Keraia
1 Kings 6

1 Kings 6:18

The Temple’s Interior · 1 Kings 6:14–22
Read 1 Kings 6

Translations

Modern
The cedar paneling inside the temple was carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; not a stone could be seen.
Traditional
And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen.
Literal
And the cedar for the house inside was carved with gourds and open flowers. All was cedar; not a stone was seen.
Latin
Et cedro omnis domus intrinsecus vestiebatur, habens tornaturas et juncturas suas fabrefactas, et cælaturas eminentes: omnia cedrinis tabulis vestiebantur: nec omnino lapis apparere poterat in pariete.

Original

Hebrew
English
The cedar paneling inside the temple was carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; not a stone could be seen.

Notes

1 Kings 6:15–18

cedar paneling: The interior walls were covered with cedar wood from floor to ceiling, hiding all exterior stones. This created a stunning and carefully crafted look, showing great expense.

1 Kings 6:14–35

The focus shifts to the inside of the temple. Although the temple site is not mentioned here, the Chronicler identified it as the former threshing floor of Araunah (1 Chronicles 21:18–25; 2 Chronicles 3:1). This site is traditionally believed to be Mount Moriah (Genesis 22:2). Solomon’s Temple was in the northeastern corner of Jerusalem, now known as the "old city." This is the area now associated with the Dome of the Rock.

1 Kings 6:1–8:66

The construction of the Temple and palace complex, along with the temple's dedication celebration, are key events in the 1 Kings account of Solomon's time. The temple, built to honor God, was Israel's most important building. Therefore, the writer of 1 Kings documented its construction details thoroughly.

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon Ancient Law Codes Solomon’s Wisdom

Events

Parallels

2 Chronicles 3:5–9

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Calendars (Ancient and Modern) Kings, Books of First and Second Temple Zif Ziv

Topics

Arts of The: Carver Carving: Woodwork of the Temple Was Decorated with Carvings of Flowers, Cherubim, and Palm Trees Flowers: Representations of, on The: Wood Work of the Temple the First Temple: Cedar of, Carved with Flowers