King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 6:8 Mean?

1 Kings 6:8 in the King James Version says “The door for the middle chamber was in the right side of the house: and they went up with winding stairs into the middle...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 6:8 · KJV

Context

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

10

And then he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
פֶּ֗תַח1 of 15

“The door”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

הַצֵּלָע֙2 of 15

“chamber”

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

הַתִּֽיכֹנָ֖ה3 of 15

“chamber and out of the middle”

H8484

central

אֶל4 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֶּ֥תֶף5 of 15

“side”

H3802

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

הַבַּ֖יִת6 of 15

“of the house”

H1004

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

הַיְמָנִ֑ית7 of 15

“was in the right”

H3233

right (i.e., at the right hand)

וּבְלוּלִּ֗ים8 of 15

“with winding stairs”

H3883

a spiral step

יַֽעֲלוּ֙9 of 15

“and they went up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עַל10 of 15
H5921

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

הַתִּֽיכֹנָ֖ה11 of 15

“chamber and out of the middle”

H8484

central

וּמִן12 of 15
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַתִּֽיכֹנָ֖ה13 of 15

“chamber and out of the middle”

H8484

central

אֶל14 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַשְּׁלִשִֽׁים׃15 of 15

“into the third”

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

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 6:8 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 6:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 41:6-7

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