished it; and covered the house with beams and boards of cedar. with: or, the vaultbeams and the panellings with cedar

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 15 words
בַּבַּ֖יִת1 of 15

“And the house”

H1004

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

בְּהִבָּֽנֹתֽוֹ׃2 of 15

“was built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶֽבֶן3 of 15

“of stone”

H68

a stone

שְׁלֵמָ֥ה4 of 15

“made ready”

H8003

complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly

מַסָּ֖ע5 of 15

“before it was brought”

H4551

a missile (spear or arrow)

בְּהִבָּֽנֹתֽוֹ׃6 of 15

“was built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

וּמַקָּב֤וֹת7 of 15

“thither so that there was neither hammer”

H4717

properly, a perforatrix, i.e., a hammer (as piercing)

וְהַגַּרְזֶן֙8 of 15

“nor axe”

H1631

an axe

כָּל9 of 15
H3605

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

כְּלִ֣י10 of 15

“nor any tool”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

בַרְזֶ֔ל11 of 15

“of iron”

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

לֹֽא12 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִשְׁמַ֥ע13 of 15

“heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בַּבַּ֖יִת14 of 15

“And the house”

H1004

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

בְּהִבָּֽנֹתֽוֹ׃15 of 15

“was built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

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 6:7 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 6:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 27:5-61 Peter 2:51 Kings 5:17-18Exodus 20:25Proverbs 24:27Colossians 1:12

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