King James Version

What Does Acts 7:47 Mean?

Acts 7:47 in the King James Version says “But Solomon built him an house.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But Solomon built him an house.”

Acts 7:47 · KJV

Context

45

Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; that: or, having received

46

Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

47

But Solomon built him an house.

48

Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

49

Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool : what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Solomon built him an house. This brief statement carries profound theological weight—Solomon fulfilled David's desire by constructing the temple, yet Stephen's argument suggests limitations even in this magnificent achievement.

The word but introduces contrast—David desired, but Solomon built. This highlights generational continuity in God's work while acknowledging individual limitations. Solomon's wisdom and peace (his name means peace) suited temple-building, unlike David's warrior background.

Built him an house creates deliberate ambiguity. Does house refer to physical temple or to the dynasty God promised David? The Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7) promised an eternal house/dynasty, fulfilled ultimately in Christ. Solomon's temple, though glorious, was temporary—destroyed in 586 BCE, rebuilt, destroyed again in 70 CE.

Stephen's rhetorical strategy becomes clear in following verses—the temple, though divinely authorized, was never meant to contain God. Reformed theology emphasizes that Old Testament institutions, including the temple, were shadows pointing to Christ (Colossians 2:17, Hebrews 10:1). The physical temple served its purpose but became obsolete when the reality—Jesus—arrived.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon built the temple around 960 BCE (1 Kings 6), a magnificent structure that took seven years to complete. Hiram of Tyre supplied materials and craftsmen. The temple dedication (1 Kings 8) featured Solomon's prayer acknowledging that even heaven cannot contain God—how much less a physical building?

This first temple stood until 586 BCE when Babylonians destroyed it. The second temple, built after exile (516 BCE) and later expanded by Herod (beginning 20 BCE), stood in Stephen's day. Yet within 40 years of this speech (70 CE), Romans would destroy it. Stephen's martyrdom occurs around 34-35 CE, his speech presciently challenging temple-centered Judaism just decades before the temple's end.

Jesus predicted the temple's destruction (Matthew 24:2), claiming He would rebuild it in three days—referring to His resurrection (John 2:19-21). Stephen continues this theme: focusing on physical temple while rejecting Messiah repeats the error that brought earlier judgments.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Solomon's temple both fulfill and fall short of God's ultimate dwelling place among His people?
  2. What does the temple's temporary nature teach about old covenant institutions?
  3. In what ways does Christ fulfill what Solomon's temple represented?
  4. How can religious communities avoid making physical structures or traditions into ultimate values?
  5. What does God's willingness to allow His temple's destruction teach about His priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 5 words
Σολομῶν1 of 5

“Solomon”

G4672

solomon (i.e., shelomoh), the son of david

δὲ2 of 5

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὠκοδόμησεν3 of 5

“built”

G3618

to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm

αὐτῷ4 of 5

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οἶκον5 of 5

“an house”

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Acts 7:47 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 Acts 7:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 8:202 Samuel 7:131 Kings 6:37-381 Kings 7:13-51Zechariah 6:12-131 Kings 5:1-6:2

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