1 Kings 6 31

1 Kings 6:31 kjv

And for the entering of the oracle he made doors of olive tree: the lintel and side posts were a fifth part of the wall.

1 Kings 6:31 nkjv

For the entrance of the inner sanctuary he made doors of olive wood; the lintel and doorposts were one-fifth of the wall.

1 Kings 6:31 niv

For the entrance to the inner sanctuary he made doors out of olive wood that were one fifth of the width of the sanctuary.

1 Kings 6:31 esv

For the entrance to the inner sanctuary he made doors of olivewood; the lintel and the doorposts were five-sided.

1 Kings 6:31 nlt

For the entrance to the inner sanctuary, he made double doors of wild olive wood with five-sided doorposts.

1 Kings 6 verses

1 Kings 6 31 Meaning

1 Kings 6:31 describes specific architectural elements of the Solomonic Temple, detailing the entrance to the Most Holy Place (the oracle). It states that the doors leading into this innermost sanctuary were crafted from olive wood, and their frame, encompassing the lintel and doorposts, was substantial, comprising one-fifth of the wall's dimension in either thickness or height. This emphasizes the sacredness and secure, distinct nature of the Debir, where God's presence was manifested.

1 Kings 6 31 Context

This verse is part of a detailed account in 1 Kings chapters 5-8 concerning the construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. Chapter 6 specifically describes the architecture, dimensions, materials, and internal furnishings of the Temple itself, often referred to as "the house of the LORD." This meticulous detail emphasizes the importance of the structure as the dedicated dwelling place for God's presence among His people.

Verse 31 focuses on the entrance to the "oracle" (Hebrew: debir), which is the innermost sanctum, the Most Holy Place, or Holy of Holies. This was the most sacred area, housing the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's throne and presence. Unlike the rest of the Temple accessible to priests, and parts of the court accessible to all Israelites, the Debir was only entered once a year by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement. The specific materials and dimensions for its doors and frame highlight its unparalleled sanctity and restricted access. Historically and culturally, this Temple's design, particularly the exclusivity of the Debir, stood in stark contrast to pagan temples of the era which often had more public access and visible idols.

1 Kings 6 31 Word analysis

• And for the entering of the oracle (וּלְפִתְחָ הַדְּבִיר, u-lĕfitḥā had-dĕbîr):

  • "Entering" (פִּתְחָה, pitḥah): Signifies the entrance or opening. The construction emphasizes the monumental gateway.
  • "The oracle" (הַדְּבִיר, had-dĕbîr): A transliteration of the Hebrew debir. This term specifically denotes the innermost chamber of the Temple, the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant rested. It means "the speaking place," emphasizing God's direct communication from above the mercy seat (Ex 25:22). This room was the sacred focal point of Israel's worship, symbolizing God's manifest presence among His people, yet set apart by strict boundaries.

• he made doors (דַּלְתוֹת עֲצֵי, dal-tōt ‘ăṣê):

  • "Doors" (דַּלְתּוֹת, daltōt): Plural, indicating a set of double doors. The presence of solid doors for the Holy of Holies, unlike the veil in the Tabernacle (Ex 26:31-33), underscores an even greater sense of permanent separation and restricted access in the Temple. It marked this space as profoundly sacred and untouchable.

• of olive tree (שֶׁמֶן, shemen):

  • "Olive tree" (עֵץ שֶׁמֶן, ‘etz shemen): Literally "tree of oil," referring to the olive wood. Olive wood is known for its durability, hardness, rich color, fine grain, and resistance to decay, making it a precious and ideal material for such an important part of the Temple. The olive tree itself held deep symbolism in Israel:
    • Anointing: Olive oil (shemen) was used for anointing priests, kings, and sacred objects (Ex 30:22-33), signifying consecration and the Holy Spirit's presence.
    • Light: Olive oil fueled the lamps in the Tabernacle and Temple.
    • Peace and prosperity: Symbolized by the dove returning to Noah with an olive leaf (Gen 8:11), and Israel as a fruitful olive tree.
    • Its use here highlights the sacred, anointed nature of the entrance to God's presence.

• the lintel and side posts (הָאַיִל הָרָבֻעַ, hā’ayil hārābūa‘...):

  • "Lintel" (הָאַיִל, ha'ayil): Refers to the main structural beam spanning the top of the doorframe. The text combines this with mezuzah, doorpost, though this specific phrase emphasizes the overall frame.
  • "Side posts" (הַמְזוּזוֹת, hammezuzāt - often grouped with lintel in context, specifically doorposts): The vertical supports on either side of the doorway. The precise Hebrew wording suggests a specific architectural framing element that includes the upper lintel and the vertical supports. Together, they form the sturdy entryway.

• were a fifth part of the wall (חֲמִישִׁית הַקִּיר, ḥamishît haqqîr):

  • "A fifth part" (חֲמִישִׁית, ḥamishit): Indicates a proportion of one-fifth. This could refer to:
    • Thickness: The doorframe assembly was one-fifth the thickness of the overall wall, suggesting an incredibly thick, strong, and deeply recessed entrance.
    • Width/Depth: The proportional depth or width of the entire framework.
    • Regardless of the exact measurement (thickness or depth), it signifies the substantial and robust nature of the entry. This detail emphasizes the monumental craftsmanship, the cost, and the profound significance placed upon this specific threshold as a physical boundary between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place.

1 Kings 6 31 Bonus section

The unique construction of the oracle's doors from olive wood, in contrast to the Tabernacle's veil, might reflect a move from the portable, more accessible Tent of Meeting to a permanent, grander structure emphasizing the solemnity and divine presence in a settled land. The olive tree was not only plentiful in Israel but its wood would age beautifully, deepening in color, and could even carry a distinct aroma, contributing to the sensory experience of the sacred space. Some scholars suggest that "a fifth part of the wall" could also refer to the design involving a unique "five-sided" framing, making the entrance extremely ornate and stable, further marking the spiritual importance of this most restricted threshold. This intricate detail reminds us that every element in God's dwelling, however seemingly minor, was meticulously planned and had spiritual significance, guiding the worshipers' understanding of His character and holiness.

1 Kings 6 31 Commentary

1 Kings 6:31 serves as a precise architectural note within the larger narrative of Solomon's Temple construction, but it carries profound theological weight. The specific mention of doors made of durable and symbolic olive wood for the Most Holy Place, rather than the temporary veil of the Tabernacle, signifies a heightened, permanent separation of God's most sacred dwelling. This reinforced the idea of God's transcendence and His set-apart presence. The considerable thickness of the doorframe ("a fifth part of the wall") underscores the monumental effort, preciousness of materials, and divine skill invested in making this entry absolutely distinct and impenetrable save by divine decree for the High Priest on a single day each year. It contrasts the unique and inaccessible nature of the true God from more open and accessible pagan deities, emphasizing the unique holiness and awe-inspiring nature of Yahweh. The deliberate choice of olive wood, with its rich connotations of anointing, light, and consecration, subtly points to the sacred character of what lies beyond this formidable threshold. This physical barrier prefigured the ultimate barrier of sin that separated humanity from God, which was removed only by Christ's sacrificial work (Matt 27:51; Heb 10:19-20).