1 Kings 6 32

1 Kings 6:32 kjv

The two doors also were of olive tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubim and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubim, and upon the palm trees.

1 Kings 6:32 nkjv

The two doors were of olive wood; and he carved on them figures of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold; and he spread gold on the cherubim and on the palm trees.

1 Kings 6:32 niv

And on the two olive-wood doors he carved cherubim, palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid the cherubim and palm trees with hammered gold.

1 Kings 6:32 esv

He covered the two doors of olivewood with carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. He overlaid them with gold and spread gold on the cherubim and on the palm trees.

1 Kings 6:32 nlt

These double doors were decorated with carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. The doors, including the decorations of cherubim and palm trees, were overlaid with gold.

1 Kings 6 verses

1 Kings 6 32 Meaning

This verse meticulously details the construction of the doors leading into the innermost sanctuary of Solomon's Temple, known as the "oracle" or the Holy of Holies. These doors were expertly crafted from olive wood, and their supporting posts were dimensioned precisely to be one-fifth the width of the surrounding wall, signifying the supreme sanctity and distinct architecture of this most sacred space where the Ark of the Covenant would reside and God's manifest presence was uniquely symbolized.

1 Kings 6 32 Context

1 Kings chapter 6 details the construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, approximately 480 years after the Exodus from Egypt. This chapter systematically describes the dimensions, materials, and intricate design elements of the Lord's house, emphasizing its grandeur and divine purpose as the permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people, replacing the movable Tabernacle. The construction spans seven years, highlighting meticulous attention to divine specifications. Verse 32, specifically, focuses on the access to the "oracle" (the Most Holy Place), the innermost and most sacred chamber where the Ark of the Covenant would reside. The use of precious materials and precise measurements for this section underlines its singular holiness and restricted access, only for the High Priest on the Day of Atonement. Historically, this magnificent temple served as the religious and spiritual epicenter for the Israelite nation, symbolizing God's covenant faithfulness and His accessible presence.

1 Kings 6 32 Word analysis

• And for the entering of the oracle: This phrase signifies access to the most sacred part of the temple. The "oracle" (Hebrew: dəbîr, דְּבִיר), derived from a root meaning "to speak," denotes the innermost sanctuary or Most Holy Place. It was considered the divine presence's localized dwelling and the place from which God might speak or give commands, reflecting its immense spiritual significance.

• he made doors: The construction of specific doors indicates a deliberate entrance, suggesting both controlled access and a distinct separation of space. Unlike the Tabernacle's veil, doors add a sense of permanence and grandeur suitable for a built temple, emphasizing the weighty solemnity of approaching God's most intimate presence.

• of olive tree: (Hebrew: ʿēṣ šemen, עֵץ שֶׁמֶן), literally "tree of oil." The olive tree was highly valued for its dense, durable wood, known for resistance to decay and insects. Symbolically, the olive tree is deeply rooted in biblical tradition, representing prosperity, peace, endurance, fruitfulness, and divine anointing (as its oil was used for lighting and consecration). Its selection for the Holy of Holies doors underscores enduring sanctity and divine favor for the sanctuary.

• the posts thereof: Refers to the vertical supports or jambs of the door frame, structurally essential and artistically significant in defining the entrance.

• were a fifth part of the wall: This detail refers to a precise architectural dimension, indicating exceptional craftsmanship and unique design. While interpretations vary (e.g., the posts' thickness relative to the wall, or a tapering design), it consistently signifies that these doorposts were proportionally massive or designed to create a prominent, impressive threshold into the Most Holy Place. This precision underscores the sacred nature of the entry, separating the "Holy Place" from the "Most Holy Place" with distinct and significant architectural boundaries.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "for the entering of the oracle he made doors": This highlights the deliberate design of the entryway into the holiest section. It's not a mere opening, but a meticulously crafted threshold signifying guarded, revered, and intentional access to God's symbolic dwelling.
  • "doors of olive tree": More than simply a material, the "olive tree" choice infuses symbolic meaning. It suggests lasting quality (durability), sacred anointing (oil), and perhaps even divine peace, befitting the place where God’s presence was manifested.
  • "the posts thereof were a fifth part of the wall": This unique dimensional specification emphasizes an intentional, non-standard architectural feature, signifying both a remarkable feat of engineering for the era and a distinct visual marker of profound holiness. It points to a unique structural strength or visual prominence designed to differentiate this gateway.

1 Kings 6 32 Bonus section

• The extensive use of olive wood, alongside cedar and gold, emphasizes Solomon's dedication to providing the most precious and enduring materials for God's house, reflecting the ultimate worth of God Himself.
• The contrast between the doors to the outer Holy Place and the inner Most Holy Place would have been stark. While both featured significant doors (as detailed in 1 Kgs 6:33-35 for the Holy Place doors made of cypress and overlaid with gold), the specific use of olive wood and the unique dimensional detail for the oracle's doors signify an even greater degree of sanctity and distinction for this innermost chamber.
• The meticulous adherence to detailed architectural plans for the Temple parallels the earlier Tabernacle's construction (Exodus 25-30), implying that such divine blueprints or divinely inspired design principles were integral to establishing proper worship for the Lord.

1 Kings 6 32 Commentary

1 Kings 6:32, within the grand narrative of Temple construction, delineates the precise materials and dimensions of the doors leading into the innermost sanctuary, the "oracle" or Holy of Holies. These doors, crafted from durable olive wood with exceptionally proportioned posts, underscore the sacredness and the deeply restricted nature of this holy space. The olive wood itself carries multiple layers of symbolism: its inherent strength and longevity denote the enduring presence of God and His covenant, while its association with oil signifies anointing, consecration, light, and divine blessing—all appropriate for the dwelling of the Most High. The architectural precision of the "fifth part of the wall" suggests that access was not arbitrary, but controlled and distinguished by substantial and intentional design. These physical boundaries and their specific construction conveyed the truth that humanity approaches a holy God on His terms, through a designated way. Ultimately, these intricate doors, representing a physical barrier, anticipate the greater theological reality that the "veil" to God's immediate presence would later be torn by Christ's sacrifice, opening a "new and living way" for all believers into the heavenly Holy of Holies.