King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:9 Mean?

1 Kings 7:9 in the King James Version says “All these were of costly stones, according to the measures of hewed stones, sawed with saws, within and without, even fr... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 7:9 · KJV


Context

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.

11

And above were costly stones, after the measures of hewed stones, and cedars.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
כָּל1 of 17
H3605

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

אֵ֜לֶּה2 of 17
H428

these or those

אֲבָנִ֤ים3 of 17

stones

H68

a stone

יְקָרֹת֙4 of 17

All these were of costly

H3368

valuable (objectively or subjectively)

כְּמִדּ֣וֹת5 of 17

according to the measures

H4060

properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)

גָּזִ֔ית6 of 17

of hewed stones

H1496

something cut, i.e., dressed stone

מְגֹֽרָר֥וֹת7 of 17

sawed

H1641

to drag off roughly; by implication, to bring up the cud (i.e., ruminate); by analogy, to saw

בַּמְּגֵרָ֖ה8 of 17

with saws

H4050

a saw

מִבַּ֣יִת9 of 17

within

H1004

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

וּמִח֖וּץ10 of 17

and so on the outside

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

וּמִמַּסָּד֙11 of 17

even from the foundation

H4527

a foundation

עַד12 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַטְּפָח֔וֹת13 of 17

unto the coping

H2947

a spread of the hand, i.e., a palm-breadth (not 'span' of the fingers); architecturally, a corbel (as a supporting palm)

וּמִח֖וּץ14 of 17

and so on the outside

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

עַד15 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הֶֽחָצֵ֥ר16 of 17

court

H2691

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

הַגְּדוֹלָֽה׃17 of 17

toward the great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent


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 7:9 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 7:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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