1 Kings 5:18 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 5:18 mean?

1 Kings 5:18 describes how Solomon’s builders, Hiram’s builders, and skilled stone workers worked together to cut and prepare both timber and stones for building the temple. The verse highlights the careful preparation and cooperation needed to gather the materials for this important construction project.

In the wider story, King Solomon is organizing the building of the temple in Jerusalem, and he has partnered with King Hiram of Tyre for resources and skilled labor. This verse shows the teamwork between Israelites and Tyrians, as well as the specialized work of the “stonesquarers,” who shaped the stones for the temple’s foundation and structure.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 5:18

• The word for “builders” (בָּנָה, banah) is used for both Solomon’s and Hiram’s workers, emphasizing that both groups contributed skilled labor to the project.
• “Stonesquarers” (גִּבְּלִי, gibli) refers to expert stonecutters, likely from Gebal (Byblos), known for their craftsmanship; their mention highlights the use of foreign specialists for the temple’s most precise work.
• “Prepared” (כּוּן, kun) means to make ready or establish firmly, pointing to the careful, thorough preparation of materials before any building began.

Why 1 Kings 5:18 matters

• This verse clarifies that the temple was not just an Israelite effort but involved international cooperation and expertise, especially from Tyre and possibly Gebal.
• The emphasis on preparation and skilled labor underlines the importance and sacredness of the temple project; nothing was done hastily or carelessly.
• The verse connects to the larger passage by showing the practical steps taken to fulfill Solomon’s plans and God’s promise, setting the stage for the temple’s construction.