1 Kings 6 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter continues the author’s description of how Solomon built a temple for Yahweh. It describes the design, dimensions, and decorations of the temple. 1. Introductory statement (6:1) 2. Dimensions and features of the temple (6:2–10) 3. Yahweh’s encouragement to Solomon (6:11–13) 4. The paneling, decoration, and gilding of the temple (6:14–22, 29–30) 5. The cherubs (6:23–28) 6. The doors (6:31–35) 7. The courtyard (6:36) 8. Concluding statement (6:37–38)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

The significance of quiet on the temple building site

The author notes in [6:7](../06/07.md) that “hammers or the chisel, any implement of iron, was not heard in the house in its being built.” This detail speaks to the sacred nature of the building project. The stones were prepared off-site, and the wood was meticulously carved before being brought to the temple area. This practice ensured that the construction process was peaceful and reverent, without the noise of hammering, chiseling, or carving. This was a physical manifestation of God’s command for a peaceful and pure place of worship, distinguishing the temple from ordinary man-made structures.

The numerical significance of dimensions

The author describes the measurements of the temple in detail. He notes its length of 60 cubits, width of 20 cubits, and height of 30 cubits. All of these numbers are even multiples of ten, and the width and height divide evenly into the length. The author also notes that the inner sanctuary or Holy of Holies was 20 cubits long, wide, and high, so it was a perfect cube. As the notes to [6:31](../06/31.md) and [6:33](../06/33.md) explain, it appears that the doors of the temple and the inner sanctuary were perfect squares and even divisions (one fifth and one fourth) of the dimensions of the walls in which they were set. These precise and harmonious dimensions were intended to create a sacred space. The author reports them in detail to emphasize that the temple’s design was not Solomon’s idea but the fulfillment of specific instructions that Yahweh had given to David for a sanctuary appropriate to his perfections and presence.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

“cubit”

Throughout this chapter, the author gives distance measurements in “cubits.” These cubits were a unit of measurement corresponding to the distance between an average person’s elbow and middle fingertip, or about 46 centimeters or about 18 inches. If it would be helpful to your readers, throughout this chapter you could express these lengths in modern measurements, either in the text of your translation or in a footnote. The UST models one way to do that.

“by the cubit”

In many places in this chapter, the author uses the phrase “by the cubit” to express a distance the way people in his culture would. In your translation, express this distance the way a speaker of your language naturally would. For example, when the author says of the temple porch in 6:3, “Ten by the cubit was its depth,” you might say, “It was ten cubits deep.” (See: figs-idiom)

“house”

Throughout this chapter, the author uses the term “house” to mean the temple that Solomon built for Yahweh. He is speaking as if the temple were a house in which Yahweh lived. The term “house” indicates that Yahweh was especially present in his temple. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say “temple” in your translation rather than “house.” (See: figs-metaphor)

name of a person representing that person and associated or accompanying people

Throughout this chapter, the author uses Solomon to represent the many workers who were involved in constructing the temple. For example, he says of Solomon in [6:4](../06/04.md) that “he made for the house windows with narrowed frames.” He means that Solomon’s workers did this. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly, in this instance and throughout this chapter, as the UST does. (See: figs-synecdoche)

“second”

Several times throughout this chapter, the author uses the term “second.” If your language would not represent a number in such a form, you could represent this number in a form that your language would use. For example, in [6:1](../06/01.md), rather than say “the second month,” you might say “month two.” In [1:1](../01/01.md), rather than say “the second wing,” you might say “the other wing.” (See: translate-ordinal)