So he built the house, and finished it; and covered the house with beams and boards of cedar.

1 KINGS 6:9KJV
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1 Kings 6:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 6:9 mean?

1 Kings 6:9 describes how Solomon completed the main structure of the temple in Jerusalem, finishing the building and covering it with beams and boards made from cedar wood. This verse highlights the completion of the temple’s basic construction and the use of high-quality materials for its roof.

Solomon is overseeing the building of the temple, a major project for the people of Israel, as described in the surrounding chapters. The verse marks a key milestone: the main house (the sanctuary) is finished and protected with a sturdy cedar roof. The use of cedar, a prized and durable wood, shows the care and value placed on this sacred building.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 6:9

  • "built" (בָּנָה, banah): This word often means to construct or establish, and here it emphasizes the careful, intentional work put into the temple.
  • "covered" (סָפַן, saphan): This word means to cover or panel, especially with wood, and it shows that the temple was not just built but also finished with a protective and decorative layer.
  • "beams" (גָּב, gav): This word refers to the structural supports, indicating that the roof was solid and well-supported.
  • "boards" (שְׂדֵרָה, sederah): This word points to the planks or panels used, highlighting the craftsmanship in finishing the roof.
  • "cedar" (אֶרֶז, erez): Cedar wood was known for its strength and pleasant scent, and its use here underlines the temple’s importance and the resources devoted to its construction.

Why 1 Kings 6:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the temple was not just a simple shelter but a carefully constructed and beautifully finished building, reflecting its sacred purpose.
  • The mention of cedar beams and boards connects to earlier agreements Solomon made with the king of Tyre, showing the international cooperation involved in building the temple.
  • Understanding the construction details helps readers appreciate the scale and significance of Solomon’s temple in Israel’s history.

Where else these words appear

“beams” Hebrew H1356 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Kings 3:16 And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches.
  • Jeremiah 14:3 And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, and found no water; they returned with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads.

“boards” Hebrew H7713 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Kings 11:8 And ye shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand: and he that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain: and be ye with the king as he goeth out and as he cometh in.
  • 2 Kings 11:15 But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her forth without the ranges: and him that followeth her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the LORD.
  • 2 Chronicles 23:14 Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds that were set over the host, and said unto them, Have her forth of the ranges: and whoso followeth her, let him be slain with the sword. For the priest said, Slay her not in the house of the LORD.

“covered” Hebrew H5603 · used in 6 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:21 And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments with Israel.
  • 1 Kings 7:3 And it was covered with cedar above upon the beams, that lay on forty five pillars, fifteen in a row.
  • Jeremiah 22:14 That saith, I will build me a wide house and large chambers, and cutteth him out windows; and it is cieled with cedar, and painted with vermilion.

“cedar” Hebrew H730 · used in 69 verses

  • Leviticus 14:4 Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:
  • 1 Kings 7:3 And it was covered with cedar above upon the beams, that lay on forty five pillars, fifteen in a row.
  • Psalms 148:9 Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: