1 Kings 6 9

1 Kings 6:9 kjv

So he built the house, and finished it; and covered the house with beams and boards of cedar.

1 Kings 6:9 nkjv

So he built the temple and finished it, and he paneled the temple with beams and boards of cedar.

1 Kings 6:9 niv

So he built the temple and completed it, roofing it with beams and cedar planks.

1 Kings 6:9 esv

So he built the house and finished it, and he made the ceiling of the house of beams and planks of cedar.

1 Kings 6:9 nlt

After completing the Temple structure, Solomon put in a ceiling made of cedar beams and planks.

1 Kings 6 verses

1 Kings 6 9 Meaning

This verse signifies the completion of the main structural edifice of Solomon's Temple, specifically the crucial act of installing the roof or upper ceiling using lavish and durable cedar wood. It highlights the thoroughness of the construction and the use of precious materials dedicated to the Lord's dwelling.

1 Kings 6 9 Context

1 Kings chapter 6 details the meticulous construction of Solomon's Temple, an undertaking of immense national significance and divine mandate. The verse follows the description of the foundation, the materials, and the remarkable "silent building" process where stones were prepared off-site (v. 7). Having laid the foundation and erected the stone structure, verse 9 marks a crucial phase: the roofing and upper finishing with costly cedar. This detail underscores the project's progression towards completion and the extraordinary dedication of resources to construct a suitable dwelling for God's Name. The use of cedar, largely imported from Lebanon, highlights the Temple's grandeur and sacred status. This historical event serves as a central point in Israel's history, symbolizing God's covenant presence among His people and Solomon's faithfulness in fulfilling his father David's vision, based on divine blueprint.

1 Kings 6 9 Word analysis

• So: (וַיִּבֶן vayyiven) Connects to the previous details, indicating a continuation in the building process, emphasizing consequence and progression.
• he built: (מִבָּנָה banah) Signifies the act of physical construction, establishment. In a biblical context, "building" a house for God (like the Temple) implies establishing a place for His dwelling and covenant presence (compare 2 Sam 7).
• the house: (הַבַּיִת haBayit) Refers specifically to the Temple, the "House of the Lord," signifying its unique theological importance as God's intended earthly dwelling place for His Name to reside.
• and finished it: (וַיְכַלֵּהוּ vayekallḗhu from kalah) Indicates completion, bringing to an end, often implying a state of perfection or readiness. This signals a major milestone in the construction, that the primary structural work was accomplished.
• and he covered: (וַיִּסְפֹּן vayispōn from sapan) A verb meaning "to cover with boards," "to panel," or "to ceil." This specifies the action of enclosing and adorning the structure's upper parts (the roof/ceiling) with wood, distinct from general construction. It speaks to the precise application of finishing elements.
• the house: (אֶת־הַבַּיִת 'et-haBáyit) Reiteration for clarity, emphasizing that the covering and paneling were applied to the same divine dwelling.
• with beams: (גֵּבִים gevīm) Translated as "coffers," "beams," or "ceiling planks." This term denotes the structural elements of the roof or ceiling, implying a specific type of wooden framework or decorative paneling system. It contributes to the grand architectural design.
• and boards: (Not explicitly a separate Hebrew word for "and boards" in some interpretations, rather gevīm ba'ărazīm refers to "coffers/beams of cedars" or "made with cedars." NKJV's "and boards" serves as a clarifying elaboration for the type of wooden components used with "beams".)
• of cedar: (בָּאֲרָזִים ba'ărazīm from erez) Cedar wood from Lebanon was highly valued for its durability, aromatic quality, natural resistance to decay, majestic appearance, and rarity in Israel. Its use emphasizes the Temple's royal grandeur, preciousness, and dedication to a holy purpose. It often symbolizes strength, beauty, and even divine blessing in Scripture.

1 Kings 6 9 Bonus section

The precise term sapan (covered/paneled) indicates more than just placing a roof; it implies a meticulous application of precious wood for aesthetic and structural integrity, especially to the inner ceiling and perhaps the upper portions of the interior walls. This intricate work points to the lavish care taken in the Lord's house, aligning with the pattern established in the Tabernacle's design, which also featured specific woods and coverings. The silence of the temple's construction, described earlier in the chapter (1 Ki 6:7), underscores the orderly and sacred nature of the building process, ensuring the Lord's house was set apart in every detail from conception to completion. The sheer volume of cedar required would have involved massive logistical operations, further testifying to the scale of devotion involved in this divine project.

1 Kings 6 9 Commentary

1 Kings 6:9 details a crucial stage in the Temple's construction: the completion of the main structure and its sophisticated roofing or ceiling. The verb "finished" signifies a major milestone, demonstrating Solomon's diligent adherence to the divine plans for the Temple. The phrase "he covered the house with beams and boards of cedar" indicates not just the functional roofing but also the elaborate internal paneling of the upper sections, specifically the ceiling, using the highly esteemed cedar of Lebanon. This choice of material underscores the Temple's extraordinary value and permanence as the dwelling place for the Name of God. It was built with the finest, most durable wood available, mirroring the preciousness of God's presence among His people. The careful completion points to the fulfillment of God's command and David's longing for a proper house for the Ark of the Covenant, and implicitly stands as a testament to God's desire for a beautiful and permanent abode for His Name.