King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:8 Mean?

1 Kings 7:8 in the King James Version says “And his house where he dwelt had another court within the porch, which was of the like work. Solomon made also an house ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 7:8 · KJV

Context

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.

9

All these were of costly stones, according to the measures of hewed stones, sawed with saws, within and without, even from the foundation unto the coping, and so on the outside toward the great court.

10

And the foundation was of costly stones, even great stones, stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits.

Read 1 Kings 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 20 words
וּבַ֜יִת1 of 20

“And his house”

H1004

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

אֲשֶׁר2 of 20
H834

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

יֵ֨שֶׁב3 of 20

“where he dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שָׁ֜ם4 of 20
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

חָצֵ֣ר5 of 20

“court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

הָֽאַחֶ֗רֶת6 of 20

“had another”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וּבַ֜יִת7 of 20

“And his house”

H1004

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

כָּֽאוּלָ֖ם8 of 20

“the porch”

H197

a vestibule (as bound to the building)

כַּמַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה9 of 20

“which was of the like work”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

הַזֶּ֖ה10 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הָיָ֑ה11 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וּבַ֜יִת12 of 20

“And his house”

H1004

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

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֤ה13 of 20

“made”

H6213

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

לְבַת14 of 20

“daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

פַּרְעֹה֙15 of 20

“for Pharaoh's”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

אֲשֶׁ֣ר16 of 20
H834

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

לָקַ֣ח17 of 20

“whom he had taken”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה18 of 20

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

כָּֽאוּלָ֖ם19 of 20

“the porch”

H197

a vestibule (as bound to the building)

הַזֶּֽה׃20 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 7:8 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 7:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 8:111 Kings 3:11 Kings 9:242 Kings 20:4

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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