And for the house he made windows of narrow lights.

1 KINGS 6:4KJV
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1 Kings 6:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 6:4 mean?

1 Kings 6:4 describes how Solomon built the temple with windows that were narrow and let in light. The verse highlights a specific architectural detail of the temple, showing that the windows were designed to be slim or narrow, possibly for both light and security.

Solomon, as king of Israel, is overseeing the construction of the temple in Jerusalem, a major project described in detail in this chapter. This verse focuses on the windows, which are not wide open spaces but rather carefully crafted openings. The detail about "narrow lights" suggests a balance between letting in daylight and maintaining the structure’s strength and privacy.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 6:4

  • The word for "windows" is חַלּוֹן (ḥallon), which refers to an opening or window. In the context of ancient buildings, these were often small for protection and climate control.
  • The word for "narrow" is אֲטֻמוֹת (atumot), which can mean closed, narrow, or latticed. This suggests the windows were not just small but possibly had some kind of covering or latticework.
  • The word for "lights" is שָׁקֶף (shaqef), meaning something that lets in light. This emphasizes that the windows, though narrow, were meant to allow daylight into the temple.

Why 1 Kings 6:4 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that the temple was not a dark, windowless building; it was designed to let in light, but in a controlled way.
  • The architectural detail shows the care and thought put into the temple’s construction, reflecting both practical needs and symbolic meaning.
  • By mentioning the windows specifically, the verse connects to the broader theme of the temple as a place both set apart and open to God’s presence, balancing security with illumination.

Where else these words appear

“lights” Hebrew H8261 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:4 And there were windows in three rows, and light was against light in three ranks.

“narrow” Hebrew H331 · used in 8 verses

  • Psalms 58:4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;
  • Proverbs 21:13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
  • Ezekiel 40:16 And there were narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows were round about inward: and upon each post were palm trees.

“windows” Hebrew H2474 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 8:6 And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:
  • 2 Kings 9:30 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.
  • Ezekiel 40:22 And their windows, and their arches, and their palm trees, were after the measure of the gate that looketh toward the east; and they went up unto it by seven steps; and the arches thereof were before them.