Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,

1 CHRONICLES 28:11KJV
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1 Chronicles 28:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 28:11 mean?

1 Chronicles 28:11 describes how King David gave his son Solomon detailed plans for building the temple, including the design for the porch, the main rooms, the storage areas, the upper rooms, the inner rooms, and the place for the mercy seat. David is passing on specific instructions for every important part of the temple’s structure.

In this verse, David is speaking to Solomon as he prepares him to take over the task of building the temple in Jerusalem. David is not just giving general advice but is handing over a precise blueprint for the temple’s layout and its most sacred spaces. This moment shows the careful planning and seriousness with which David treats the temple project, making sure Solomon has all he needs to carry out the work.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 28:11

  • "Pattern" (תַּבְנִית, tavnit) means a model, plan, or blueprint. This word shows that David was giving Solomon a specific, detailed design rather than just a vague idea.
  • "Porch" (אוּלָם, ulam) refers to the entrance hall or vestibule of the temple. This was an important architectural feature marking the transition from the outside to the holy areas.
  • "Mercy seat" (כַּפֹּרֶת, kapporet) is the cover of the Ark of the Covenant, considered the most sacred spot in the temple where God’s presence was believed to dwell. Including this in the plans highlights the spiritual focus of the temple.

Why 1 Chronicles 28:11 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Solomon was left to figure out the temple’s design on his own; David provided a clear and complete plan.
  • The emphasis on the "pattern" shows that the temple was to be built according to a divinely inspired design, not just human creativity.
  • By listing each part of the temple, the verse connects to the wider passage where David prepares Solomon for his future role, showing the seriousness and care involved in building a place for worship.

Where else these words appear

“pattern” Hebrew H8403 · used in 17 verses

  • Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
  • Joshua 22:28 Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you.
  • Psalms 106:20 Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.

“chambers” Hebrew H5944 · used in 20 verses

  • Judges 3:20 And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat.
  • 1 Kings 17:23 And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth.
  • 2 Chronicles 9:4 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.

“seat” Hebrew H3727 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 25:17 And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof.
  • Exodus 30:6 And thou shalt put it before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee.
  • Exodus 39:35 The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat,

“porch” Hebrew H197 · used in 29 verses

  • 1 Kings 6:3 And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house.
  • 2 Chronicles 15:8 And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD.
  • Ezekiel 40:40 And at the side without, as one goeth up to the entry of the north gate, were two tables; and on the other side, which was at the porch of the gate, were two tables.