King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 3:8 Mean?

2 Chronicles 3:8 in the King James Version says “And he made the most holy house, the length whereof was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the br...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he made the most holy house, the length whereof was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits: and he overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents.”

2 Chronicles 3:8 · KJV

Context

6

And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim. garnished: Heb. covered

7

He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubims on the walls.

8

And he made the most holy house, the length whereof was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits: and he overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents.

9

And the weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. And he overlaid the upper chambers with gold.

10

And in the most holy house he made two cherubims of image work, and overlaid them with gold. image: or, (as some think) of moveable work

Read 2 Chronicles 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he made the most holy house, the length whereof was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits: and he overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Building according to divine pattern on consecrated ground. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Temple Construction Begins point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיַּ֙עַשׂ֙1 of 21

“And he made”

H6213

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

אֶת2 of 21
H853

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

הַבַּ֙יִת֙3 of 21

“house”

H1004

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

הַקֳּדָשִׁ֔ים4 of 21

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הַקֳּדָשִׁ֔ים5 of 21

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אָרְכּ֞וֹ6 of 21

“the length”

H753

length

עַל7 of 21
H5921

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

פְּנֵ֤י8 of 21

“whereof was according to”

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

וְרָחְבּ֖וֹ9 of 21

“and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

הַבַּ֙יִת֙10 of 21

“house”

H1004

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

אַמּ֣וֹת11 of 21

“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)

עֶשְׂרִ֑ים12 of 21

“thereof twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְרָחְבּ֖וֹ13 of 21

“and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

אַמּ֣וֹת14 of 21

“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)

עֶשְׂרִ֑ים15 of 21

“thereof twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וַיְחַפֵּ֙הוּ֙16 of 21

“and he overlaid”

H2645

to cover; by implication, to veil, to encase, protect

זָהָ֣ב17 of 21

“gold”

H2091

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

ט֔וֹב18 of 21

“it with fine”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

לְכִכָּרִ֖ים19 of 21

“talents”

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

שֵׁ֥שׁ20 of 21

“amounting to six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

מֵאֽוֹת׃21 of 21

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 3:8 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 2 Chronicles 3:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 26:33Hebrews 9:3Hebrews 9:9Hebrews 10:191 Kings 6:161 Kings 6:19-20

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 2 Chronicles 3 →

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