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.

Where else these words appear

“Zif” Hebrew H2099 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Kings 6:37 In the fourth year was the foundation of the house of the LORD laid, in the month Zif:

“eightieth” Hebrew H8084 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 5:25 And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech:
  • 2 Samuel 19:35 I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?
  • 2 Chronicles 14:8 And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valour.

“fourth” Hebrew H7243 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 1:19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
  • 2 Samuel 3:4 And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
  • 1 Chronicles 27:7 The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.