King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:49 Mean?

1 Kings 7:49 in the King James Version says “And the candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right side, and five on the left, before the oracle, with the flowers, an...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right side, and five on the left, before the oracle, with the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs of gold,”

1 Kings 7:49 · KJV

Context

47

And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because they were exceeding many: neither was the weight of the brass found out. because: Heb. for the exceeding multitude found: Heb. searched

48

And Solomon made all the vessels that pertained unto the house of the LORD: the altar of gold, and the table of gold, whereupon the shewbread was,

49

And the candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right side, and five on the left, before the oracle, with the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs of gold,

50

And the bowls, and the snuffers, and the basons, and the spoons, and the censers of pure gold; and the hinges of gold, both for the doors of the inner house, the most holy place, and for the doors of the house, to wit, of the temple. censers: Heb. ash pans

51

So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the LORD. And Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated; even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the LORD. things: Heb. holy things of David

Read 1 Kings 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right side, and five on the left, before the oracle, with the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs of gold,

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 · 14 words
וְאֶת1 of 14
H853

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

הַ֠מְּנֹרוֹת2 of 14

“And the candlesticks”

H4501

a chandelier

וְחָמֵ֧שׁ3 of 14

“five”

H2568

five

מִיָּמִ֜ין4 of 14

“on the right”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

וְחָמֵ֧שׁ5 of 14

“five”

H2568

five

מִשְּׂמֹ֛אול6 of 14

“on the left”

H8040

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

לִפְנֵ֥י7 of 14

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַדְּבִ֖יר8 of 14

“the oracle”

H1687

the shrine or innermost part of the sanctuary

זָהָֽב׃9 of 14

“gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

סָג֑וּר10 of 14

“of pure”

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

וְהַפֶּ֧רַח11 of 14

“with the flowers”

H6525

a calyx (natural or artificial); generally, bloom

וְהַנֵּרֹ֛ת12 of 14

“and the lamps”

H5216

a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)

וְהַמֶּלְקַחַ֖יִם13 of 14

“and the tongs”

H4457

(only in dual) tweezers

זָהָֽב׃14 of 14

“gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

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 7:49 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 7:49 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 4:72 Chronicles 4:20Exodus 25:31-40Exodus 39:37Zechariah 4:1-3Matthew 5:14-16

Places in This Verse

Most Holy Place 2Altar · Modern: Mount Moriah · 31.78°N, 35.24°E24 verses across 7 books
View all places in 1 Kings 7 →

Test Your Knowledge

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