1 Kings 7 9

1 Kings 7:9 kjv

All these were of costly stones, according to the measures of hewed stones, sawed with saws, within and without, even from the foundation unto the coping, and so on the outside toward the great court.

1 Kings 7:9 nkjv

All these were of costly stones cut to size, trimmed with saws, inside and out, from the foundation to the eaves, and also on the outside to the great court.

1 Kings 7:9 niv

All these structures, from the outside to the great courtyard and from foundation to eaves, were made of blocks of high-grade stone cut to size and smoothed on their inner and outer faces.

1 Kings 7:9 esv

All these were made of costly stones, cut according to measure, sawed with saws, back and front, even from the foundation to the coping, and from the outside to the great court.

1 Kings 7:9 nlt

From foundation to eaves, all these buildings were built from huge blocks of high-quality stone, cut with saws and trimmed to exact measure on all sides.

1 Kings 7 verses

1 Kings 7 9 Meaning

This verse describes the exquisite and thorough craftsmanship of the stone used in Solomon's palace complex, including his own residence, the House of the Forest of Lebanon, and the adjacent great court. It emphasizes that every stone, from the foundation to the highest point, whether inside or out, was meticulously prepared with precise measurements and skilled cutting, signifying unparalleled quality, durability, and a grand scale of construction.

1 Kings 7 9 Context

1 Kings chapter 7 primarily describes Solomon's extensive building projects in Jerusalem following the completion of the Temple. While chapter 6 details the Temple's construction, chapter 7 focuses on the various components of Solomon's own palace complex: the House of the Forest of Lebanon, the Porch of Pillars, the Porch of the Throne (or Judgment), and his own private residence, along with the housing for Pharaoh's daughter. This entire complex took thirteen years to build (1 Kgs 7:1). Verse 9, specifically, details the consistent high quality and meticulous preparation of the stone used throughout these immense structures, including the associated great court. It highlights the scale, precision, and opulence of Solomon's kingdom at its zenith, demonstrating Israel's wealth and skilled craftsmanship under divine favor, which extended not just to the sacred Temple but also to the secular royal buildings. The quality here mirrors the careful work put into the Temple, showcasing Solomon's dedication to grand, durable construction in his kingdom. Historically, this level of sophisticated stonework and architecture would have been remarkable and a testament to Solomon's power and access to resources and skilled labor from Tyre and beyond. It implicitly contrasts the temporary nature of idol worship sites and emphasizes the permanence and solidity desired for a divinely ordained kingdom.

1 Kings 7 9 Word analysis

• All these were of costly stones:
  • Costly stones (Hebrew: ʾăḇānîm yĕqārōṯ - אֲבָנִים יְקָרוֹת): Refers to valuable, precious, or expensive stones. This emphasizes the luxurious and high-grade nature of the materials, indicative of Solomon's immense wealth and dedication to building with the finest resources. These would likely have been quarried from distant and hard-to-access locations, signifying a vast network and substantial effort. Their use suggests a deliberate intent for beauty, grandeur, and durability that would stand the test of time.
• hewed after the measures:
  • Hewed (Hebrew: maʿaṣāḏ - מַעֲצָד): Implies rough-hewing or shaping, probably with a chisel or ax-like tool. It points to the initial quarrying and preliminary shaping of the stone blocks.
  • After the measures (Hebrew: lĕmiddōṯ - לְמִדּוֹת): This phrase is critical. It signifies precision, uniformity, and adherence to specific architectural plans and standards. The stones were not simply irregular blocks but were cut to exact dimensions, allowing for tight, stable construction and a clean, seamless appearance. This speaks to advanced engineering and a highly organized workforce.
• sawed with saws:
  • Sawed with saws (Hebrew: məḡōrāh - מְגֹרָה): The use of "saws" (plural) for cutting stone indicates an advanced level of technology for the ancient world. It implies very fine, straight cuts, not just rough shaping. This precision would result in closely fitting joints, essential for structural integrity and a refined finish. It points to a sophisticated understanding of material processing.
• inside and out:
  • Inside and out (Hebrew: mibbáyiṯ ūmîḥûṣ - מִבַּיִת וּמִחוּץ): This phrase stresses the comprehensive quality control. Every surface of the stone, whether visible externally or internally, received the same meticulous treatment. It suggests no shortcuts were taken, and the aesthetic and structural integrity were uniform throughout the construction, even in unseen parts. This speaks to thoroughness and dedication to excellence beyond mere appearance.
• even from the foundation unto the coping:
  • Foundation (Hebrew: yəsôḏ - יְסוֹד): The base of the structure, which needs to be strong and stable to bear the weight of the entire building.
  • Coping (Hebrew: ṭəfāḥôṯ - טְפָחוֹת): The top layer of stones, often forming a parapet or finishing course on a wall. It represents the very uppermost part of the structure. This phrase emphasizes that the high-quality craftsmanship extended to every single stone, from the ground level to the roofline, signifying a commitment to continuous excellence throughout the entire height of the buildings. It conveys completeness and structural integrity from top to bottom.
• and so on the outside unto the great court:
  • On the outside unto the great court (Hebrew: ūmîḥûṣ ʿad-heḥāṣēr haggĕḏōlāh - וּמִחוּץ עַד-הֶחָצֵר הַגְּדוֹלָה): This indicates that the superior craftsmanship and quality of materials were not confined to the main buildings alone. Even the expansive exterior courtyards leading up to the palace complex were constructed with the same costly, precisely cut, and perfectly finished stones. This demonstrates the monumental scale of Solomon's construction projects and the pervasive standard of excellence across the entire royal complex, showcasing the immense power and wealth of the kingdom.

1 Kings 7 9 Bonus section

The descriptions in 1 Kings 7:9 of precise measurements and sawing imply a level of architectural and engineering advancement beyond what might be typically assumed for the ancient Near East without a text like this. Such details are consistent with Solomon's renowned wisdom, suggesting it manifested not just in judgment but also in practical administration, resource management, and monumental building programs. The employment of "saws" for stone points to a specialized trade, potentially leveraging techniques learned from the highly skilled Phoenician craftsmen employed by Solomon (mentioned in earlier chapters), making it a truly collaborative international endeavor. This high standard set for the earthly kingdom's structures provides a foundational reference for understanding how meticulous care and quality were valued in Israel, whether for God's dwelling or for the king's.

1 Kings 7 9 Commentary

1 Kings 7:9 paints a vivid picture of the sheer quality and grandeur of Solomon's construction efforts for his palace complex. It moves beyond just stating "costly stones" to detail how those stones were prepared: "hewed after the measures" and "sawed with saws." This reveals an extraordinary level of precision and technological sophistication for that era, ensuring tight-fitting joints and structural integrity. The phrase "inside and out" underscores the uniform quality applied to every part of the stone, not just the visible surfaces, signifying an unparalleled commitment to excellence and a total lack of superficiality. Furthermore, the description extends from "foundation unto the coping" and "on the outside unto the great court," emphasizing that this meticulous craftsmanship permeated the entire massive project, from the lowest visible layer to the highest, and across all sections, including the expansive outdoor areas. This verse showcases the zenith of Israelite wealth, skill, and power under Solomon, a testament to God's blessing on his kingdom, manifest in durable and magnificent architectural works designed to reflect the glory of the king and, implicitly, the divine order he represented. This high standard echoes the earlier description of the Temple, suggesting that even Solomon's royal dwellings bore the hallmark of divine favor and ordered craftsmanship.