King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 6:9 Mean?

1 Kings 6:9 in the King James Version says “So he built the house, and finished it; and covered the house with beams and boards of cedar. with: or, the vaultbeams a...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 6:9 · KJV

Context

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.

11

And the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So he built the house, and finished it; and covered the house with beams and boards of cedar.

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 · 10 words
וַיִּ֥בֶן1 of 10

“So he built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת2 of 10
H853

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

הַבַּ֙יִת֙3 of 10

“the house”

H1004

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

וַיְכַלֵּ֑הוּ4 of 10

“and finished”

H3615

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

וַיִּסְפֹּ֤ן5 of 10

“it and covered”

H5603

to hide by covering; specifically, to roof (passive participle as noun, a roof) or wainscot; figuratively, to reserve

אֶת6 of 10
H853

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

הַבַּ֙יִת֙7 of 10

“the house”

H1004

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

גֵּבִ֔ים8 of 10

“with beams”

H1356

a log (as cut out); also well or cistern (as dug)

וּשְׂדֵרֹ֖ת9 of 10

“and boards”

H7713

a row, i.e., rank (of soldiers), story (of rooms)

בָּֽאֲרָזִֽים׃10 of 10

“of cedar”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

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 6:9 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 6:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 6:381 Kings 6:14

Test Your Knowledge

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