King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:5 Mean?

1 Kings 7:5 in the King James Version says “And all the doors and posts were square, with the windows: and light was against light in three ranks. doors: or, spaces...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And all the doors and posts were square, with the windows: and light was against light in three ranks. doors: or, spaces and pillars were square in prospect”

1 Kings 7:5 · King James Version

Context

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

5

And all the doors and posts were square, with the windows: and light was against light in three ranks. doors: or, spaces and pillars were square in prospect

6

And he made a porch of pillars; the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth thereof thirty cubits: and the porch was before them: and the other pillars and the thick beam were before them. before them: or, according to them

7

Then he made a porch for the throne where he might judge, even the porch of judgment: and it was covered with cedar from one side of the floor to the other. from: Heb. from floor to floor

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Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And all the doors and posts were square, with the windows: and light was against light in three ranks.

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.

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?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְכָל1 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַפְּתָחִ֥ים2 of 11

“And all the doors”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

וְהַמְּזוּז֖וֹת3 of 11

“and posts”

H4201

a door-post (as prominent)

רְבֻעִ֣ים4 of 11

“were square”

H7251

to be quadrate

שָׁ֑קֶף5 of 11

“with the windows”

H8260

a loophole (for looking out), to admit light and air

וּמ֧וּל6 of 11

“was against”

H4136

properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite

מֶֽחֱזָ֖ה7 of 11

“and light”

H4237

a window

אֶל8 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֶֽחֱזָ֖ה9 of 11

“and light”

H4237

a window

שָׁלֹ֥שׁ10 of 11

“in three”

H7969

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

פְּעָמִֽים׃11 of 11

“ranks”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

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 7:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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