1 Kings 10:19
1 Kings 10:19 in Multiple Translations
The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest.
The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays.
There were six steps to the throne, and the top of the throne was round behind; and there were stays on either side by the place of the seat, and two lions standing beside the stays.
There were six steps going up to it, and the top of it was round at the back, there were arms on the two sides of the seat, and two lions by the side of the arms;
The throne had six steps, with a rounded top at the back. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with lions standing beside the armrests.
And the throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind, and there were stayes on either side on the place of the throne, and two lions standing by the stayes.
six steps hath the throne, and a round top [is] to the throne behind it, and hands [are] on this [side] and on that, unto the place of the sitting, and two lions are standing near the hands,
There were six steps to the throne, and the top of the throne was round behind; and there were armrests on either side by the place of the seat, and two lions standing beside the armrests.
The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays.
It had six steps: and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were two hands on either side holding the seat: and two lions stood, one at each hand.
There were six steps in front of the throne. There was a statue of a lion on both sides of each step. So altogether there were twelve statues of lions. The back of the throne was rounded at the top. At each side of the throne there was an armrest, and alongside each armrest there was a small statue of a lion. No throne like that had ever existed in any other kingdom.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 10:19
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 10:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שֵׁ֧שׁ
מַעֲל֣וֹת
לַ/כִּסֵּ֗ה
וְ/רֹאשׁ
עָגֹ֤ל
לַ/כִּסֵּה֙
מֵ/אַֽחֲרָ֔י/ו
וְ/יָדֹ֛ת
מִ/זֶּ֥ה
וּ/מִ/זֶּ֖ה
אֶל
מְק֣וֹם
הַ/שָּׁ֑בֶת
וּ/שְׁנַ֣יִם
אֲרָי֔וֹת
עֹמְדִ֖ים
אֵ֥צֶל
הַ/יָּדֽוֹת
שֵׁ֧שׁ
shêsh
H8337
six
Adj
מַעֲל֣וֹת
maʻălâh
H4609
thought
N-fp
לַ/כִּסֵּ֗ה
kiççêʼ
H3678
throne
Prep | N-ms
וְ/רֹאשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Conj | N-ms
עָגֹ֤ל
ʻâgôl
H5696
round
Adj
לַ/כִּסֵּה֙
kiççêʼ
H3678
throne
Prep | N-ms
מֵ/אַֽחֲרָ֔י/ו
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Prep | Suff
וְ/יָדֹ֛ת
yâd
H3027
hand
Conj | N-cp
מִ/זֶּ֥ה
zeh
H2088
this
Prep | Pron
וּ/מִ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Conj | Prep | Pron
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מְק֣וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
N-ms
הַ/שָּׁ֑בֶת
shebeth
H7675
seat
Art | N-fs
וּ/שְׁנַ֣יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Conj | Adj
אֲרָי֔וֹת
ʼărîy
H738
lion
N-mp
עֹמְדִ֖ים
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal
אֵ֥צֶל
ʼêtsel
H681
beside
Prep
הַ/יָּדֽוֹת
yâd
H3027
hand
Art | N-cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 10:19
שֵׁ֧שׁ
shêsh
H8337
"six"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.
Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.
מַעֲל֣וֹת
maʻălâh
H4609
"thought"
N-fp
Represents a step or journey upward, like the steps of a stair or a song of ascent, as in Psalm 120-134, which are songs the Israelites sang while traveling to Jerusalem for festivals. It symbolizes spiritual ascent.
Definition: what comes up, thoughts
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: things that come up, (high) degree, deal, go up, stair, step, story. See also: Exodus 20:26; Psalms 126:1; Psalms 120:1.
לַ/כִּסֵּ֗ה
kiççêʼ
H3678
"throne"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a throne, symbolizing a seat of power or authority, often canopied or covered. It is used to describe the throne of God or a king, representing royal dignity and power.
Definition: 1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool 1a) seat (of honour), throne 1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: seat, stool, throne. See also: Genesis 41:40; 2 Chronicles 23:20; Psalms 9:5.
וְ/רֹאשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
עָגֹ֤ל
ʻâgôl
H5696
"round"
Adj
This Hebrew word means something that is round or circular. It is used to describe shapes and forms in the Bible. The word appears in the book of Isaiah and Ezekiel, describing round objects.
Definition: round
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: round. See also: 1 Kings 7:23; 1 Kings 7:35; 2 Chronicles 4:2.
לַ/כִּסֵּה֙
kiççêʼ
H3678
"throne"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a throne, symbolizing a seat of power or authority, often canopied or covered. It is used to describe the throne of God or a king, representing royal dignity and power.
Definition: 1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool 1a) seat (of honour), throne 1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: seat, stool, throne. See also: Genesis 41:40; 2 Chronicles 23:20; Psalms 9:5.
מֵ/אַֽחֲרָ֔י/ו
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
וְ/יָדֹ֛ת
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Conj | N-cp
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
מִ/זֶּ֥ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Prep | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
וּ/מִ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Conj | Prep | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מְק֣וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
הַ/שָּׁ֑בֶת
shebeth
H7675
"seat"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for a seat or dwelling place, used to describe a location or area where someone lives, as seen in the Bible with King David's seat of power. It can also refer to a specific location or area. This concept is mentioned in various books of the Bible.
Definition: (Qal) seat, dwelling, place
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: place, seat. Compare H3429 (יֹשֵׁב בַּשֶּׁבֶת). See also: 2 Samuel 23:7; Amos 6:3; Obadiah 1:3.
וּ/שְׁנַ֣יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
אֲרָי֔וֹת
ʼărîy
H738
"lion"
N-mp
In biblical times, a lion was a symbol of strength and power, and is often mentioned in stories like Daniel in the lions' den. The word for lion appears in various forms, including pictures or images of lions, and is used in books like 1 Kings and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) lion 1a) pictures or images of lions
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: (young) lion, [phrase] pierce (from the margin). See also: Genesis 49:9; Proverbs 22:13; Psalms 7:3.
עֹמְדִ֖ים
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
אֵ֥צֶל
ʼêtsel
H681
"beside"
Prep
Beside or near, this preposition indicates proximity or closeness to something or someone. It is often translated as at, by, or near in the King James Version, and is used to describe physical or spatial relationships in the Bible.
Definition: 1) beside, by, near, nearness, joining, proximity subst 2) (BDB) 2a) conjunction, proximity 2b) beside, in proximity, contiguous to, from beside
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: at, (hard) by, (from) (beside), near (unto), toward, with. See also H1018 (בֵּית הָאֵצֶל). See also: Genesis 39:10; 2 Chronicles 9:18; Proverbs 7:8.
הַ/יָּדֽוֹת
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Art | N-cp
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 10:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 1 Kings 10:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 10:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 10:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:19
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:19
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 10:19
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 10:19
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:19
Context — Solomon’s Wealth and Splendor
17He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.
18Additionally, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold.
19The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest.
20Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom. 21All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon.1 Kings 10:19 Summary
[The throne of King Solomon, with its six steps and rounded top, was a symbol of his power and authority as king, much like the throne of God in heaven, as described in Revelation 4:2-3. The lions on the throne represented his strength and courage, echoing the lion-like qualities of Jesus Christ in Revelation 5:5. This reminds us that, as believers, we are called to reflect the majesty and authority of God's throne in our own lives, as described in Ephesians 2:6. By focusing on God's eternal kingdom, we can keep our own earthly pursuits and ambitions in perspective, as taught in 1 Corinthians 7:31 and 1 John 2:17.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the six steps on King Solomon's throne?
The six steps on King Solomon's throne, as described in 1 Kings 10:19, symbolize the king's elevated position and authority, much like the throne of God in Isaiah 6:1, which is also described with a sense of grandeur and majesty.
Why were lions placed beside the armrests and on the steps of the throne?
The lions on the throne, as mentioned in 1 Kings 10:19 and 1 Kings 10:20, represent the king's power and strength, echoing the lion-like qualities of Jesus Christ in Revelation 5:5, who is the true King of kings.
What does the rounded top on the back of the throne signify?
The rounded top on the back of the throne, as described in 1 Kings 10:19, may symbolize the completeness and perfection of the king's rule, much like the wholeness and perfection of God's throne in Ezekiel 1:26, which is also described with a sense of completeness and majesty.
How does King Solomon's throne relate to the kingdom of God?
King Solomon's throne, with its grandeur and majesty, foreshadows the throne of God in heaven, as described in Revelation 4:2-3, which is the ultimate seat of authority and power, and reminds us of the eternal kingdom of God, as spoken of in Daniel 7:14 and Revelation 11:15.
Reflection Questions
- What does the description of King Solomon's throne reveal about his character and values?
- How does the throne's design, with its six steps and lions, reflect the king's relationship with God?
- In what ways can we, as believers, reflect the majesty and authority of God's throne in our own lives, as described in Ephesians 2:6?
- What does the contrast between King Solomon's earthly throne and God's heavenly throne, as described in Revelation 4:2-3, teach us about the fleeting nature of human power and the eternal nature of God's kingdom?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 10:19
The throne had six steps,.... Up to the footstool of the throne, which was of gold, 2 Chronicles 9:18 and was high, that everyone in court might see him, and the better hear the sentence he gave: and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 10:19
The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:19
Round behind; made like the half of a circle. Two lions: these and the following lions seem added, to express either the tribe from which Solomon sprung, compared to a lion, ; or rather, that majesty and power wherewith a prince is adorned and armed, which his subjects cannot resist; or the duty of a prince in the execution of judgment, which ought to be done with great courage and magnanimity.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:19
1 Kings 10:19 The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne [was] round behind: and [there were] stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays.Ver. 19. The throne had six steps.] Whereby when the king ascended to his throne, he was imminded both of his dignity and duty; since Sedes prima et vita ima, would be incongruous and reproachful. And the top of the throne, &c.] The canopy encircled the king’ s head, for his greater ease and state, and to note God’ s protection. And there were stays.] Heb., Hands, to rest his arms on. And two lions stood beside the stays.] To show that his throne should not easily be overturned.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:19
Verse 19. The throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side] This description seems to indicate that the throne was in the form of one of our ancient round-topped, two-armed chairs. This throne or chair of state was raised on a platform, the ascent to which consisted of six steps. What we call stays is in the Hebrew ידת yadoth, hands, which serves to confirm the conjecture above.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 10:19
19. And the top of the throne was round behind] The word ‘top’ is literally ‘head,’ and points to some erection in the nature of a canopy or baldachino. The roundness here spoken of might either be from the sides of the back being curved inward as they rose up, or from the canopy being arched from behind. This portion of the description is omitted in 2 Chronicles 9:18, but there is added, what we have not here, that ‘a footstool of gold’ was joined to the throne. Josephus omits all mention of the throne, and the LXX. has προτομαὶμόσχων, i.e. ‘heads (projections) of calves,’ having taken φָ ?πεֹ ?μ = ‘round’ as if it were ςֵ ?πֶ ?μ ‘a calf.’
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 10:19
Representations of thrones are frequent in the Egyptian and Assyrian sculptures. They have no steps up to them, but frequently stand upon square bases. The back appears to be flat at the top, not rounded.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:19
19. Top of the throne was round behind — That is, it had a curved, or rounded back. Stays — The arms, as those of an easy chair, on which the king, when seated, might rest his hands or arms.