King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:51 Mean?

1 Kings 7:51 in the King James Version says “So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the LORD. And Solomon brought in the things which Davi...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 7:51 · KJV

Context

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. 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 · 25 words
וַתִּשְׁלַם֙1 of 25

“So was ended”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

כָּל2 of 25
H3605

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

הַמְּלָאכָ֔ה3 of 25

“all the work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר4 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֛ה5 of 25

“made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ6 of 25

“that king”

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה7 of 25

“And Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בֵּ֥ית8 of 25

“for the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃9 of 25

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיָּבֵ֨א10 of 25

“brought in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה11 of 25

“And Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

אֶת12 of 25
H853

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

קָדְשֵׁ֣י׀13 of 25

“had dedicated”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

דָּוִ֣ד14 of 25

“the things which David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִ֗יו15 of 25

“his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

אֶת16 of 25
H853

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

הַכֶּ֤סֶף17 of 25

“even the silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וְאֶת18 of 25
H853

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

הַזָּהָב֙19 of 25

“and the gold”

H2091

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

וְאֶת20 of 25
H853

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

הַכֵּלִ֔ים21 of 25

“and the vessels”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

נָתַ֕ן22 of 25

“did he put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּאֹֽצְר֖וֹת23 of 25

“among the treasures”

H214

a depository

בֵּ֥ית24 of 25

“for the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃25 of 25

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 7:51 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 7:51 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 5:12 Samuel 8:7-111 Chronicles 26:26-281 Chronicles 18:10-111 Chronicles 29:2-8Zechariah 4:9

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