And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom.

1 KINGS 10:20KJV
Know the Bible

1 Kings 10:20 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 10:20 mean?

1 Kings 10:20 describes how twelve lions stood on either side of the six steps leading up to Solomon’s throne, emphasizing that no other kingdom had anything like this. The verse highlights the unique and impressive craftsmanship of Solomon’s throne, setting it apart from all others.

This verse is part of a larger description of King Solomon’s wealth and the splendor of his court, as witnessed by the Queen of Sheba during her visit. The mention of the twelve lions and six steps gives a vivid picture of the throne’s grandeur and the extraordinary effort put into its design, underlining Solomon’s status and the prosperity of his reign.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 10:20

  • "twelve" (שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר, shenayim asar): The number twelve often represents completeness or the tribes of Israel, which may suggest a symbolic meaning beyond just decoration.
  • "lions" (אֲרָיוֹת, arayot): Lions were symbols of strength and royalty in the ancient Near East, so their presence on the steps would communicate power and majesty.
  • "steps" (מַעֲלוֹת, maalot): The six steps emphasize the elevation and importance of the throne, making it a focal point in the royal court.
  • "like" (כֵּן, ken): The word for "like" stresses that nothing comparable had been made in any other kingdom, highlighting the throne’s unmatched uniqueness.

Why 1 Kings 10:20 matters

  • This verse clears up that the lions were not just decorative but were placed deliberately to symbolize power and royal authority, reinforcing Solomon’s image as a king above others.
  • The detail about there being nothing like it in any other kingdom emphasizes the extraordinary wealth and craftsmanship of Solomon’s reign, which is a key theme in this chapter.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing how Solomon’s court impressed foreign dignitaries like the Queen of Sheba, underlining Israel’s prominence at that time.

Where else these words appear

“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!

“like” Hebrew H3651 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
  • Genesis 42:34 And bring your youngest brother unto me: then shall I know that ye are no spies, but that ye are true men: so will I deliver you your brother, and ye shall traffick in the land.
  • Judges 6:22 And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.

“lions” Hebrew H738 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 49:9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
  • 2 Kings 17:26 Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore he hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land.
  • Jeremiah 2:30 In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

“kingdom” Hebrew H4467 · used in 113 verses

  • Genesis 10:10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
  • 2 Kings 15:19 And Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.
  • Isaiah 14:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;