1 Kings 6:33 kjv
So also made he for the door of the temple posts of olive tree, a fourth part of the wall.
1 Kings 6:33 nkjv
So for the door of the sanctuary he also made doorposts of olive wood, one-fourth of the wall.
1 Kings 6:33 niv
In the same way, for the entrance to the main hall he made doorframes out of olive wood that were one fourth of the width of the hall.
1 Kings 6:33 esv
So also he made for the entrance to the nave doorposts of olivewood, in the form of a square,
1 Kings 6:33 nlt
Then he made four-sided doorposts of wild olive wood for the entrance to the Temple.
1 Kings 6 33 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Construction Details & Materials | ||
| 1 Ki 6:31-32 | For the entrance of the inner sanctuary he made doors of olivewood... | Context for use of olivewood in temple doors |
| 1 Ki 6:34 | And for the great temple he made two doors of cypress wood... | Description of main entrance doors themselves |
| 1 Ki 7:5 | The doorways with their doorposts were square... | Solomon's house also had quadrangular openings |
| 2 Chr 3:5 | The greater house he paneled with cypress wood... | Parallel account of temple materials |
| 2 Chr 4:22 | the doors for the inner house...and the doors of the temple...of gold | Gold overlay on doors shows temple's richness |
| Exod 26:15 | frames of acacia wood...for the tabernacle. | Tabernacle used durable wood for structure |
| Exod 36:31 | posts of acacia wood with their bronze sockets. | Tabernacle structure details for portability |
| Ezek 40:16 | The gate chambers, and their jambs...were provided with windows... | Detailed architectural description of temple |
| Olive Wood Significance & Symbolism | ||
| Gen 8:11 | and behold, in her mouth was a freshly plucked olive leaf. | Olive leaf as a sign of peace and new beginnings |
| Lev 2:1 | If anyone brings a grain offering to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil on it... | Oil (from olives) as essential for offerings |
| Exod 27:20 | you shall command the people of Israel that they bring you pure beaten olive oil...for the lamp. | Olive oil for lamp-lighting in the Tabernacle |
| Zech 4:3 | and two olive trees by it... | Symbolic of anointed ones providing oil/light |
| Zech 4:11-14 | These are the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth. | Olive trees signify those empowered by God |
| Psa 52:8 | But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. | Olive tree as symbol of prosperity and security |
| Jer 11:16 | The LORD once called you ‘a green olive tree, beautiful with good fruit.’ | Israel as God's chosen "olive tree" |
| Rom 11:17 | But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in... | Grafting of Gentiles into God's spiritual "olive tree" |
| Spiritual Temple & Christ's Dwelling | ||
| Exod 25:8 | And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. | God's desire to dwell with His people |
| Hag 2:7 | I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. | God's presence as true glory of the Temple |
| Jn 2:21 | But he was speaking about the temple of his body. | Jesus as the ultimate Temple |
| 1 Cor 3:16 | Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? | Believers as the spiritual temple |
| Eph 2:21-22 | In whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. | The church as a growing spiritual dwelling |
| Heb 9:1-2 | For a tent was prepared, the first section...called the Holy Place. | Describes the structure of the Tabernacle/Temple |
1 Kings 6 verses
1 Kings 6 33 Meaning
1 Kings 6:33 describes a specific detail of the Solomonic Temple's construction, focusing on the main entrance to the Holy Place (the nave, or Hekal). It states that the doorposts for this entrance were made of olive wood and were "four-sided," or quadrangular in shape. This verse highlights the meticulous craftsmanship and the use of precious and symbolic materials, ensuring the grandeur and structural integrity of God's dwelling place on Earth.
1 Kings 6 33 Context
1 Kings Chapter 6 is dedicated entirely to detailing the construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, approximately 480 years after the Exodus (1 Ki 6:1). It elaborately describes the dimensions, materials, and various parts of the Temple, emphasizing its precise and magnificent design as God's dwelling place. The construction was undertaken by highly skilled Phoenician craftsmen under King Hiram of Tyre, alongside Solomon's laborers. Verse 33 falls within the section describing the inner doors and entrance ways to the main sanctuary, leading from the porch into the Holy Place (Hekal). This verse, like many others in the chapter, provides specific architectural information, showcasing the exceptional quality of materials and the sophisticated engineering involved in creating a structure befitting the glory of Yahweh, highlighting the intentional and comprehensive devotion dedicated to the house of God.
1 Kings 6 33 Word analysis
- So also for: Connects this specific detail to the broader, ongoing narrative of temple construction. It indicates a consistent standard and approach being applied.
- the entrance (פֶּתַח - petach): Refers to the main doorway, the opening into the primary section of the temple. It signifies access, passage, and demarcation between outer and inner spaces.
- of the temple (הַהֵיכָל - ha-Hekal): Specifically indicates the main sanctuary or nave, also known as the Holy Place. This is distinct from the Most Holy Place (Debir or Holy of Holies) described in preceding verses (1 Ki 6:31-32), and accessible to priests.
- he made: Refers to King Solomon, who oversaw and commissioned the construction under divine instruction and guidance, symbolizing his devotion and obedience.
- doorposts (מְזוּזוֹת - mezuzot): The upright side pieces of a door frame, crucial for supporting the door and bearing structural weight. Their careful construction reflects durability.
- of olive wood (עֲצֵי שֶׁמֶן - atzei-shemen): Literally "trees of oil," signifying the olive tree. This wood is renowned for its strength, durability, and resistance to decay, making it ideal for robust structures. Symbolically, the olive tree is deeply significant: it produces oil for anointing, light, and offerings (Lev 2:1; Exod 27:20-21), representing blessing, anointing by God, peace, fruitfulness, and divine presence. Its use in both the Holy of Holies (v. 31) and the Holy Place entrance underscores its sacred importance.
- four-sided (רְבִיעִית - revi'ith): The literal meaning of revi'ith is "a fourth part." However, in architectural contexts, particularly when describing posts or frames, it universally conveys a "square" or "quadrangular" cross-section. The Septuagint (LXX) translates it as "tetragōnos" (τετράγωνος), meaning "four-cornered" or "square," confirming this interpretation. This detail emphasizes the robust and sturdy nature of these posts, ensuring maximum support and stability for the heavy temple doors. This meticulous precision showcases dedication to building an enduring structure for God.
1 Kings 6 33 Bonus section
The consistent use of olive wood throughout various critical sections of the temple (inner sanctuary doors, cherubim, and nave entrance doorposts) signifies a thematic coherence in Solomon's choice of materials, highlighting sacredness and the concept of "anointed" space. The specificity regarding the "four-sided" design not only indicates architectural robustness but may also reflect an understanding of geometry and engineering principles for structural integrity. In contrast, the external courtyard may have utilized less ornate or symbolic wood. This verse serves as a subtle yet significant detail affirming that God desires excellence in all things dedicated to Him, down to the very foundations and supports of His sacred space.
1 Kings 6 33 Commentary
1 Kings 6:33 offers a succinct yet profound glimpse into the Solomonic Temple's design, stressing the blend of structural soundness and symbolic material choice. The choice of durable olive wood for critical elements like doorposts, mirroring its use in the Holy of Holies' doors and cherubim (1 Ki 6:23, 31-32), elevates the mundane act of construction into an act of worship. Olive wood, yielding oil for anointing and light, subtly imbues the temple's physical entrance with spiritual significance, pointing to God's presence, anointing, and provision. The "four-sided" or quadrangular form speaks not only to superior craftsmanship and strength—vital for bearing heavy doors and standing for centuries—but also echoes ancient concepts of perfection, completeness, and stability, qualities associated with God Himself.
This verse teaches that every detail of that which is dedicated to God matters. Just as Solomon's builders meticulously crafted doorposts, Christians are called to offer their best, in all aspects of life, as an act of worship. This translates into dedication, integrity, and excellence in personal character, community life, and spiritual service, remembering that believers are now the "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor 6:19) and are "being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit" (Eph 2:22).