1 Kings 6:29 kjv
And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubim and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
1 Kings 6:29 nkjv
Then he carved all the walls of the temple all around, both the inner and outer sanctuaries, with carved figures of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers.
1 Kings 6:29 niv
On the walls all around the temple, in both the inner and outer rooms, he carved cherubim, palm trees and open flowers.
1 Kings 6:29 esv
Around all the walls of the house he carved engraved figures of cherubim and palm trees and open flowers, in the inner and outer rooms.
1 Kings 6:29 nlt
He decorated all the walls of the inner sanctuary and the main room with carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers.
1 Kings 6 29 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 3:24 | ...He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden... | Cherubim guarding sacred access and divine presence |
| Exod 25:18-20 | ...make two cherubim of gold...mercy seat...wings spread upward... | Cherubim positioned over the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's throne |
| Exod 31:3-5 | I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill...in cutting of stones for settings, and in carving wood, to work in all kinds of craftsmanship. | Divine empowerment for sacred craftsmanship and carving |
| Lev 23:40 | ...take for yourselves the fruit of majestic trees, palm branches... | Palm trees used in the Feast of Tabernacles, symbolizing joy and God's provision |
| Num 17:8 | ...the rod of Aaron...had sprouted and put forth buds, produced blossoms... | Aaron's flowering rod, a sign of divine selection and life |
| Ps 92:12 | The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. | Palm trees symbolize the prosperity and uprightness of the righteous |
| Isa 35:1-2 | The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad...the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus. | Prophetic vision of barren lands blossoming, symbolizing restoration and life |
| Isa 40:6-8 | All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field...The grass withers, the flower fades...the word of our God will stand forever. | Flowers symbolizing the transient beauty of creation versus eternal divine word |
| Ezek 1:4-5, 10-12 | ...from its midst came the likeness of four living creatures...each had four faces... | Cherubim as celestial beings associated with God's glory and movement |
| Ezek 10:1-2 | ...vision of the cherubim... | Reinforces the heavenly association of cherubim with God's presence |
| Song 2:1 | I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. | Flowers as symbols of beauty and love in rich imagery |
| 1 Kgs 6:18 | ...the cedar of the house within was carved with ornamental knots and open flowers; all was cedar, no stone was seen. | Further detail on Temple internal ornamentation |
| 1 Kgs 6:32 | Also on the two doors of olive wood He carved carved works of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers... | Consistency of carved motifs throughout the Temple doors |
| 1 Kgs 7:36 | ...and on its panels He engraved cherubim, lions, and palm trees, according to the space of each, with ornamental borders all around. | Similar motifs found on other Temple furnishings |
| 2 Chron 3:7 | He also carved cherubim on the walls, and palm trees, and flowers... | Parallel account confirms the widespread use of these carvings |
| Hag 2:7 | And I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts. | The ultimate glory of the Temple from God, not just human craftsmanship |
| Zech 8:12 | For the seed shall be prosperous, the vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce... | Fruitfulness as a sign of God's blessing, resonating with natural imagery |
| Heb 9:5 | ...and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. | Cherubim in the heavenly tabernacle, pointing to the true access to God |
| Rev 4:6-8 | ...four living creatures, full of eyes in front and in back...each had six wings... | Heavenly creatures around God's throne, reminiscent of Ezekiel's cherubim |
| Rev 7:9 | ...a great multitude...standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands... | Palm branches symbolize victory, triumph, and worship in heaven |
| John 2:19-21 | Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” | Jesus foreshadows His body as the new Temple, superseding the physical structure |
| Eph 2:20-22 | ...you are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. | Believers forming a spiritual temple where God dwells through His Spirit |
| Rev 21:1-3 | Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth...and the dwelling place of God is with man. | Ultimate fulfillment: God's perpetual dwelling with His people in New Creation |
| Rev 22:1-2 | ...river of the water of life...on either side of the river was the tree of life... | Garden of Eden imagery re-emerges in the New Jerusalem, signifying restored paradise |
1 Kings 6 verses
1 Kings 6 29 Meaning
1 Kings 6:29 describes the comprehensive decoration of the interior walls of Solomon’s Temple, emphasizing the pervasive and intricate carvings throughout both the main sanctuary (Holy Place) and the innermost chamber (Most Holy Place). These carvings consisted of specific symbolic imagery: cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. This detailed adornment underscored the Temple's sacredness as the dwelling place of God, filled with heavenly symbolism and reminders of creation's beauty and purity, and distinguished it from pagan temples that often depicted idols.
1 Kings 6 29 Context
1 Kings chapter 6 details the construction of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, emphasizing the immense scale, precious materials, and intricate design. Verse 29 specifically focuses on the interior ornamentation, revealing the deep symbolic and artistic considerations. This followed God’s instructions and the general architectural customs of the ancient Near East, yet with unique Israelite theological meaning. The Temple was central to Israelite worship and was seen as God's physical dwelling place among His people, inheriting the spiritual significance of the earlier Tabernacle. The rich decoration was not merely aesthetic but conveyed theological truths about God’s glory, creation, and heavenly presence, while also serving to set apart the sacred space.
1 Kings 6 29 Word analysis
- And he carved (וַיְקַר, vayeqar from פָּתַח, pathach): This verb implies more than simple cutting; it refers to engraving or sculpturing intricate, detailed designs. It highlights the craftsmanship involved, potentially divinely inspired as seen with the Tabernacle artisans (Exod 31:3-5).
- all the walls (כֹּל קִירוֹת, kol qirot): "All" emphasizes that no internal surface was left undecorated, signifying complete dedication and consecration of the entire sacred space.
- of the house (הַבַּיִת, habbayit): Specifically refers to the Temple, the "House of Yahweh," distinguishing it as God’s unique dwelling on earth.
- all around (סָבִיב סָבִיב, saviv saviv): This repetition ("around and around") intensifies the idea of comprehensive coverage, indicating the pervasive nature of the sacred decoration throughout the interior.
- with carved figures of cherubim (מִקְלְעוֹת כְּרֻבִים, miqlə‘oṯ keruvim):
- Miqlə‘oṯ: Refers to engraved or sculptured works, reinforcing the idea of high-level artistry.
- Keruvim: Cherubim are celestial beings associated with guarding sacred spaces (Gen 3:24), God’s presence, and His throne (Ezek 1, 10). Their inclusion links the earthly Temple to heavenly realities, suggesting divine guardianship and majesty, without being objects of worship themselves.
- palm trees (וְתִמֹרוֹת, v'timorot): Palm trees (
תִּמֹרֹת) often symbolize righteousness, victory, prosperity, and life (Ps 92:12; Rev 7:9). In ancient Near Eastern cosmology, they could represent sacred groves or paradisiacal settings, associating the Temple with Edenic bliss and divine favor. - and open flowers (וּפְטוּחֵי צִיצִים, u'ptuḥei tzitzim): Literally "and opened blossoms." These signify beauty, vitality, growth, and the delicate wonders of creation (Song 2:1-2; Isa 40:6-8). Their "open" state suggests blossoming, thriving life and divine craftsmanship at its peak.
- in the inner and outer rooms (הַפְּנִימִית וְלַחִיצוֹנָה, ha-pnimiyah v'la-chitzonah): This clarifies that the decoration extended from the Most Holy Place (inner room, Dəbir) to the Holy Place (outer room, Heykhal). This ensures that every part of the consecrated space, from the most accessible to the most holy, was fully adorned with divine symbolism.
1 Kings 6 29 Bonus section
The decorative scheme of the Temple can be understood as creating a "microcosm" of creation or a representation of God's dwelling, extending from an earthly garden (paradise imagery) into the celestial realm (cherubim). This design not only elevated the aesthetics but was catechetical, reminding the Israelites of God’s sovereignty over creation and His transcendent, yet immanent, presence. The meticulous detail (even in parts less visible) signified the absolute dedication and consecration, where every element mattered for the glory of God. This Temple foreshadows the glory of the New Creation where God will fully dwell among His people (Rev 21-22), bringing all of creation under His reign, symbolized by the "Tree of Life" and natural beauty present once more.
1 Kings 6 29 Commentary
1 Kings 6:29 emphasizes the meticulous craftsmanship and profound symbolism integral to Solomon’s Temple. The pervasive use of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers transformed the physical structure into a visual theological statement. These symbols were not merely decorative; they powerfully communicated theological truths. The cherubim connected the Temple to the heavenly realm and Eden, reminding the worshipper of God's holy presence and protective oversight. Palm trees and open flowers, drawn from creation, conveyed themes of life, growth, righteousness, and the beauty of God's order, linking the sanctuary to a restored paradise. Crucially, these specific choices of imagery, as opposed to idols, reinforced Israel's unique monotheistic worship and served as an implicit polemic against the polytheistic practices of surrounding nations. The consistent ornamentation across both the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place underscored that the entire "house" was wholly set apart for God’s glory and presence.