King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:6 Mean?

1 Kings 7:6 in the King James Version says “And he made a porch of pillars; the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth thereof thirty cubits: and the porc...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 7:6 · KJV

Context

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

8

And his house where he dwelt had another court within the porch, which was of the like work. Solomon made also an house for Pharaoh's daughter, whom he had taken to wife, like unto this porch.

Read 1 Kings 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְאֵ֨ת1 of 17
H853

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

וְאוּלָם֙2 of 17

“a porch”

H197

a vestibule (as bound to the building)

וְעַמֻּדִ֥ים3 of 17

“of pillars”

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

עָשָׂ֔ה4 of 17

“And he made”

H6213

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

חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים5 of 17

“thereof was fifty”

H2572

fifty

אַמָּ֖ה6 of 17

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

אָרְכּ֔וֹ7 of 17

“the length”

H753

length

וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים8 of 17

“thereof thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

אַמָּ֖ה9 of 17

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

רָחְבּ֑וֹ10 of 17

“and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

וְאוּלָם֙11 of 17

“a porch”

H197

a vestibule (as bound to the building)

עַל12 of 17
H5921

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

פְּנֵיהֶֽם׃13 of 17

“was 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

וְעַמֻּדִ֥ים14 of 17

“of pillars”

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

וְעָ֖ב15 of 17

“and the thick beam”

H5646

an architrave (as shading the pillars)

עַל16 of 17
H5921

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

פְּנֵיהֶֽם׃17 of 17

“was 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

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 7:6 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 7:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 7:12Ezekiel 41:25-26

Places in This Verse

Hall of PillarsHall · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in 1 Kings 7 →

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