King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:50 Mean?

1 Kings 7:50 in the King James Version says “And the bowls, and the snuffers, and the basons, and the spoons, and the censers of pure gold; and the hinges of gold, b...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 7:50 · KJV

Context

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 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.

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. Temple architecture followed patterns common to ancient Near Eastern sanctuaries, but Israel's temple distinctly lacked any image of Yahweh, emphasizing His transcendence. 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 · 17 words
וְ֠הַסִּפּוֹת1 of 17

“And the bowls”

H5592

a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine)

וְהַֽמְזַמְּר֧וֹת2 of 17

“and the snuffers”

H4212

a tweezer (only in the plural)

וְהַמִּזְרָק֛וֹת3 of 17

“and the basons”

H4219

a bowl (as if for sprinkling)

וְהַכַּפּ֥וֹת4 of 17

“and the spoons”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

וְהַמַּחְתּ֖וֹת5 of 17

“and the censers”

H4289

a pan for live coals

זָהָֽב׃6 of 17

“gold”

H2091

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

סָג֑וּר7 of 17

“of pure”

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

וְהַפֹּת֡וֹת8 of 17

“and the hinges”

H6596

a hole, i.e., hinge or the female pudenda

לְדַלְתֵ֥י9 of 17

“both for the doors”

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

הַבַּ֛יִת10 of 17

“house”

H1004

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

הַפְּנִימִ֜י11 of 17

“of the inner”

H6442

interior

הַקֳּדָשִׁ֗ים12 of 17

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הַקֳּדָשִׁ֗ים13 of 17

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לְדַלְתֵ֥י14 of 17

“both for the doors”

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

הַבַּ֛יִת15 of 17

“house”

H1004

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

לַֽהֵיכָ֖ל16 of 17

“to wit of the temple”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

זָהָֽב׃17 of 17

“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 7:50 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 7:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 16:12Exodus 27:32 Chronicles 4:21-22Exodus 25:29Numbers 7:86

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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