King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:2 Mean?

1 Kings 7:2 in the King James Version says “He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon; the length thereof was an hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fift...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon; the length thereof was an hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits, upon four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars.”

1 Kings 7:2 · KJV

Context

1

But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.

2

He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon; the length thereof was an hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits, upon four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars.

3

And it was covered with cedar above upon the beams, that lay on forty five pillars, fifteen in a row. beams: Heb. ribs

4

And there were windows in three rows, and light was against light in three ranks. light was: Heb. sight against sight

Read 1 Kings 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon; the length thereof was an hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits, upon four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 23 words
וַיִּ֜בֶן1 of 23

“He built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת2 of 23
H853

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

בֵּ֣ית׀3 of 23

“also the house”

H1004

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

יַ֣עַר4 of 23

“of the forest”

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

הַלְּבָנ֗וֹן5 of 23

“of Lebanon”

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

מֵאָ֨ה6 of 23

“thereof was an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אַמָּ֖ה7 of 23

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

אָרְכּוֹ֙8 of 23

“the length”

H753

length

וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֤ים9 of 23

“thereof fifty”

H2572

fifty

אַמָּ֖ה10 of 23

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

רָחְבּ֔וֹ11 of 23

“and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים12 of 23

“thereof thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

אַמָּ֖ה13 of 23

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

קֽוֹמָת֑וֹ14 of 23

“and the height”

H6967

height

עַ֗ל15 of 23
H5921

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

אַרְבָּעָה֙16 of 23

“upon four”

H702

four

טוּרֵי֙17 of 23

“rows”

H2905

a row; hence, a wall

הָֽעַמּוּדִֽים׃18 of 23

“pillars”

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

אֲרָזִ֖ים19 of 23

“of cedar”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

וּכְרֻת֥וֹת20 of 23

“beams”

H3773

something cut, i.e., a hewn timber

אֲרָזִ֖ים21 of 23

“of cedar”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

עַל22 of 23
H5921

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

הָֽעַמּוּדִֽים׃23 of 23

“pillars”

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

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 7:2 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 7:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 10:172 Chronicles 9:161 Kings 10:21Song of Solomon 7:41 Kings 9:19

Places in This Verse

House of the Forest of LebanonStructure · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E6 verses across 3 books
View all places in 1 Kings 7 →

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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