And the house which king Solomon built for the LORD, the length thereof was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits.
1 KINGS 6:2KJVWhat does 1 Kings 6:2 mean?
1 Kings 6:2 describes the size of the temple that King Solomon built for the LORD, stating its length was sixty cubits, its width was twenty cubits, and its height was thirty cubits. This verse gives the basic dimensions of the building, showing its considerable size and the care taken in its construction.
The verse is part of a larger section where the author details Solomon’s building of the temple in Jerusalem, a major event for Israel. The measurements are given in cubits, an ancient unit roughly equal to 18 inches, and are meant to convey the grandeur and significance of the structure dedicated to the LORD.
The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 6:2
- "house" (בַּיִת, bayit): This word refers specifically to the temple as the "house" or dwelling place of the LORD, emphasizing its role as a sacred space.
- "cubits" (אַמָּה, ammah): The repeated use of this word for measurement shows the importance of exactness and order in the temple’s construction, reflecting reverence for the LORD.
- "Solomon" (שְׁלֹמֹה, Shelomoh): Naming Solomon highlights his role as the builder, fulfilling his father David’s wish and God’s promise.
Why 1 Kings 6:2 matters
- The verse clarifies that the temple was a large, carefully measured building, not a small or improvised structure, which shows the importance placed on worship and the presence of God.
- By giving specific dimensions, the verse connects to the detailed instructions for sacred spaces found elsewhere in the Bible, such as the tabernacle, showing continuity in Israel’s worship practices.
- The focus on Solomon as the builder links this event to God’s promises to David and the establishment of Jerusalem as the religious center for Israel.