Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 7:10
To found or establish something is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It also means to sit down together and consult, as in a meeting or council.
Definition: 1) to found, fix, establish, lay foundation 1a) (Qal) to found, establish, begin 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to fix or seat themselves close together, sit in conclave 1b2) to be founded 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to found 1c2) to establish, appoint, ordain 1d) (Pual) to be founded, be laid 1e) (Hophal) to be founded
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: appoint, take counsel, establish, (lay the, lay for a) found(-ation), instruct, lay, ordain, set, [idiom] sure. See also: Exodus 9:18; Psalms 89:12; Psalms 2:2.
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
This Hebrew word means something or someone is valuable and precious, like costly jewels or highly valued people, as seen in descriptions of honorable women and precious stones in the Bible.
Definition: 1) valuable, prized, weighty, precious, rare, splendid 1a) precious 1a1) costly 1a2) precious, highly valued 1a3) precious stones or jewels 1b) rare 1c) glorious, splendid 1d) weighty, influential
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: brightness, clear, costly, excellent, fat, honourable women, precious, reputation. See also: 1 Samuel 3:1; Psalms 36:8; Psalms 37:20.
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
The Hebrew word for the number eight, which was considered a special number in biblical times. It is used to describe quantities, such as eight days or eight years, and also appears in ordinal forms, like eighth or eighth day.
Definition: 1) eight, eighth 1a) eight (as cardinal number) 1b) eighth (as ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: eight(-een, -eenth), eighth. See also: Genesis 5:4; 1 Chronicles 16:38; Jeremiah 32:1.
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
Context — Solomon’s Palace Complex
8And the palace where Solomon would live, set further back, was of similar construction. He also made a palace like this hall for Pharaoh’s daughter, whom he had married.
9All these buildings were constructed with costly stones, cut to size and trimmed with saws inside and out from the foundation to the eaves, and from the outside to the great courtyard.
10The foundations were laid with large, costly stones, some ten cubits long and some eight cubits long.
11Above these were costly stones, cut to size, and cedar beams.
12The great courtyard was surrounded by three rows of dressed stone and a row of trimmed cedar beams, as were the inner courtyard and portico of the house of the LORD.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Revelation 21:19–20 |
The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. |
| 2 |
1 Corinthians 3:10–11 |
By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. |
| 3 |
Isaiah 54:11 |
“O afflicted city, lashed by storms, without solace, surely I will set your stones in antimony and lay your foundations with sapphires. |
| 4 |
Isaiah 28:16 |
So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. |
1 Kings 7:10 Summary
The verse 1 Kings 7:10 tells us that the foundations of the temple were built with large, costly stones, some as long as ten cubits and some as long as eight cubits. This shows us that King Solomon was careful to build a strong foundation for the temple, just like we need to build a strong foundation for our faith (Matthew 7:24-27). The use of costly stones also shows us that King Solomon was willing to give his best to God, just like we should be willing to give our best to God (Mark 12:41-44). By building a strong foundation and giving our best to God, we can honor Him and build a lasting legacy, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of stones were used for the foundations in 1 Kings 7:10?
The foundations were laid with large, costly stones, some ten cubits long and some eight cubits long, as described in 1 Kings 7:10, which is similar to the costly stones used in the construction of the temple in 1 Kings 5:17.
How do the foundations in 1 Kings 7:10 relate to the rest of the temple construction?
The foundations in 1 Kings 7:10 were a crucial part of the temple construction, providing a solid base for the rest of the buildings, including the palace and the house of the LORD, as mentioned in 1 Kings 7:8-12.
What can we learn from the attention to detail in the construction of the temple foundations in 1 Kings 7:10?
The attention to detail in the construction of the temple foundations in 1 Kings 7:10 teaches us about the importance of careful planning and preparation, as seen in other Bible verses such as Proverbs 24:3-4, which emphasizes the value of wisdom and knowledge in building a strong foundation.
How does the use of costly stones in 1 Kings 7:10 reflect the character of King Solomon?
The use of costly stones in 1 Kings 7:10 reflects King Solomon's wealth and wisdom, as well as his desire to honor God with the best materials, as mentioned in 1 Kings 3:12-13 and 1 Chronicles 29:2-5.
Reflection Questions
- What are the spiritual foundations that I am building my life upon, and are they strong enough to support the weight of my faith?
- How can I, like King Solomon, use my resources and talents to honor God and build a lasting legacy?
- What are the 'costly stones' that I can offer to God as a sacrifice of praise and worship, as described in Romans 12:1 and Hebrews 13:15?
- In what ways can I, like the workers who built the temple, strive for excellence and attention to detail in my own work and service to God, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 7:10
And the foundation was of costly stones, even great stones,.... Of a great price, and very large: stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits some of one measure, and some of another; not so
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 7:10
And the foundation was of costly stones, even great stones, stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits. The foundation was of costly stones, even great stones.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:10
Stones of ten cubits; not square, which would have been both unnecessary, and unportable, and unmanageable; but of solid measure, by which stones and timber are usually measured; and so they were only two cubits square, but there were twenty solid cubits contained in them. And so also the following eight cubits are to be understood.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:10
1 Kings 7:10 And the foundation [was of] costly stones, even great stones, stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits.Ver. 10. And the foundatlon was of costly stones.] Heb., Precious; yet not of emeralds, carbuncles, sapphires, as Isaiah 54:11, but of marble, porphyry, &c., which were longlasting. Even great stones.] Which therefore were the closer together, and the surer.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:10
(8-11) The residence of the king, and the separate palace for the queen, distinct from the apartments of the inferior wives and concubines, are not described; except that they lay “within the porch,” that is, in the rear in another court, and were of “like work.” This is further explained by saying that they had costly stones of great size in the foundation, and stones above, hewn and sawn from top to bottom, carefully finished on the outside towards the great court, as well as on the inside, and were in all cases roofed with cedar. Josephus tells us that the inner court was adorned with trees and fountains, and had colonnades round it; and gives an enthusiastic description of the internal decoration of the rooms, panelled up to a certain height with polished marble, with a band of highly-wrought metal-work of foliage of all kinds above this, and the rest of the wall up to the ceiling plastered and painted in colours (“ceiled with cedar, and painted with vermilion.” Jeremiah 22:14). This description is curiously confirmed and illustrated by some of the recent discoveries at Nineveh.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 7:10
10. And the foundation] Even that work which was to be buried out of sight was of the same quality. ten cubits … eight cubits] Probably we have here the greatest dimension, the length. We are left to imagine the breadth and thickness which would be proportional in stones of 15 feet and 12 feet long.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 7:10
See the 1 Kings 5:17 note.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:10
10. Even great stones — These foundation stones were costly because of their great size rather than of the vast amount of labour required in hewing them. Ten cubits — About fifteen feet. See note on 1 Kings 5:17.
Sermons on 1 Kings 7:10
| Sermon | Description |
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Pride Is a Family Characteristic
by Bob Utley
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers of pride and arrogance in both individuals and nations. He emphasizes that the root problem of evil is the desire to focus everyt |
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"Ye Are My Friends" (John 15:13-16)
by T. Austin-Sparks
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T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound nature of friendship as described by Jesus in John 15:13-16, where He calls His disciples 'friends' rather than servants. This title signif |
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The Many-Sided Riches of God's Grace in Jesus Christ
by T. Austin-Sparks
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T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the many-sided riches of God's grace as depicted in Revelation 21:19, where the foundations of the city are adorned with precious stones. He illustrates |
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Some Distinctions of the Son of Man
by H.J. Vine
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H.J. Vine preaches on the unique distinctions of Jesus Christ as the Son of man, focusing on His glory and dominion as revealed in Psalms 8 and other Scriptures. Jesus, as the Son |
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God Is Other!
by Art Katz
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In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being the subject of a meeting where young people prayed and fasted for two days before facing him. Despite being twice |
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The Judgement Seat of Christ
by Oswald J. Smith
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the foundation and superstructure in the Christian life. Salvation is dependent on being on the foundation, which assures |
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(Through the Bible) 1 Corinthians 3-4
by Chuck Smith
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In this sermon, Paul addresses the Corinthians who were boasting about their wealth and status. He contrasts their attitude with his own, stating that he would rather they truly we |