1 Kings 8:3
1 Kings 8:3 in Multiple Translations
When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the priests took up the ark,
And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark.
And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark.
And all the responsible men of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark.
When all the elders of Israel had gathered, the priests picked up the Ark and brought the Ark of the Lord and the Tent of Meeting with all its holy items.
And all the Elders of Israel came and the Priests tooke the Arke.
And all the elders of Israel come in, and the priests lift up the ark,
All the elders of Israel came, and the priests picked up the ark.
And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark.
And all the ancients of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark,
When they had all arrived, the priests lifted up the Sacred Chest
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 8:3
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 8:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֕אוּ
כֹּ֖ל
זִקְנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
וַ/יִּשְׂא֥וּ
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים
אֶת
הָ/אָרֽוֹן
וַ/יָּבֹ֕אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
זִקְנֵ֣י
zâqên
H2205
old
Adj
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וַ/יִּשְׂא֥וּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אָרֽוֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 8:3
וַ/יָּבֹ֕אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
כֹּ֖ל
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.
זִקְנֵ֣י
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וַ/יִּשְׂא֥וּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
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.
הָ/אָרֽוֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 8:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 8:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 8:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 8:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:3
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 8:3
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 8:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:3
- Sermons on 1 Kings 8:3
Context — The Ark Enters the Temple
1At that time Solomon assembled before him in Jerusalem the elders of Israel—all the tribal heads and family leaders of the Israelites—to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Zion, the City of David.
2And all the men of Israel came together to King Solomon at the feast in the seventh month, the month of Ethanim.
3When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the priests took up the ark,
4and they brought up the ark of the LORD and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. So the priests and Levites carried them up. 5There, before the ark, King Solomon and the whole congregation of Israel who had assembled with him sacrificed so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 31:9 | So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel. |
| 2 | Joshua 3:6 | And he said to the priests, “Take the ark of the covenant and go on ahead of the people.” So they carried the ark of the covenant and went ahead of them. |
| 3 | Numbers 4:15 | When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting. |
| 4 | Joshua 3:3 | and commanded the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, you are to set out from your positions and follow it. |
| 5 | Joshua 3:14–15 | So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of them. Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, |
| 6 | Joshua 6:6 | So Joshua son of Nun summoned the priests and said, “Take up the ark of the covenant and have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark of the LORD.” |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 5:5–8 | and they brought up the ark and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. The Levitical priests carried them up. There, before the ark, King Solomon and the whole congregation of Israel who had assembled with him sacrificed so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim. For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and overshadowed the ark and its poles. |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 15:11–15 | David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab. And he said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families. You and your relatives must consecrate yourselves so that you may bring the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.” So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel. And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD. |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 15:2 | Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever.” |
| 10 | Numbers 7:9 | But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since they were to carry on their shoulders the holy objects for which they were responsible. |
1 Kings 8:3 Summary
In 1 Kings 8:3, the priests took up the ark when all the elders of Israel had arrived, showing that they were ready to move forward with God's plan. This event is significant because it shows the unity and reverence of God's people, similar to what we see in Psalm 95:6 and Hebrews 12:28. The ark represented God's presence among His people, and the priests' actions demonstrate their obedience to God's commands. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn about the importance of reverence, obedience, and unity in our own relationship with God, as seen in Romans 12:1 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the elders of Israel arriving in 1 Kings 8:3?
The arrival of the elders of Israel signifies the unity and representation of the entire nation in this important event, as seen in 1 Kings 8:1 where Solomon assembled them to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord from Zion, the City of David, similar to how Moses assembled the leaders of Israel in Exodus 34:31.
Why did the priests take up the ark in 1 Kings 8:3?
The priests took up the ark because they were the ones designated by God to carry the ark, as instructed in Numbers 4:15 and Deuteronomy 10:8, and it was their responsibility to transport it to its new location in the temple.
What can we learn from the priests' actions in 1 Kings 8:3?
The priests' actions demonstrate their obedience to God's commands and their reverence for the ark, which represented God's presence among His people, as seen in Exodus 25:22 and Leviticus 16:2.
How does this event relate to the rest of the Bible?
This event in 1 Kings 8:3 is part of the larger narrative of God's covenant with His people, which began with Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 and continues through the New Testament, as seen in Hebrews 8:6-13 and Revelation 11:19.
Reflection Questions
- What does the arrival of the elders of Israel in this verse reveal about the importance of unity and representation in our own communities?
- How can we, like the priests, demonstrate our reverence and obedience to God in our daily lives?
- What role does the ark, as a symbol of God's presence, play in our understanding of His relationship with His people?
- In what ways can we apply the principles of reverence and obedience seen in this verse to our own worship and service to God?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 8:3
And all the elders of Israel came,.... To Zion, the city of David: and the priests took up the ark; from thence; in 2 Chronicles 5:4 it is said the Levites did it, whose business it was, Deuteronomy
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 8:3
And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:3
For although the Levites might do this, , yet the priests did it at this time, partly for the greater honour of the solemnity, and partly because the Levites might not enter into the holy place, much less into the holy of holies, where it was to be placed, into which the priests themselves might not have entered, if the high priest alone could have done it. Object. The Levites are said to have done this, . Answ. That is most true, because all the priests were Levites, though all the Levites were not priests.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:3
1 Kings 8:3 And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark.Ver. 3. And all the elders of Israel came.] Heads of tribes, and fathers of families: bringing with them multitudes of common people, who cheerfully and voluntarily flocked to this feast, quod ob hanc dedicationem magnificentissimam fuit solemnissimum, saith A. Lapide. And the priests took up the ark.] Setting it on the Levites’ shoulders.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:3
(3) The priests took up the ark.—To bear the ark on its journeys was properly the duty of the Levites of the family of Kohath (Numbers 3:31; Numbers 4:5); but to bring it out of the Holy of Holies (or, as here, from whatever corresponded thereto in the tent erected for the ark on Mount Zion), and to replace it therein, was the work of the priests alone. Hence in this passage, with literal accuracy, it is said, first, that “the priests took up the ark;” then (1 Kings 8:4) that the priests and Levites brought up the ark and the holy things; and, lastly (1 Kings 8:6), that “the priests brought in the ark into the oracle.” Josephus, indeed, declares that, as was natural on this occasion of special solemnity—just as at the passage of the Jordan, and the circuit round the walls of Jericho (Joshua 3:6-17; Joshua 6:6)—the priests themselves bore the ark, while the Levites bore only the vessels and furniture of the Tabernacle.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 8:3
3. all the elders] The other representative persons mentioned in 1 Kings 8:1 are all no doubt to be included in this phrase. the priests took up the ark] This duty was usually performed by the Levites (cf. Numbers 2:31), but on very solemn occasions the priests undertook it (see Joshua 3:6; Joshua 6:6). At this time it was necessary that they should do so, for the ark was to be brought into the most holy place, whither the Levites (Numbers 4:20) were forbidden to enter. Moreover, the final conveyance of the ark to its special seat was a duty to call for the most sacred of God’s ministers. It is worth while to compare with this passage the statement in 2 Chronicles 5:4. There it is said ‘and the Levites took up the ark,’ and the narrative then continues, stating that the Levites ‘brought up’ the ark, i.e. carried it during the transfer, but before its introduction into the Temple, the phrase changes and we read ‘the priests brought in the ark of the covenant into his place.’
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 8:3
In 2 Chronicles 5:4, ““the Levites” took up the ark;” and by the Law the ark was the special charge of the Kohathites Numbers 3:31; Numbers 4:15. But all priests were Levites Joshua 3:3, though all Levites were not priests.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:3
3. The priests took up the ark — According to the requirements of the law, (Numbers 4:15; Deuteronomy 31:9,) and not as David carelessly attempted to do. Compare 2 Samuel 6:3; 1 Chronicles 15:13.
Sermons on 1 Kings 8:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Joshua Crossing Jordan by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the anticipation and excitement of the children of Israel as they finally reach the Promised Land after years of wandering in the desert. Josh |
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In His Presence by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events of Joshua chapters 3 and 4, where the Israelites crossed the Jordan River. He compares this crossing to their previous crossing of |
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Steadying the Ark of God by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of true worship and the need for personal responsibility in carrying out God's work. He criticizes the idea of putting on a r |
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Burdens & Gifts by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a story from the book of Kings about a mother bird teaching her baby bird to fly. He uses this story as a parable to illustrate the co |
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Uzzah and the Ark of God by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon emphasizes the importance of doing things God's way and humbling ourselves before Him. It highlights the need for true preaching that moves hearts, not just teaching, a |
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Soaring 2 - Burdens & Gifts by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a story from the book of Kings in the Old Testament. The story is about a little bundle that learns to fly and soar without moving its |
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Man's Petty Kingdom by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging his role as a messenger of God and emphasizes the importance of radical choosing and repentance. He highlights the two categorie |