King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:36 Mean?

1 Kings 7:36 in the King James Version says “For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, accordi...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about. proportion: Heb. nakedness”

1 Kings 7:36 · KJV

Context

34

And there were four undersetters to the four corners of one base: and the undersetters were of the very base itself.

35

And in the top of the base was there a round compass of half a cubit high: and on the top of the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof were of the same.

36

For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about. proportion: Heb. nakedness

37

After this manner he made the ten bases: all of them had one casting, one measure, and one size.

38

Then made he ten lavers of brass: one laver contained forty baths: and every laver was four cubits: and upon every one of the ten bases one laver.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about.

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 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 · 13 words
וַיְפַתַּ֤ח1 of 13

“thereof he graved”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

עַל2 of 13
H5921

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

הַלֻּחֹת֙3 of 13

“For on the plates”

H3871

probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal

יְדֹתֶ֔יהָ4 of 13

“of the ledges”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְעַל֙5 of 13
H5921

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

ומִסְגְּרֹתֶ֔יהָ6 of 13

“thereof and on the borders”

H4526

something enclosing, i.e., a margin (of a region, of a panel); concretely, a stronghold

כְּרוּבִ֖ים7 of 13

“cherubims”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

אֲרָי֣וֹת8 of 13

“lions”

H738

a lion

וְתִֽמֹרֹ֑ת9 of 13

“and palm trees”

H8561

(architectural) a palm-like pilaster (i.e., umbellate)

כְּמַֽעַר10 of 13

“according to the proportion”

H4626

a nude place, i.e., (literally) the pudenda, or (figuratively) a vacant space

אִ֥ישׁ11 of 13

“of every one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וְלֹי֖וֹת12 of 13

“and additions”

H3914

a wreath

סָבִֽיב׃13 of 13

“round about”

H5439

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

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 7:36 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 7:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 7:291 Kings 6:35Ezekiel 41:25-261 Kings 6:291 Kings 6:32Ezekiel 41:18-20

Test Your Knowledge

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

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