And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD.

1 KINGS 6:1KJV
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1 Kings 6:1 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 6:1 mean?

1 Kings 6:1 marks a specific moment in Israel’s history, stating that Solomon began building the temple for the LORD 480 years after the Israelites left Egypt, during the fourth year of Solomon’s reign, in the second month called Zif. This verse ties the start of the temple’s construction to both Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and Solomon’s kingship.

This verse is part of a historical record written to the people of Israel, likely by a later historian or scribe. It sets the temple’s construction in a clear timeline, showing its importance as a fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel. The mention of the month Zif (roughly April–May) and the exact year of Solomon’s reign gives a precise historical anchor for this major event.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 6:1

  • "Zif" (זִו, Ziv): This word names the second month of the ancient Hebrew calendar, which falls in spring. The mention of Zif helps pinpoint the timing of the temple’s construction.
  • "House" (בַּיִת, bayit): This word means "house" but is used here for the temple, emphasizing that the temple was seen as God’s dwelling among His people.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, highlighting that the temple was dedicated specifically to Him, not just a generic deity.

Why 1 Kings 6:1 matters

  • This verse connects the temple’s construction to the Exodus, reminding readers that God’s promise to dwell with His people was being fulfilled centuries after their deliverance from Egypt.
  • The detailed dating shows the care taken in recording Israel’s history and the significance of the temple as a national and spiritual milestone.
  • By mentioning Solomon’s reign and the month, the verse links the temple project to a specific leader and time, grounding the story in real events rather than legend.