All these were of costly stones, according to the measures of hewed stones, sawed with saws, within and without, even from the foundation unto the coping, and so on the outside toward the great court.

1 KINGS 7:9KJV
Know the Bible

1 Kings 7:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 7:9 mean?

1 Kings 7:9 describes how all the structures being built—likely parts of Solomon’s palace complex—were made using expensive, carefully measured stones that were cut and finished with saws on both the inside and outside, from the foundation all the way up to the top, including the outer areas facing the main courtyard. The verse highlights the high quality and thorough craftsmanship used throughout the entire construction.

This verse is part of a detailed description of Solomon’s building projects, focusing here on the materials and methods used. The writer is explaining to readers how no expense or effort was spared, with every visible and hidden part of the buildings made from these costly, expertly worked stones, emphasizing the grandeur and permanence of Solomon’s constructions.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 7:9

  • The word for "costly" (יְקָר H3368, yeqar) means precious or valuable, showing that the stones used were not ordinary but chosen for their quality and worth.
  • "Stones" (אֶבֶן H68, ’even) is the basic word for stone, but paired with "costly" it underlines the impressive materials.
  • "Measures" (מִדָּה H4060, middah) refers to precise dimensions, indicating that each stone was carefully sized for its place.
  • "Sawed" (גָּזַר H1641, gazar) and "saws" (מְגֵרָה H4050, megērah) stress that the stones were not just roughly shaped but finely cut, which was a significant technical achievement for the time.
  • "Within" (בַּיִת H1004, bayit) and "without" (חוּץ H2351, chutz) show that the quality extended to both the interior and exterior surfaces.
  • "Foundation" (מוּסָדָה H4527, musadah) and "coping" (גַּפָּה H2947, gappah) mark the range—from the lowest to the highest parts—covered by this quality work.
  • "Great" (גָּדוֹל H1419, gadol) and "court" (חָצֵר H2691, chatzer) refer to the main courtyard, showing that even the most public, visible areas were built with the same care.

Why 1 Kings 7:9 matters

  • 1 Kings 7:9 clears up any idea that only the visible parts of Solomon’s buildings were made with care; the verse stresses that every part, seen or unseen, was constructed with the same high standards.
  • The verse emphasizes the wealth and resources available to Solomon, helping readers understand the scale and significance of his reign and projects.
  • By describing both the technical skill and the materials used, the verse connects to the larger theme of wisdom and excellence in the building of Israel’s most important structures.

Where else these words appear

“saws” Hebrew H4050 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Samuel 12:31 And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.
  • 1 Chronicles 20:3 And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

“coping” Hebrew H2947 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:26 And it was an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths.
  • 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.
  • Psalms 39:5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.

“sawed” Hebrew H1641 · used in 5 verses

  • Leviticus 11:7 And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.
  • Proverbs 21:7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
  • Jeremiah 30:23 Behold, the whirlwind of the LORD goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked.

“stones” Hebrew H1496 · used in 11 verses

  • Exodus 20:25 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.
  • 1 Kings 7:11 And above were costly stones, after the measures of hewed stones, and cedars.
  • Isaiah 9:10 The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.