1 Kings 6:21
1 Kings 6:21 in Multiple Translations
So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he extended gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, which was overlaid with gold.
So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle; and he overlaid it with gold.
So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he drew chains of gold across before the oracle; and he overlaid it with gold.
Solomon had all the inside of the house covered with gold, and he put chains of gold across in front of the inmost room, which itself was covered with gold.
Solomon had the whole of the inside of the Temple covered with pure gold, He had gold chains stretched across the front of the inner sanctuary, which was also covered with gold.
So Salomon couered the house within with pure golde: and he shut the place of the oracle with chaines of gold, and couered it with golde.
And Solomon overlayeth the house within with gold refined, and causeth [it] to pass over in chains of gold before the oracle, and overlayeth it with gold.
So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold. He drew chains of gold across before the inner sanctuary, and he overlaid it with gold.
So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle; and he overlaid it with gold.
And the house before the oracle he overlaid with most pure gold, and fastened on the plates with nails of gold.
Solomon told them to cover the other walls inside the temple with very thin sheets of pure gold and to fasten gold chains across the entrance to the Very Holy Place.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 6:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 6:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְצַ֨ף
שְׁלֹמֹ֧ה
אֶת
הַ/בַּ֛יִת
מִ/פְּנִ֖ימָה
זָהָ֣ב
סָג֑וּר
וַ/יְעַבֵּ֞ר
ב/רתיקות
בְּ/רַתּוּק֤וֹת
זָהָב֙
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
הַ/דְּבִ֔יר
וַ/יְצַפֵּ֖/הוּ
זָהָֽב
וַ/יְצַ֨ף
tsâphâh
H6823
to overlay
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
שְׁלֹמֹ֧ה
Shᵉlômôh
H8010
Solomon
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/בַּ֛יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Art | N-ms
מִ/פְּנִ֖ימָה
pᵉnîymâh
H6441
within
Prep | Adv
זָהָ֣ב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
N-ms
סָג֑וּר
çâgar
H5462
to shut
N-ms
וַ/יְעַבֵּ֞ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
ב/רתיקות
rattîyqâh
H7572
chain
Prep | N-fp
בְּ/רַתּוּק֤וֹת
rattîyqâh
H7572
chain
Prep | N-fp
זָהָב֙
zâhâb
H2091
gold
N-ms
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
הַ/דְּבִ֔יר
dᵉbîyr
H1687
sanctuary
Art | N-ms
וַ/יְצַפֵּ֖/הוּ
tsâphâh
H6823
to overlay
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
זָהָֽב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 6:21
וַ/יְצַ֨ף
tsâphâh
H6823
"to overlay"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
Tsaphah can also mean to overlay or cover something, often with metal. It involves laying something over another material, like plating or coating.
Definition: 1) to lay out, lay over, overlay, cover 1a) (Piel) to overlay, plate, stud 1b) (Pual) to be laid over
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: cover, overlay. See also: Exodus 25:11; Exodus 38:2; Proverbs 26:23.
שְׁלֹמֹ֧ה
Shᵉlômôh
H8010
"Solomon"
N-proper
Shelomoh, or Solomon, was a king of Judah and successor of his father David, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:14 and known for his wisdom.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.5.14; son of: David (H1732) and Bathsheba (H1339); brother of: Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727) and Nathan (H5416); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); married to daughter_of_Pharaoh (H6547P) and Naamah (H5279A); father of: Taphath (H2955), Basemath (H1315) and Rehoboam (H7346); also called Jedidiah at 2Sa.12.25; § Solomon = "peace" son of David by Bathsheba and 3rd king of Israel; author of Proverbs and Song of Songs
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: Solomon. See also: 2 Samuel 5:14; 1 Kings 9:25; 2 Chronicles 7:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/בַּ֛יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
מִ/פְּנִ֖ימָה
pᵉnîymâh
H6441
"within"
Prep | Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means inside or within something, like a house or a room. It is used to describe a location or direction, such as in 1 Kings 6:23. It refers to being faceward or inward.
Definition: toward the inside, within, faceward
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: (with-) in(-ner part, -ward). See also: Leviticus 10:18; 2 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 45:14.
זָהָ֣ב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
סָג֑וּר
çâgar
H5462
"to shut"
N-ms
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.
וַ/יְעַבֵּ֞ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
ב/רתיקות
rattîyqâh
H7572
"chain"
Prep | N-fp
This word refers to a chain, like the kind used to bind or connect things. It is similar to another Hebrew word for chain. The concept of chains is seen in the book of Exodus.
Definition: chain Another spelling of rat.toq (רַתּוֹק "chain" H7569)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: chain. See also: 1 Kings 6:21.
בְּ/רַתּוּק֤וֹת
rattîyqâh
H7572
"chain"
Prep | N-fp
This word refers to a chain, like the kind used to bind or connect things. It is similar to another Hebrew word for chain. The concept of chains is seen in the book of Exodus.
Definition: chain Another spelling of rat.toq (רַתּוֹק "chain" H7569)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: chain. See also: 1 Kings 6:21.
זָהָב֙
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/דְּבִ֔יר
dᵉbîyr
H1687
"sanctuary"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for the innermost part of the temple or tabernacle, the most holy place where God's presence dwelled. It is also translated as oracle, emphasizing its role in divine communication.
Definition: 1) the holy of holies, the innermost room of the temple or tabernacle 1a) hindmost chamber, innermost room of the temple of Solomon, most holy place, holy of holies 2) (TWOT) oracle
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: oracle. See also: 1 Kings 6:5; 1 Kings 7:49; Psalms 28:2.
וַ/יְצַפֵּ֖/הוּ
tsâphâh
H6823
"to overlay"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
Tsaphah can also mean to overlay or cover something, often with metal. It involves laying something over another material, like plating or coating.
Definition: 1) to lay out, lay over, overlay, cover 1a) (Piel) to overlay, plate, stud 1b) (Pual) to be laid over
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: cover, overlay. See also: Exodus 25:11; Exodus 38:2; Proverbs 26:23.
זָהָֽב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 6:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 6:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 6:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 6:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 6:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 6:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 6:21
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 6:21
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 6:21
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 6:21
Context — The Temple’s Interior
19Solomon also prepared the inner sanctuary within the temple to set the ark of the covenant of the LORD there.
20The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold, and he also overlaid the altar of cedar.
21So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he extended gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, which was overlaid with gold.
22So he overlaid with gold the whole interior of the temple, until everything was completely finished. He also overlaid with gold the entire altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary. 23In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim, each ten cubits high, out of olive wood.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 3:7–9 | He overlaid its beams, thresholds, walls, and doors with gold, and he carved cherubim on the walls. Then he made the Most Holy Place; its length corresponded to the width of the temple—twenty cubits long and twenty cubits wide. And he overlaid the inside with six hundred talents of fine gold. The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. He also overlaid the upper area with gold. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 3:14–16 | He made the veil of blue, purple, and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim woven into it. In front of the temple he made two pillars, which together were thirty-five cubits high, each with a capital on top measuring five cubits. He made interwoven chains and put them on top of the pillars. He made a hundred pomegranates and fastened them into the chainwork. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 6:5 | Against the walls of the temple and the inner sanctuary, Solomon built a chambered structure around the temple, in which he constructed the side rooms. |
| 4 | Exodus 36:34 | And he overlaid the frames with gold and made gold rings to hold the crossbars. He also overlaid the crossbars with gold. |
| 5 | Exodus 26:32–33 | Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood, overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. |
| 6 | Exodus 26:29 | Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold. |
1 Kings 6:21 Summary
In 1 Kings 6:21, Solomon covers the inside of the temple with pure gold, showing how much God's presence is worth to him. He also hangs gold chains across the front of the most holy place, reminding us of the special boundary between God and us. This helps us remember to respect and honor God, like in Psalm 96:9, which says we should worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. By giving God our best, like Solomon did, we can show our love and reverence for Him, just as it says in Matthew 22:37 to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of overlaying the temple with pure gold in 1 Kings 6:21?
The use of pure gold in the temple represents the value and worth of God's presence, emphasizing the importance of purity and holiness in worship, as seen in Psalm 93:5, which says God's palace is holy.
Why did Solomon extend gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary?
The gold chains may have served as a visual reminder of the separation between the holy place and the most holy place, symbolizing the boundary between God's presence and the rest of the temple, similar to the veil in Exodus 26:33.
Is the inner sanctuary the same as the most holy place?
Yes, the inner sanctuary in 1 Kings 6:21 refers to the most holy place, the innermost chamber of the temple where the ark of the covenant was kept, as described in 1 Kings 6:19 and Exodus 25:10-22.
What can we learn from Solomon's attention to detail in the construction of the temple?
Solomon's carefulness in building the temple demonstrates the importance of giving our best to God, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24, which encourages us to work wholeheartedly for the Lord.
Reflection Questions
- How can I reflect the value and worth of God's presence in my own life and worship?
- What boundaries or separations do I need to establish in my life to protect my relationship with God and prioritize my worship?
- In what ways can I, like Solomon, give my best to God in my daily life and service?
- How does the description of the temple's beauty and grandeur inspire my own desire to worship and honor God?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 6:21
So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold,.... The inside of the holy of holies with fine gold, which gold amounted to six hundred talents, 2 Chronicles 3:8; and these to 7,332,000 ducats
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 6:21
So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle; and he overlaid it with gold.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 6:21
The house, or, that house, to wit, the oracle. With pure gold: compare . He made a partition by the chains of gold, i.e. he made a veil, which was upon or before the partition; or which was a further partition between the holy and the most holy; which veil did hang upon these golden chains. Others render it thus, he closed or shut (as the word signifies in the Chaldee dialect, from which divers Hebrew words borrow their signification) it (i.e. the house now mentioned, to wit, the door of it) with chains or bars of gold. Before the oracle, i.e. in the outward part of the wall, or partition, which was erected between the. oracle and the holy place; which is properly said to be before the oracle, which was the space within, and beyond that partition; for there the veil was hung, and there the chains or bars, or whatsoever it was which fastened the doors of the oracle, were placed. He overlaid it, to wit, the partition; which he here distinguisheth from the house, or the main walls of the house, which he had in the former part of this verse told us were overlaid with gold; and now he affirms as much of the partition.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 6:21
1 Kings 6:21 So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle; and he overlaid it with gold.Ver. 21. So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold.] Gold of Parnaim: he embellished it also with precious stones.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 6:21
(21) He made a partition by (the) chains of gold before the oracle.—This phrase is difficult. The LXX. and Vulg. have wholly different readings; but our translation appears to be substantially correct, and to signify either that Solomon made a chain-work decoration on the partition, or (perhaps more probably) that he made a golden chain to go across the entrance in the partition before the Oracle, in front of the veil, so as to be an additional guard against intrusion.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 6:21
21. with pure gold] The adjective, or rather participle, as it is in Hebrew, signifies ‘closed,’ ‘shut up.’ The traditional rendering is that of the text, supported by the Chaldee, the Vulgate and Kimchi; but it is not clear how the sense comes, unless we may take it, as the notes of the Synod of Dort, that what was precious was usually kept close. The amount of gold employed is given in 2 Chronicles 3:8 as six hundred talents. and he made a partition by the chains of gold] Render with R.V. and he drew across chains of gold. The words literally signify ‘he caused to pass over with chains,’ i.e. he made with chains of gold something that went across either the whole of the dividing wall or over the doorway which was made therein. From 2 Chronicles 3:5; 2 Chronicles 3:16 it seems as if chains had been used for ornamentation on other parts of the walls and pillars. The LXX. (Alex.) renders ‘he drew a curtain across by means of chains of gold.’ and he overlaid it with gold] Now that a more literal sense has been given to the previous clause, and the word ‘partition’ got rid of, there is nothing for the ‘it’ in this sentence to refer to. As the clause stands, the word must refer to the oracle. Thus in the beginning of the verse ‘the house within’ will refer to the holy place, and this last clause to the most holy place. This is further emphasized by the words which immediately follow in 21. ‘And the whole house he overlaid.’
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 6:21
The house - i. e., the main chamber. The chains of gold - Omit “the.” Their object was to form a barrier between the holy place and the holy of holies.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 6:21
21. The house within — The interior, or most holy place. Made a partition by the chains of gold — Literally, He made chains of gold pass through before the oracle; or, he made pass through by chains of gold before the oracle.