King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:12 Mean?

1 Kings 7:12 in the King James Version says “And the great court round about was with three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams, both for the inner court ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the great court round about was with three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams, both for the inner court of the house of the LORD, and for the porch of the house.”

1 Kings 7:12 · KJV

Context

10

And the foundation was of costly stones, even great stones, stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits.

11

And above were costly stones, after the measures of hewed stones, and cedars.

12

And the great court round about was with three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams, both for the inner court of the house of the LORD, and for the porch of the house.

13

And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre.

14

He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work. a widow's: Heb. the son of a widow woman

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the great court round about was with three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams, both for the inner court of the house of the LORD, and for the porch of the house.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of temple furnishings and solomon's palace, 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
וְלַֽחֲצַ֧ר1 of 15

“court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

הַגְּדוֹלָ֜ה2 of 15

“And the great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

סָבִ֗יב3 of 15

“round about”

H5439

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

שְׁלֹשָׁה֙4 of 15

“was with three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

וְט֖וּר5 of 15

“and a row”

H2905

a row; hence, a wall

גָּזִ֔ית6 of 15

“of hewed stones”

H1496

something cut, i.e., dressed stone

וְט֖וּר7 of 15

“and a row”

H2905

a row; hence, a wall

כְּרֻתֹ֣ת8 of 15

“beams”

H3773

something cut, i.e., a hewn timber

אֲרָזִ֑ים9 of 15

“of cedar”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

וְלַֽחֲצַ֧ר10 of 15

“court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

הַבָּֽיִת׃11 of 15

“of the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָ֛ה12 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הַפְּנִימִ֖ית13 of 15

“both for the inner”

H6442

interior

וּלְאֻלָ֥ם14 of 15

“and for the porch”

H197

a vestibule (as bound to the building)

הַבָּֽיִת׃15 of 15

“of the house”

H1004

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

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 7:12 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 7:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 6:36John 10:23Acts 5:121 Kings 7:6Acts 3:11

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