The two doors also were of olive tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims, and upon the palm trees.

1 KINGS 6:32KJV
Know the Bible

1 Kings 6:32 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 6:32 mean?

1 Kings 6:32 describes how the two doors at the entrance to the inner sanctuary of Solomon’s temple were made from olive wood and decorated with carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, then covered with gold, including the carved figures themselves. This verse highlights the detailed craftsmanship and the precious materials used in building the temple’s most sacred space.

King Solomon is overseeing the construction of the temple in Jerusalem, and this verse focuses on the doors leading into the inner sanctuary, also called the Most Holy Place. The carvings of cherubim (angelic beings), palm trees, and flowers, along with the gold overlay, show the care and reverence given to this part of the temple, reflecting its spiritual importance for Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 6:32

  • The word for "cherubims" is כְּרוּבִים (keruvim), which refers to angelic figures often associated with guarding sacred spaces. Their presence on the doors emphasizes the holiness and protection of the inner sanctuary.
  • "Palm trees" uses the word תָּמָרִים (tamarim), which are a symbol of beauty and flourishing in ancient Israel. Including them in the design suggests a sense of life and blessing within the temple.
  • The word for "overlaid" is צָפָה (tsafah), meaning to cover or plate with a thin layer, here specifically with gold. This detail shows that even the carved decorations were not left plain but were made even more splendid by being covered in gold.
  • "Open flowers" comes from פְּרָחִים (perachim), meaning blossoms. These likely added to the visual richness and may have symbolized new life or creation.

Why 1 Kings 6:32 matters

  • This verse shows the extraordinary care and resources invested in the temple, underlining its central place in Israel’s worship and national identity.
  • The specific mention of cherubim, palm trees, and flowers connects the temple’s design to themes of Eden and God’s presence, which run throughout the Bible.
  • By describing the gold overlay on both the doors and the carvings, the verse emphasizes the value and sacredness of the space, helping readers understand why the temple was so revered.

Where else these words appear

“carvings” Hebrew H4734 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Kings 6:18 And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen.
  • 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
  • 1 Kings 7:31 And the mouth of it within the chapiter and above was a cubit: but the mouth thereof was round after the work of the base, a cubit and an half: and also upon the mouth of it were gravings with their borders, foursquare, not round.

“spread” Hebrew H7286 · used in 4 verses

  • Judges 19:11 And when they were by Jebus, the day was far spent; and the servant said unto his master, Come, I pray thee, and let us turn in into this city of the Jebusites, and lodge in it.
  • Psalms 144:2 My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.
  • Isaiah 45:1 Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

“carved” Hebrew H7049 · used in 7 verses

  • Judges 20:16 Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.
  • 1 Samuel 25:29 Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.
  • 1 Kings 6:35 And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.

“open” Hebrew H6362 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Samuel 19:10 And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.
  • 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
  • 1 Chronicles 9:33 And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and night.