1 Kings 5:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 5:17 mean?

1 Kings 5:17 describes how King Solomon ordered his workers to bring large, valuable, and carefully shaped stones to build the foundation of the temple. The verse highlights the quality and effort put into preparing the materials for the temple’s construction.

In this verse, the focus is on the preparations for building the temple in Jerusalem, with Solomon as the king giving the command. The workers are gathering not just any stones, but specifically “great,” “costly,” and “hewed” stones, showing the importance and grandeur of the project. This verse sets the stage for the temple’s significance by emphasizing the care and resources invested right from the foundation.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 5:17

• The word for “great” is גָּדוֹל (gadol), which means large or important. This stresses the impressive size of the stones used.
• “Costly” comes from יָקָר (yaqar), meaning precious or valuable. The verse points out that the materials were not ordinary but of high worth.
• “Hewed” is גָּזִית (gazit), which refers to stones that have been carefully cut or shaped. This detail shows the skill and effort involved, not just using rough stones but ones prepared specifically for this purpose.
• The word for “foundation” is יָסַד (yasad), meaning to lay a base or establish. This highlights that the work described is foundational, both literally and symbolically, for the temple.

Why 1 Kings 5:17 matters

• This verse clarifies that the temple’s construction was a carefully planned and costly project, not a rushed or makeshift effort.
• By emphasizing the quality of the materials, the verse shows the honor and reverence given to the temple as a place for God.
• The attention to the foundation connects to the broader biblical theme that what is built for God should be done with care, skill, and the best resources available.