And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.

1 KINGS 6:35KJV
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1 Kings 6:35 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 6:35 mean?

1 Kings 6:35 describes how Solomon decorated the doors of the temple’s inner sanctuary by carving images of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers into the wood, then overlaying these carvings with gold that was carefully fitted to the detailed work. This verse highlights the beauty and craftsmanship involved in building the temple.

Solomon, as king of Israel, is overseeing the construction of the temple in Jerusalem, which is meant to be a dwelling place for God’s presence among the people. The verse focuses on the artistic details of the temple doors, showing the care and reverence given to every part of the building. The specific mention of cherubim, palm trees, and flowers points to symbolic and decorative choices that reflect both heavenly and natural themes.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 6:35

  • "cherubims" (כְּרוּבִים, keruvim): This word refers to angelic beings often associated with guarding sacred spaces. Their presence on the doors emphasizes the holiness and protection of the sanctuary.
  • "open" (פְּתוּחִים, petuchim): This word means "open" or "unfolded," describing the flowers as being in full bloom. It adds a sense of life and beauty to the carvings, not just static decoration.
  • "fitted" (יָשַׁר, yashar): This word can mean "to make straight" or "to fit properly." Here, it suggests that the gold overlay was carefully shaped to match the contours of the carved designs, showing the high level of skill involved.

Why 1 Kings 6:35 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the temple was plain or functional only; it was built with great artistry and attention to detail, reflecting its importance.
  • The combination of cherubim, palm trees, and flowers connects the temple’s design to both heavenly realities and the beauty of creation, showing a blend of spiritual and earthly symbolism.
  • By describing the gold as "fitted upon the carved work," the verse highlights the dedication and resources invested in making the temple a worthy place for worship.

Where else these words appear

“work” Hebrew H2707 · used in 4 verses

  • Job 13:27 Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks, and lookest narrowly unto all my paths; thou settest a print upon the heels of my feet.
  • Ezekiel 8:10 So I went in and saw; and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, pourtrayed upon the wall round about.
  • Ezekiel 23:14 And that she increased her whoredoms: for when she saw men pourtrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion,

“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 6:32 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.

“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.

“flowers” Hebrew H6731 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 28:36 And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
  • 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.
  • Isaiah 28:1 Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine!