For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about.

1 KINGS 7:36KJV
Know the Bible

1 Kings 7:36 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 7:36 mean?

1 Kings 7:36 describes how decorative images—cherubim, lions, and palm trees—were carefully engraved on the panels and borders of the stands made for Solomon’s temple, with each design sized to fit its specific place and with extra ornamental details all around. The verse highlights the detailed craftsmanship and artistry used in making the temple furnishings.

This verse is part of a larger section where the writer describes the construction and decoration of the temple’s bronze stands, overseen by Hiram for King Solomon. The focus is on the beauty and care put into the temple’s design, showing that every part, even the supports and borders, was richly ornamented with meaningful symbols.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 7:36

  • "plates" (לוּחַ, luach): This word refers to flat panels or boards, emphasizing that the engravings were made on visible surfaces, not hidden parts.
  • "graved" (פָּתַח, patach): This word means to carve or engrave, showing that the images were not painted but carefully cut into the metal, requiring skill and effort.
  • "cherubims" (כְּרוּב, keruv): These are angelic figures often associated with God’s presence, suggesting that the decorations had spiritual significance, not just artistic value.
  • "proportion" (מִדָּה, middah): This word points to the idea that each image was made to fit its allotted space, showing thoughtful planning and precision in the work.

Why 1 Kings 7:36 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that temple furnishings were plain or purely functional; instead, they were highly decorated with symbolic images.
  • The mention of cherubim, lions, and palm trees connects the temple’s art to broader biblical themes of protection, royalty, and life, reflecting Israel’s beliefs.
  • The detailed description in this verse helps readers appreciate the skill and intention involved in building Solomon’s temple, highlighting its importance in Israel’s worship.

Where else these words appear

“proportion” Hebrew H4626 · used in 2 verses

  • Nahum 3:5 Behold, I am against thee, saith the LORD of hosts; and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, and I will shew the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame.

“additions” Hebrew H3914 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:29 And on the borders that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and cherubims: and upon the ledges there was a base above: and beneath the lions and oxen were certain additions made of thin work.
  • 1 Kings 7:30 And every base had four brasen wheels, and plates of brass: and the four corners thereof had undersetters: under the laver were undersetters molten, at the side of every addition.

“borders” Hebrew H4526 · used in 14 verses

  • Exodus 25:25 And thou shalt make unto it a border of an hand breadth round about, and thou shalt make a golden crown to the border thereof round about.
  • 2 Samuel 22:46 Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places.
  • 1 Kings 7:32 And under the borders were four wheels; and the axletrees of the wheels were joined to the base: and the height of a wheel was a cubit and half a cubit.

“trees” Hebrew H8561 · used in 16 verses

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Ezekiel 41:18 And it was made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces;