1 Kings 6 15

1 Kings 6:15 kjv

And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar, both the floor of the house, and the walls of the ceiling: and he covered them on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir.

1 Kings 6:15 nkjv

And he built the inside walls of the temple with cedar boards; from the floor of the temple to the ceiling he paneled the inside with wood; and he covered the floor of the temple with planks of cypress.

1 Kings 6:15 niv

He lined its interior walls with cedar boards, paneling them from the floor of the temple to the ceiling, and covered the floor of the temple with planks of juniper.

1 Kings 6:15 esv

He lined the walls of the house on the inside with boards of cedar. From the floor of the house to the walls of the ceiling, he covered them on the inside with wood, and he covered the floor of the house with boards of cypress.

1 Kings 6:15 nlt

The entire inside, from floor to ceiling, was paneled with wood. He paneled the walls and ceilings with cedar, and he used planks of cypress for the floors.

1 Kings 6 verses

1 Kings 6 15 Meaning

This verse describes the exquisite interior finishing of Solomon's Temple, highlighting the comprehensive use of luxurious wood. The entire inside structure, from the floor to the walls and ceiling, was meticulously lined and covered with expensive, aromatic, and durable timber, specifically cedar for the inner walls and fir for the floor. This detailed description underscores the sacredness and unparalleled grandeur of the space dedicated to the Lord.

1 Kings 6 15 Context

1 Kings chapter 6 details the construction of Solomon's Temple, Israel's central place of worship and the dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant. The preceding verses (1 Kgs 6:1-14) describe the dimensions, external appearance, and a crucial divine promise regarding God's continued presence if Solomon and Israel remained faithful. Verse 15 marks a transition from the general structure and external materials (large stones, carefully dressed off-site) to the specific, lavish internal finishes. Historically, during Solomon's reign, Israel reached an unparalleled height of prosperity and architectural prowess, enabled by regional peace and extensive trade, making such an opulent project feasible. This grand Temple reflected both the kingdom's glory and its devotion to YHWH, in contrast to smaller or less permanent structures of surrounding pagan cults. The extensive use of imported, fine wood, covered eventually with gold (mentioned later in the chapter), further differentiates this structure as singularly magnificent and worthy of the True God.

1 Kings 6 15 Word analysis

• And he built: In Hebrew, vayyiven (וַיִּבֶן), derived from the root banah (בנה), meaning "to build" or "to establish." It implies careful, deliberate, and purposeful construction, a primary undertaking by Solomon as the commissioned leader. This building was not haphazard but engineered with divine wisdom.

• the walls of the house within: The phrase is qiyrôt hab-bayit mib-bayit (קִירוֹת הַבַּיִת מִבַּיִת).

  • Qiyrôt (קִירוֹת): "walls," referring to the internal surfaces or partitions rather than the massive outer stone structure.
  • Hab-bayit (הַבַּיִת): "the house," specifically referring to the Temple of the Lord.
  • Mib-bayit (מִבַּיִת): "from within" or "on the inside," strongly emphasizing that this describes the interior finishing. This distinction highlights that while the exterior might have been less adorned, the hidden, holy inner sanctum was adorned beyond compare.

• with boards of cedar: b'tsal'ot arazim (בְּצַלְעוֹת אֲרָזִים).

  • Tsal'ot (צַלְעוֹת): Often translated as "boards," but literally "ribs" or "sides." This suggests a paneling or framework construction, interlocking planks forming a smooth internal surface.
  • Arazim (אֲרָזִים): "cedar" or "cedars." Specifically, cedars of Lebanon (Cedrus libani), highly prized for their durability, pest resistance, rich reddish hue, and aromatic fragrance. They were exceptionally valuable, representing royalty, majesty, strength, and permanence in the ancient Near East. Their use signaled ultimate luxury and sanctity.

• both the floor of the house, and the walls of the cieling: mi-qarqa' hab-bayit 'ad-hat-tiqrâh (מִקַּרְקַע הַבַּיִת עַד-הַתִּקְרָה).

  • Mi-qarqa' (מִקַּרְקַע): "from the floor" or "from the bottom." Qarqa' (קַרְקַע) literally means "ground" or "base."
  • Ad-hat-tiqrâh (עַד-הַתִּקְרָה): "unto the ceiling" or "up to the roof." Tiqrâh (תִּקְרָה) refers to the ceiling, often indicating the ceiling beams or paneling. This phrase signifies a comprehensive covering, extending from the very bottom to the very top, leaving no interior surface unadorned. It underscores the complete sanctity of the space.

• and he covered them on the inside with wood: wa-y'tsaf mib-bayit 'etz (וַיְצַף מִבַּיִת עֵץ).

  • Wa-y'tsaf (וַיְצַף): "and he overlaid," "covered," or "paneled." This verb often denotes decorative overlaying or sheathing.
  • Mib-bayit 'etz (מִבַּיִת עֵץ): "on the inside with wood." This reaffirms the purpose of the precious woods: not just for structural support but as a luxurious inner surface covering.

• and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir: qarqa' hab-bayit b'luḥot b'rosh (קַרְקַע הַבַּיִת בְּלוּחֹת בְּרוֹשׁ).

  • Qarqa' hab-bayit (קַרְקַע הַבַּיִת): "the floor of the house." Repetition for emphasis on the floor's specific material.
  • B'luḥot (בְּלוּחֹת): "with planks" or "with tablets." Luḥot refers to flat, broad, sturdy pieces, suggesting thick flooring panels.
  • B'rosh (בְּרוֹשׁ): "fir" or "cypress." While still highly valued and durable, fir wood (Cupressus sempervirens or Juniperus excelsa) was typically less expensive than cedar but still considered a premium material for construction, particularly for flooring due to its robustness. Its inclusion showcases varied yet consistently high-quality materials throughout the Temple.

Words-group analysis:

• "he built the walls... with boards of cedar": This phrase details the primary structural internal material for the walls, chosen for its unparalleled quality, fragrance, and regal association, fit for God's dwelling.
• "from the floor... to the ceiling": This indicates the comprehensive nature of the wood covering. No part of the interior was left unadorned; the sacred space was meticulously finished from top to bottom.
• "he covered them on the inside with wood": This emphasizes the aesthetic and sacred overlay. The wood serves not just as a structural element, but as a decorative and hallowing layer, separating the holy interior from the ordinary external world.
• "covered the floor... with planks of fir": This specifies a different, yet still highly valuable, wood for the floor. The variation in materials demonstrates thoughtful design and utilization of best-suited, distinct quality timbers for different sections of the sacred interior.

1 Kings 6 15 Bonus section

• Symbolic Opulence: The use of costly and beautiful woods like cedar and fir was not merely for human comfort or display. In the ancient world, it symbolized divine presence, permanence, and blessing. Such materials were reserved for royal palaces and divine dwellings, affirming God's supreme kingship.
• Distinction from Pagan Temples: While neighboring cultures also built temples, the extent and purity of materials in the Jerusalem Temple, solely dedicated to an invisible God who prohibited idols, was a powerful statement. The absence of a tangible image meant the focus shifted to the quality of the sacred space itself as a vessel for God's holy presence. The internal beauty invited a reverential posture rather than idolatry.
• Emphasis on the Internal: The elaborate interior design suggests that God's glory and true dwelling are not outwardly ostentatious but inwardly majestic. This hints at the New Testament truth that the true dwelling of God is within His people (the spiritual temple), beautiful by His Spirit.
• God's Choice in Materials: Even the natural qualities of the wood – durability, fragrance, resistance to decay – could be seen as metaphors for God's eternal nature, the sweet savor of worship, and the incorruptible truth of His Word.

1 Kings 6 15 Commentary

1 Kings 6:15 vividly portrays the interior splendor of Solomon's Temple, a stark contrast to its external appearance built of undressed stone. The meticulous application of precious woods—cedar for walls and ceiling, fir for the floor—speaks volumes about the honor and reverence afforded to YHWH. This was no ordinary building; every internal surface was clothed in magnificent materials, sourced from afar and indicative of great wealth and craftsmanship. This detailing served a theological purpose, representing the divine presence as beautiful, precious, and utterly unique, transcending human perception of dwelling. The hidden, inner glory of God was reflected in the exquisite and unseen (to the public) inner sanctum, moving from the utilitarian function of the outer walls to the beautiful consecration within, embodying God's glory being unveiled to those in true relationship with Him.