1 Kings 7:9
1 Kings 7:9 in Multiple Translations
All 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.
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.
All these were of costly stones, even of hewn stone, according to measure, sawed with saws, within and without, even from the foundation unto the coping, and so on the outside unto the great court.
All these buildings were made, inside and out, from base to crowning stone, and outside to the great walled square, of highly priced stone, cut to different sizes with cutting-instruments.
All these buildings were built using stone blocks that were expensive to produce. They were cut to size and trimmed with saws on the inside and outside. These stones were used from the foundation to the eaves, from the outside of the building all the way to the great courtyard.
All these were of costly stones, hewed by measure, and sawed with sawes within and without, from the foundation vnto the stones of an hand breadth, and on the outside to the great court.
All these [are] of precious stone, according to the measures of hewn work, sawn with a saw, within and without, even from the foundation unto the coping, and at the outside, unto the great court.
All these were of costly stones, even of stone cut according to measure, sawed with saws, inside and outside, even from the foundation to the coping, and so on the outside to the great court.
All these were of costly stones, according to the measures of hewn stones, sawed with saws, within and without, even from the foundation to the coping, and so on the outside towards the great court.
All of costly stones, which were sawed by a certain rule and measure both within and without: from the foundation to the top of the walls, and without unto the great court.
All of those buildings and the walls around the palace courtyard were made from costly blocks of stone, from the foundations up to the eaves. The stones were cut at the quarry, according to the sizes that were needed, and the sides of the stones were shaped by cutting/smoothing them with saws.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 7:9
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 7:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּל
אֵ֜לֶּה
אֲבָנִ֤ים
יְקָרֹת֙
כְּ/מִדֹּ֣ת
גָּזִ֔ית
מְגֹרָר֥וֹת
בַּ/מְּגֵרָ֖ה
מִ/בַּ֣יִת
וּ/מִ/ח֑וּץ
וּ/מִ/מַּסָּד֙
עַד
הַ/טְּפָח֔וֹת
וּ/מִ/ח֖וּץ
עַד
הֶ/חָצֵ֥ר
הַ/גְּדוֹלָֽה
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֵ֜לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
אֲבָנִ֤ים
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fp
יְקָרֹת֙
yâqâr
H3368
precious
Adj
כְּ/מִדֹּ֣ת
middâh
H4060
`great stature`
Prep | N-fp
גָּזִ֔ית
gâzîyth
H1496
cutting
N-fs
מְגֹרָר֥וֹת
gârar
H1641
to drag/chew/saw
V-M-Inf-c
בַּ/מְּגֵרָ֖ה
mᵉgêrâh
H4050
saw
Prep | N-fs
מִ/בַּ֣יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
וּ/מִ/ח֑וּץ
chûwts
H2351
outside
Conj | Prep | N-ms
וּ/מִ/מַּסָּד֙
maççad
H4527
foundation
Conj | Prep | N-ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הַ/טְּפָח֔וֹת
ṭêphach
H2947
handbreadth
Art | N-mp
וּ/מִ/ח֖וּץ
chûwts
H2351
outside
Conj | Prep | N-ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הֶ/חָצֵ֥ר
châtsêr
H2691
court
Art | N-cs
הַ/גְּדוֹלָֽה
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 7:9
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֵ֜לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
אֲבָנִ֤ים
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fp
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.
יְקָרֹת֙
yâqâr
H3368
"precious"
Adj
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.
כְּ/מִדֹּ֣ת
middâh
H4060
"`great stature`"
Prep | N-fp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something that is measured, like height, width, or a portion of something. It can also refer to a garment or tribute, like a tax. It is used to describe Goliath's great stature in 2 Samuel 21:20.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.20; son of: Rapha (H7497A); brother of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902) § (BDB) tribute
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: garment, measure(-ing, meteyard, piece, size, (great) stature, tribute, wide. See also: Exodus 26:2; Isaiah 45:14; Psalms 39:5.
גָּזִ֔ית
gâzîyth
H1496
"cutting"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to cut or dressed stone, often used in construction, like the temple in 1 Kings 5:17. It describes something that has been carefully prepared. This word is about precision and craftsmanship.
Definition: a cutting, hewing
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: hewed, hewn stone, wrought. See also: Exodus 20:25; 1 Kings 7:12; Isaiah 9:9.
מְגֹרָר֥וֹת
gârar
H1641
"to drag/chew/saw"
V-M-Inf-c
To drag or chew refers to the act of pulling something roughly or eating something thoroughly. This word is used to describe an animal chewing its cud or a saw cutting through wood.
Definition: 1) to drag, drag away 1a) (Qal) to drag away 1b) (Niphal) to chew the cud 1c) (Poal) sawn (participle) 1d) (Hithpoel) roaring (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: catch, chew, [idiom] continuing, destroy, saw. See also: Leviticus 11:7; Proverbs 21:7; Jeremiah 30:23.
בַּ/מְּגֵרָ֖ה
mᵉgêrâh
H4050
"saw"
Prep | N-fs
A megirah is a type of saw, specifically used for cutting stone. It is mentioned in the Bible as a tool used for construction and craftsmanship, and is translated as saw or axe in the KJV.
Definition: saw (for stone cutting)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: axe, saw. See also: 2 Samuel 12:31; 1 Kings 7:9; 1 Chronicles 20:3.
מִ/בַּ֣יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | 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.
וּ/מִ/ח֑וּץ
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
וּ/מִ/מַּסָּד֙
maççad
H4527
"foundation"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a foundation or base of something, like a building or a mountain. It is used in Psalm 104:5 to describe God's foundation of the earth and in Ezekiel 13:14 to describe the foundation of a wall. The word is important in biblical architecture.
Definition: foundation
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: foundation. See also: 1 Kings 7:9.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הַ/טְּפָח֔וֹת
ṭêphach
H2947
"handbreadth"
Art | N-mp
This word measures the width of a hand, about the length of a palm. It is used in Exodus 25:10-22 to describe the construction of the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark had precise measurements.
Definition: 1) span, width of the hand, hand breadth 1a) a unit of measurement, measurement of length 2) coping (an architectural term)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: coping, hand-breadth. See also: 1 Kings 7:9; 2 Chronicles 4:5; Psalms 39:6.
וּ/מִ/ח֖וּץ
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הֶ/חָצֵ֥ר
châtsêr
H2691
"court"
Art | N-cs
A village in the Bible is a small settlement surrounded by walls. In Matthew 21:2, Jesus sends his disciples to a village to find a donkey, while in Mark 6:6, Jesus travels from village to village teaching.
Definition: 1) court, enclosure 1a) enclosures 1b) court
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: court, tower, village. See also: Genesis 25:16; 2 Chronicles 24:21; Psalms 10:8.
הַ/גְּדוֹלָֽה
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Art | Adj
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.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 7:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 7:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 7:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 7:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:9
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:9
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 7:9
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 7:9
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:9
Context — Solomon’s Palace Complex
7In addition, he built a hall for the throne, the Hall of Justice, where he was to judge. It was paneled with cedar from floor to ceiling.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 7:10–11 | The foundations were laid with large, costly stones, some ten cubits long and some eight cubits long. Above these were high-grade stones, cut to size, and cedar beams. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 5:17 | And the king commanded them to quarry large, costly stones to lay the foundation of the temple with dressed stones. |
1 Kings 7:9 Summary
This verse tells us that the buildings in Solomon's palace were made with very expensive and high-quality stones that were cut to fit together perfectly. This shows us that Solomon wanted to build something that would last and be beautiful, just like God wants us to build our lives on a strong foundation of faith and obedience, as seen in Matthew 7:24-27 and 1 Corinthians 3:10-15. The attention to detail and craftsmanship in these buildings can inspire us to strive for excellence in our own work and service to God, and to use our resources to build something that will bring glory to Him. By doing so, we can reflect God's beauty and character in our lives, just as the Temple and palace reflected the beauty and glory of God in 1 Kings 6:1 and Psalm 27:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of stones were used to construct the buildings in 1 Kings 7:9?
The verse doesn't specify the type of stones, but based on the context of 1 Kings 7:10, they were large, costly stones, some ten cubits long and some eight cubits long, which indicates their high quality and value.
Why were the stones cut to size and trimmed with saws?
The stones were cut to size and trimmed with saws to ensure a precise fit and a smooth finish, which reflects the attention to detail and the high standard of craftsmanship in the construction of these buildings, as also seen in the construction of the Temple in 1 Kings 6:7.
What is the significance of the great courtyard in 1 Kings 7:9?
The great courtyard was likely a central area that connected the various buildings, including the palace and the Hall of Justice, and it may have served as a gathering place for important events and ceremonies, similar to the courtyard in the Temple in 2 Chronicles 4:9.
How does the construction of these buildings relate to Solomon's character?
The construction of these buildings with costly stones and high-quality craftsmanship reflects Solomon's wealth, wisdom, and attention to detail, as well as his desire to build a lasting legacy, as expressed in his prayer in 1 Kings 3:7-9 and 2 Chronicles 1:10-12.
Reflection Questions
- What does the use of costly stones in the construction of these buildings teach us about the importance of quality and craftsmanship in our own work?
- How can we apply the attention to detail and precision seen in the construction of these buildings to our own lives and ministries?
- What role does beauty and aesthetics play in our worship and service to God, as reflected in the construction of these buildings?
- In what ways can we use our resources and talents to build something that will last and bring glory to God, just as Solomon did with these buildings?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 7:9
All these were of costly stones,.... Marble, porphyry, c. according to the measure of hewed stones, sawed with saws, within and without they were all hewed, and squared, and polished, and so they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 7:9
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. Sawed with saws.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:9
All these buildings described here and in the former chapter. According to the measures of hewed stones; either first, which were hewed in such measure and proportion, as exact workmen used to hew ordinary stones; or, secondly, as large as common hewed stones, which are oft very great. Within and without; both on the inside of the buildings which were covered with cedar, and on the outside also. From the foundation unto the coping; from the bottom to the top of the building. On the outside toward the great court; not only on the outside of the front of the house, which being most visible, men are more careful to adorn; but also of the other side of the house, which looked towards the great court belonging to the king’ s house.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:9
1 Kings 7:9 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.Ver. 9. According to the measure of hewed stones.] Though costly, yet as great as other hewed stones. Unto the coping,] i.e., The top of the wall, whereon the beams were laid.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:9
(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 7:9
9. All these] i.e. The whole of the buildings described in the previous verses. according to the measures of hewed stones] Better not to be taken as in construction, but with R.V. even hewn stones according to measure. The word is literally ‘according to measures,’ and this the R.V. explains on the margin as ‘after divers measures.’ But this is what is meant by their text. within and without] Though the inside face of the walls was to be covered with cedar, and so put out of sight, the same care was taken with the dressing of that part of the stone work, as with all that was to remain uncovered. toward the great court] Better, unto. What appears to be meant in the verse is a strong expression of the excellency of the stone work. This is said to have been of the same character from the base to the coping of all the walls, and then is added, that it was the same from the front part of the buildings to the back. The front part, which was the house of the forest, is not mentioned, but it said that the good work extended unto the great court, which lay farthest back of all the buildings.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 7:9
The stones were uniform - all cut to certain fixed measures of length, breadth, and thickness. They were not squared only on the face which showed, but also on the sides which fell within the wall and were not seen.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:9
9. All these were of costly stones — That is, the exterior walls of all these buildings were built of costly stones.