1 Kings 6:10
1 Kings 6:10 in Multiple Translations
He built chambers all along the temple, each five cubits high and attached to the temple with beams of cedar.
And then he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar.
And he built the stories against all the house, each five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar.
And he put up the line of side rooms against the walls of the house, fifteen cubits high, resting against the house on boards of cedar-wood.
He built the external structure along the whole of the Temple. It was five cubits high, joined to the Temple with cedar joists.
And he built the galleries vpon al the wall of the house of fiue cubites height, and they were ioyned to the house with beames of cedar.
And he buildeth the couch against all the house, five cubits [is] its height, and it taketh hold of the house by cedar-wood.
He built the floors all along the house, each five cubits high; and they rested on the house with timbers of cedar.
And then he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar.
And he built a floor over all the house five cubits in height, and he covered the house with timber of cedar.
They built the structure that had three levels/stories, that was against the walls of the temple. Each level/story was 7-1/2 feet high, and was joined to the temple with cedar beams.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 6:10
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 6:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּ֤בֶן
אֶת
ה/יצוע
הַ/יָּצִ֨יעַ֙
עַל
כָּל
הַ/בַּ֔יִת
חָמֵ֥שׁ
אַמּ֖וֹת
קֽוֹמָת֑/וֹ
וַ/יֶּאֱחֹ֥ז
אֶת
הַ/בַּ֖יִת
בַּ/עֲצֵ֥י
אֲרָזִֽים
וַ/יִּ֤בֶן
bânâh
H1129
to build
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
ה/יצוע
yâtsûwaʻ
H3326
bed
Art | N-ms
הַ/יָּצִ֨יעַ֙
yâtsûwaʻ
H3326
bed
Art | N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/בַּ֔יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Art | N-ms
חָמֵ֥שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
five
Adj
אַמּ֖וֹת
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
N-fp
קֽוֹמָת֑/וֹ
qôwmâh
H6967
height
N-fs | Suff
וַ/יֶּאֱחֹ֥ז
ʼâchaz
H270
to grasp
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/בַּ֖יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Art | N-ms
בַּ/עֲצֵ֥י
ʻêts
H6086
tree
Prep | N-mp
אֲרָזִֽים
ʼerez
H730
cedar
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 6:10
וַ/יִּ֤בֶן
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
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.
ה/יצוע
yâtsûwaʻ
H3326
"bed"
Art | N-ms
A flat surface or a bed, often referring to a raised platform or a storey in a building, as described in the books of Kings and Chronicles. It can also mean a couch or a chamber, depending on the context. This term is used to describe various types of structures.
Definition: couch, bed
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: bed, chamber, couch. See also: Genesis 49:4; 1 Chronicles 5:1; Psalms 63:7.
הַ/יָּצִ֨יעַ֙
yâtsûwaʻ
H3326
"bed"
Art | N-ms
A flat surface or a bed, often referring to a raised platform or a storey in a building, as described in the books of Kings and Chronicles. It can also mean a couch or a chamber, depending on the context. This term is used to describe various types of structures.
Definition: couch, bed
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: bed, chamber, couch. See also: Genesis 49:4; 1 Chronicles 5:1; Psalms 63:7.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
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.
הַ/בַּ֔יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Art | 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.
חָמֵ֥שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
אַמּ֖וֹת
ʼammâh
H520
"cubit"
N-fp
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.
קֽוֹמָת֑/וֹ
qôwmâh
H6967
"height"
N-fs | Suff
Qomah refers to height or stature, describing how tall someone or something is, like the height of a person or a building in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, stature 1b) height
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] along, height, high, stature, tall. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:23; Isaiah 10:33.
וַ/יֶּאֱחֹ֥ז
ʼâchaz
H270
"to grasp"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word means to grasp or take hold of something, often holding it in possession. It can also mean to be caught or settled. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) grasp, take hold, seize, take possession 1a) (Qal) to grasp, take hold of 1b) (Niphal) to be caught, grasped, be settled 1c) (Piel) to enclose, overlay 1d) (Hophal) fastened
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay, take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get, have or take) possess(-ion). See also: Genesis 22:13; Nehemiah 7:3; Psalms 48:7.
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.
הַ/בַּ֖יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Art | 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.
בַּ/עֲצֵ֥י
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
אֲרָזִֽים
ʼerez
H730
"cedar"
N-mp
A cedar tree, known for its strength and durability, like the cedar wood used to build Solomon's temple in 1 Kings 5-6. The cedar tree was highly valued in ancient times for its timber and wood.
Definition: 1) cedar 1a) cedar tree 1b) cedar timber, cedar wood (in building) 1c) cedar wood (in purifications)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: cedar (tree). See also: Leviticus 14:4; 1 Chronicles 22:4; Psalms 29:5.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 6:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 1 Kings 6:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 6:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 6:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 6:10
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 6:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 6:10
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 6:10
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 6:10
Context — The Chambers
8The entrance to the bottom floor was on the south side of the temple. A stairway led up to the middle level, and from there to the third floor.
9So Solomon built the temple and finished it, roofing it with beams and planks of cedar.
10He built chambers all along the temple, each five cubits high and attached to the temple with beams of cedar.
11Then the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying: 12“As for this temple you are building, if you walk in My statutes, carry out My ordinances, and keep all My commandments by walking in them, I will fulfill through you the promise I made to your father David.1 Kings 6:10 Summary
The chambers built around the temple were an important part of its construction, providing additional space and support for the temple's functions. Just as Solomon used the best materials, like cedar, to build the temple, we can honor God by using our talents and resources to serve Him with excellence, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24. The temple's design, including the chambers, reflects the care and attention to detail that God deserves, and we can learn from this example in our own lives, just as we are encouraged to do our work heartily, as for the Lord, in Colossians 3:23-24, and to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, in Romans 12:1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the chambers built around the temple for?
Although the Bible doesn't specifically state the purpose of these chambers in 1 Kings 6:10, they were likely used for storage or as living quarters for the priests, as referenced in Ezekiel 40:17 and Ezekiel 42:1-14, which describe similar chambers around the temple in Ezekiel's vision.
Why did Solomon use cedar beams to attach the chambers to the temple?
Cedar was a durable and fragrant wood, prized for its beauty and resistance to rot and insects, making it a practical choice for building, as seen in 1 Kings 5:6-10 where Solomon negotiates with Hiram to obtain cedar from Lebanon.
How do the chambers relate to the rest of the temple's construction?
The chambers were an integral part of the temple's design, as they were built simultaneously with the temple itself, with the entrance to the bottom floor on the south side, as described in 1 Kings 6:8, and the roofing of the temple with beams and planks of cedar, as mentioned in 1 Kings 6:9.
What can we learn from the attention to detail in the temple's construction?
The careful planning and attention to detail in the temple's construction, including the chambers, demonstrate the importance of honoring God with our best efforts, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24, where we are encouraged to do our work heartily, as for the Lord.
Reflection Questions
- What does the construction of the chambers around the temple reveal about Solomon's priorities and values?
- How can I apply the principle of using the best materials and craftsmanship to honor God in my own life and work?
- In what ways can I create 'chambers' or spaces in my life for rest, reflection, and spiritual growth, just as the chambers around the temple may have provided?
- What role does attention to detail play in my relationship with God, and how can I cultivate a greater sense of care and intentionality in my spiritual practices?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 6:10
And [then] he built chambers against all the house five cubits high,.... Which some understand of the same chambers in 1 Kings 6:5; here made mention of again for the sake of giving the height of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 6:10
And then he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar. Chambers ... five cubits high. That was the height of the whole three storeys.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 6:10
Against all the house; which interpreters understand of those chambers described ,6. But why should that be repeated again, and that so darkly and confusedly, after he had particularly and exactly treated of them (unless to give an account of the height of each chamber, or story, which before was not done)? And the Hebrew words may be truly and properly rendered thus, He built a roof (to wit, a flat and plain roof, called yatziah, because of the exact resemblance it hath with the floor of a house) over all the house, according to the manner of all the Israelitish buildings, which were flat at the top; of which see . The inner roof was arched, , that it might be more beautiful and glorious to behold; but the outward roof was flat. Five cubits high, above the walls of the temple; which was necessary, that it might be a little higher than the arched roof, which it was designed to cover and secure. They rested, Heb. it rested, to wit, the roof; for the Hebrew verb is of the singular number. With timber of cedar; which rested upon the top of the wall, as the chambers, , rested upon the sides of the wall. But all this I submit to the learned and judicious.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 6:10
1 Kings 6:10 And [then] he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house [with] timber of cedar.Ver. 10. And he built chambers.] The tabernacle had none such. See on 1 Kings 6:5.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 6:10
(5-10) The general meaning of these verses is clear, though some of the words are doubtful. Round three sides of the Temple was built a kind of aisle, opening, however, outwards and not into the Temple, having three storeys of low chambers (each only five cubits high), so arranged that the beams of their roofs were supported on rests on the outside of the wall (each rest being a cubit wide), leaving the wall itself intact. Thus the chambers of the lowest storey were narrowest—five cubits broad; the second storey six cubits, and the highest storey seven cubits broad. The higher storeys (see 1 Kings 6:8), in which the chambers no doubt opened into one another, were approached by a staircase, having an external entrance on the right side of the building; the chambers of the lowest storey probably had external doors of their own. Above the highest storey were still five cubits of wall, which would give room for the windows (like clerestory windows) previously mentioned. Nothing is said of the use of these chambers; but they would be, no doubt, for residence of the priests, stores for the Temple, and furniture. The word rendered “chambers” in the former part of 1 Kings 6:5 is a singular noun, signifying the whole of this aisle or side building; the “chambers” in the latter part of the verse—properly, “side pieces.” or “ribs denote the separate apartments, or perhaps each of the storeys of the building.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 6:10
10. And then he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high] Better with R.V. ‘And he built the stories against all the house, each five cubits high.’ We ought perhaps to make some allowance for the thickness of floors and roofs. So that the whole height to which this three-storied structure rose may have been much more than 15 cubits, if five cubits were the inside height of each range of rooms. Mr Fergusson (p. 27) says ‘It hardly admits of dispute that with the requisite thickness of their roofs they make up the 20 or 21 cubits which are necessary to bring up their roofs to the level of that of the Holy of Holies.’ they rested on the house] i.e. On the shoulders or rebatements mentioned in 1 Kings 6:6. The other ends of these cedar beams were embedded in the outside wall of the encasing story-work.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 6:10
10. Chambers… five cubits high — Literally, Five cubits its height; that is, each chamber or story was five cubits high from floor to ceiling.