1 Kings 7 36

1 Kings 7:36 kjv

For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof, he graved cherubim, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about.

1 Kings 7:36 nkjv

On the plates of its flanges and on its panels he engraved cherubim, lions, and palm trees, wherever there was a clear space on each, with wreaths all around.

1 Kings 7:36 niv

He engraved cherubim, lions and palm trees on the surfaces of the supports and on the panels, in every available space, with wreaths all around.

1 Kings 7:36 esv

And on the surfaces of its stays and on its panels, he carved cherubim, lions, and palm trees, according to the space of each, with wreaths all around.

1 Kings 7:36 nlt

Carvings of cherubim, lions, and palm trees decorated the panels and corner supports wherever there was room, and there were wreaths all around.

1 Kings 7 verses

1 Kings 7 36 Meaning

The verse describes the detailed artistic embellishments on the panels and frames of the movable stands crafted for the Temple’s bronze lavers. These elaborate decorations included carved cherubim, lions, and palm trees, executed with precision to fit the designated spaces and complemented by additional ornamental features surrounding them. It highlights the intricate craftsmanship dedicated to every element of Solomon's Temple, even the functional items, imbuing them with theological symbolism and beauty befitting the house of God.

1 Kings 7 36 Context

This verse is part of a detailed account in 1 Kings 7 describing Solomon's construction of the Temple and his own palace, a building project that lasted thirteen years. Specifically, verses 27-39 detail the making of ten bronze stands (מְכֹנֹות mekonot) and their associated bronze lavers (kiyorot) which were used for washing sacrificial animals. The lavers and stands were positioned on both sides of the Temple building. Verse 36 zeroes in on the decorative elements that adorned these stands, emphasizing the incredible attention to detail and artistic mastery involved. Historically, the use of such imagery on religious objects would have been understood within a cultural context where iconography often conveyed power, sanctity, and connection to the divine, contrasting sharply with the profane or idolatrous uses of similar imagery by surrounding pagan nations.

1 Kings 7 36 Word analysis

• And on the plates (וּבְלֻחֹת uveluḥot): Luḥot (לֻחֹת) refers to planks, tablets, or panels. These were the flat surfaces or sections on the movable stands where the engravings were made. This signifies the considerable surface area dedicated to artistic expression on functional items.
• of the ledges thereof (שִׁלּוּבֵיהֶם shilluveihem): Shilluveihem (from shiluv, שִׁלּוּב) refers to the joint work, paneling, or frame members that interconnected to form the structure of the stands. These weren't just decorative panels, but were integrated into the structural components, emphasizing holistic design.
• and on the borders thereof (וּבְמִסְגְּרֹתֵיהֶם uvmisgeroteihem): Misgerot (מִסְגְּרֹת) means frameworks, enclosures, or borders. This highlights the decorative bands or edges around the panels, further defining the space for the engravings. This meticulous bordering emphasizes sacred boundaries and careful craftsmanship.
• he graved (פִּתַּח pittaḥ): Pittaḥ (פִּתַּח) means "he carved," "engraved," or "sculpted." It denotes a high level of skilled artistry, creating relief or intaglio work. It was not merely painted, but physically formed into the bronze.
• cherubims (כְּרֻבִים kruvim): Heavenly, winged beings frequently depicted guarding sacred spaces or associated with God's throne and presence. Their inclusion signifies divine protection, sanctity, and the heavenly connection of the Temple. In the ancient Near East, guardian figures were common; here, they specifically relate to Yahweh’s dwelling.
• lions (אֲרָיֹות arayot): Lions symbolize strength, majesty, royal power, and guardianship. In this context, they likely represent the strength and sovereignty of God, or perhaps Israel's royal strength under Davidic kingship. They were a common protective motif in ancient art.
• and palm trees (וְתִמֹרֹת vetimorot): Palm trees symbolize fruitfulness, beauty, flourishing, righteousness, and victory. They were frequently used as decorative elements in the ancient Near East and appear elsewhere in the Temple (e.g., 1 Ki 6:29, 32). Their presence signifies life, vitality, and the thriving nature of God’s dwelling place.
• according to the proportion of every one (כְּמַעַר אִישׁ ke-maʿar ish): Literally "according to the clear space of each one." This indicates that the engravings were not uniformly sized or arbitrarily placed but meticulously fitted to the available spaces on each individual stand's paneling. This speaks to a precise, intentional design rather than haphazard decoration, maximizing the visual impact and sacred order.
• and additions round about (וְעַתּוּדוֹת סָבִיב veʿattudot saviv): ʿAttudot (עַתּוּדוֹת) can mean projections, protuberances, or ornamental figures (possibly rams or ram heads as a symbol of strength/leadership). These were additional, surrounding decorative or structural embellishments, further enhancing the stands' intricate beauty and perhaps providing structural reinforcement or handles. The detail indicates comprehensive and lavish adornment.

1 Kings 7 36 Bonus section

• The sheer cost and labor involved in the Temple construction, particularly in the detailed bronze work, underscored the profound value placed on the worship of Yahweh. The materials and skills represented a significant portion of Israel's national wealth and human capital.
• Hiram, the craftsman from Tyre, was uniquely skilled in working with bronze, having a Phoenician heritage known for its advanced metallurgy and artistic traditions. His collaboration with Solomon signifies an international effort for God's glory, transcending national boundaries through shared skill and divine inspiration (see 2 Chr 2:13-14).
• The repetitive use of these motifs (cherubim, lions, palm trees) throughout the Temple's various components (walls, doors, curtains, vessels) created a unified and immersive sacred environment, reinforcing thematic messages of divine presence, royal power, and flourishing life within God’s sanctuary. This consistency points to a cohesive architectural vision.

1 Kings 7 36 Commentary

1 Kings 7:36 illustrates the remarkable blend of artistic grandeur and theological significance imbued in the practical furnishings of Solomon's Temple. Every surface, even on utilitarian objects like the lavers' stands, was transformed into a canvas reflecting divine glory. The chosen imagery – cherubim, lions, and palm trees – was not arbitrary but laden with symbolism: cherubim representing the divine presence and guardianship, lions conveying strength and royalty, and palm trees symbolizing flourishing life and righteousness. This level of detail underscores that nothing within God’s house was considered too small or insignificant for meticulous and beautiful craftsmanship. The precise fitting of these decorations "according to the clear space" available highlights a divine order and perfect design, where beauty and utility coalesce in harmony. It stands in contrast to common pagan altars that might have grotesque or purely ritualistic figures, emphasizing the holiness and unique nature of Israel's worship, which honored Yahweh through supreme beauty and craftsmanship directed by His wisdom. The Temple, as an earthly dwelling for God's presence, was meant to be a microcosm of heavenly splendor, where every element testified to His majesty.