The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays.

1 KINGS 10:19KJV
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1 Kings 10:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 10:19 mean?

1 Kings 10:19 describes the impressive throne of King Solomon, noting that it had six steps leading up to it, a rounded back, armrests on each side of the seat, and two lions standing beside the armrests. The verse highlights the grandeur and unique craftsmanship of Solomon’s throne as a symbol of his royal authority.

This verse is part of a larger passage where the author is describing the wealth and splendor of Solomon’s reign to the reader. The details about the throne’s design—such as the number of steps, the rounded back, and the presence of lions—emphasize how extraordinary and majestic Solomon’s court was compared to others in the ancient world.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 10:19

  • The word for "throne" (כִּסֵּא, kisse) is used twice, underlining the focus on Solomon’s seat of judgment and authority.
  • "Six" (שֵׁשׁ, shesh) and "steps" (מַעֲלָה, ma'alah) together show that the throne was elevated, which would have made Solomon visibly prominent above those who approached him.
  • "Lions" (אֲרָיוֹת, arayot) stood beside the "stays" (יָד, yad, meaning "hands" or "armrests"), which adds a sense of strength and royal power, since lions were often symbols of kingship and protection in the ancient Near East.
  • The word for "round" (עָגֹל, agol) behind the throne suggests a curved or semicircular design, which was unusual and would have made the throne stand out even more.

Why 1 Kings 10:19 matters

  • This verse helps the reader visualize the extraordinary wealth and artistry of Solomon’s kingdom, supporting the Bible’s description of his reign as a time of unmatched prosperity.
  • The specific mention of lions and the throne’s features connects Solomon’s rule to broader ancient traditions where thrones and lions symbolized power, justice, and divine favor.
  • Understanding these details clarifies why visitors like the Queen of Sheba were so impressed by Solomon’s court, as described in the surrounding verses.

Where else these words appear

“seat” Hebrew H7675 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Samuel 23:7 But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.
  • 2 Samuel 23:8 These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.
  • Amos 6:3 Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near;

“round” Hebrew H5696 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:23 And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.
  • 1 Kings 7:31 And the mouth of it within the chapiter and above was a cubit: but the mouth thereof was round after the work of the base, a cubit and an half: and also upon the mouth of it were gravings with their borders, foursquare, not round.
  • 1 Kings 7:35 And in the top of the base was there a round compass of half a cubit high: and on the top of the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof were of the same.

“steps” Hebrew H4609 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 20:26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
  • Psalms 120:1 A Song of degrees. In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.
  • Psalms 133:1 A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

“beside” Hebrew H681 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 39:10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
  • 1 Kings 4:12 Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:
  • Proverbs 8:30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;