And the candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right side, and five on the left, before the oracle, with the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs of gold,

1 KINGS 7:49KJV
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1 Kings 7:49 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 7:49 mean?

1 Kings 7:49 describes how ten golden candlesticks, five on each side, were placed in front of the inner sanctuary ("the oracle") of Solomon’s temple, along with their decorative flowers, lamps, and golden tongs. This verse lists specific items made of pure gold that were part of the temple’s furnishings.

This description comes as part of a detailed account of King Solomon overseeing the building and outfitting of the temple in Jerusalem. The verse highlights the care and richness with which the temple was furnished, showing both the craftsmanship and the importance placed on worship. The “oracle” refers to the Most Holy Place, and these items were set before it as part of the temple’s sacred service.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 7:49

  • מְנֹרָה (menorah, H4501): This word means "candlestick" or "lampstand." Here, it refers to the ten lampstands made for the temple, distinct from the single menorah described in the tabernacle.
  • דָּהָב (zahav, H2091): This word means "gold." The repeated mention of gold emphasizes the value and purity of the temple objects.
  • פֶּרַח (perach, H6525): This word means "flower." The lampstands were decorated with flower-like designs, showing artistic detail.
  • דְּבִיר (devir, H1687): This word means "oracle" and refers to the innermost sanctuary, the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.

Why 1 Kings 7:49 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Solomon’s temple had ten lampstands, not just one, which is a notable difference from the tabernacle described earlier in the Bible.
  • The detailed mention of gold and decorative elements shows the temple’s splendor and the importance of beauty and reverence in worship.
  • By listing these items in connection with the “oracle,” the verse connects the outer furnishings to the most sacred part of the temple, highlighting the careful arrangement and significance of temple worship.

Where else these words appear

“tongs” Hebrew H4457 · used in 6 verses

  • Exodus 25:38 And the tongs thereof, and the snuffdishes thereof, shall be of pure gold.
  • Exodus 37:23 And he made his seven lamps, and his snuffers, and his snuffdishes, of pure gold.
  • 2 Chronicles 4:21 And the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, made he of gold, and that perfect gold;

“flowers” Hebrew H6525 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 25:31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.
  • Exodus 37:19 Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick.
  • 2 Chronicles 4:5 And the thickness of it was an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; and it received and held three thousand baths.

“oracle” Hebrew H1687 · used in 16 verses

  • 1 Kings 6:5 And against the wall of the house he built chambers round about, against the walls of the house round about, both of the temple and of the oracle: and he made chambers round about:
  • 1 Kings 6:22 And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with gold.
  • 2 Chronicles 3:16 And he made chains, as in the oracle, and put them on the heads of the pillars; and made an hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains.

“candlesticks” Hebrew H4501 · used in 31 verses

  • Exodus 25:31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.
  • Exodus 37:18 And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof:
  • Numbers 8:3 And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses.