1 Kings 7:4 — Word Study
WLCוּשְׁקֻפִ֖ים שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה טוּרִ֑ים וּמֶחֱזָ֥ה אֶל־ מֶחֱזָ֖ה שָׁלֹ֥שׁ פְּעָמִֽים׃
BSAThere were threeshâlôwsh [a quantity of three] rowsṭûwr [a sequence of items] of [high] windowsshâquph [a source of light] facing one anothermechĕzâh [el, towards, window over against window] in threeshâlôwsh [a triad] tierspaʻam [a repetition or layer]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וּשְׁקֻפִ֖ים | and window frames | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural absolute |
| שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה | three | Noun common, both singular absolute |
| טוּרִ֑ים | rows | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| וּמֶחֱזָ֥ה | and window | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| אֶל־ | [was] to | Preposition |
| מֶחֱזָ֖ה | window | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| שָׁלֹ֥שׁ | three | Noun common, both singular absolute |
| פְּעָמִֽים׃ | times | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | There were three rows of high windows facing one another in three tiers. |
| KJV | And there were windows in three rows, and light was against light in three ranks. |
| ASV | And there were beams in three rows, and window was over against window in three ranks. |
| YLT | And windows [are] in three rows, and sight [is] over-against sight three times. |
| WEB | There were beams in three rows, and window was facing window in three ranks. |
| BBE | There were three lines of window-frames, window facing window in every line. |
Where they part company is שְׁקֻפִים — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence features one main clause with two subordinate phrases that describe the arrangement and positioning of the windows.






7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectשְׁקֻפִים
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — 1 Kings 7:4
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Construction of Solomon's Templegenerated
1 Kings 7:4 describes the architectural features of Solomon's temple, focusing on the arrangement of windows. This verse highlights the thoughtful design that allows light into the building, enhancing its beauty and function. The surrounding verses provide additional details about the structure's dimensions and materials, emphasizing the grandeur of Solomon's construction efforts.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 7:5 | All the doorways had rectangular frames, with the openings facing one another in three tiers. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 6:4 | He also had narrow windows framed high in the temple. |
| 3 | Isaiah 54:12 | I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 40:16–22 | The gate chambers and their side pillars had beveled windows all around the inside of the gateway. The porticos also had windows all around on the inside. Each side pillar was decorated with palm trees. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 41:26 | There were beveled windows and palm trees on the sidewalls of the portico. The side rooms of the temple also had canopies. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — שְׁקֻפִים, u.she.ku.Fimgenerated
The word שְׁקֻפִים (sheku.Fim) refers specifically to window frames or casings. It is derived from the root שָׁקוּף (shaquph), which indicates an opening or embrasure, emphasizing its role in allowing light into a space.
In this verse, the plural form indicates multiple window frames, suggesting a design that encourages visibility and illumination. The term is significant in the context of architecture, as it reflects the intent to create a space filled with light.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause is introduced by the verb הָיָה (hayah, was), with a noun phrase describing the subject: שְׁקֻפִ֖ים (sheku.Fim, window frames). The structure emphasizes the number and arrangement of the windows.
The prepositional phrase אֶל־ מֶחֱזָ֖ה (el mechezah, towards window) indicates the directionality of the windows, enhancing the visual aspect of the architectural design.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint uses the Greek word μέλαθρα (melathra), which means 'windows' or 'openings.' This choice aligns with the Hebrew term שְׁקֻפִים, emphasizing the function of these structures as sources of light.
This translation choice shows a consistent understanding of the architectural context, focusing on the light and visibility provided by the windows.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
1 Kings 7:4 tells us that there were three rows of high windows in the temple, facing each other in tiers. This design allowed for ample light and visibility, contributing to the beauty of Solomon's temple.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The three rows of windows are designed to maximize light and visibility within the temple, creating an open and inviting atmosphere.
The term 'high windows' indicates that these windows are positioned above eye level, allowing light to enter while maintaining privacy.
This verse highlights the architectural features of the temple, emphasizing its grandeur and the thoughtful design that Solomon implemented.
The surrounding verses describe the materials used, the dimensions of the beams, and the overall construction details of the temple.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How does the design of the temple reflect the values and beliefs of the people at that time?
- In what ways can light and visibility influence the atmosphere of a space?
- What can we learn from the attention to detail in Solomon's construction of the temple?
- How might architectural design impact our understanding of a place's purpose?
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 1 Kings 7:4 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd there were windows in three rows,.... Both in the second and third stories, east, north, and south, there being none in the west, where the porch stood: and light was against light in three
Read John Gill on 1 Kings 7 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd it was covered with cedar above upon the beams, that lay on forty five pillars, fifteen in a row. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Read Robert Jamieson on 1 Kings 7 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleLight was against light; one directly opposite or answering to the other, as is usual in well-contrived buildings. In three ranks; one exactly under another.
Read Matthew Poole on 1 Kings 7 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments1 Kings 7:4 And [there were] windows [in] three rows, and light [was] against light [in] three ranks.Ver. 4. In three rows,] i.e., In three stories, called also ranks here. And light was against light.] Fenestrae ex diametro, through lights, we call them.
Read John Trapp on 1 Kings 7 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges4. And there were windows in three rows] This is not the usual word for ‘windows,’ but is that which in 1 Kings 6:4 describes the sloping woodwork, or lattice, used in the windows of the Temple. From its use in the two descriptions it may be supposed to indicate the like work here as there, and so ‘windows’ is no inappropriate rendering, as it can be understood from the former passage. The R.V. gives prospects to avoid the commoner word, and puts ‘beams’ in the margin. ‘Window-spaces’ would perhaps give the best idea of what appears to be meant, which is some wooden framework fitted into those walls which looked into the interior court. and light was against light in three ranks] This means…
Read Cambridge on 1 Kings 7 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleEither three ranges of windows, one above the other, on either side of the house; or perhaps the three ranges were one in either side wall, and the third in a wall down the middle of the hall, along
Read Albert Barnes on 1 Kings 7 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible4. Windows in three rows — Rather, The frameworks were three rows. The word ωׁ ?χτιν does not mean windows, but is applied, in chap. 1 Kings 6:4, to the cross-bars or framework of windows.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on 1 Kings 7 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
There were three rows of high windows facing one another in three tiers.
There were beams in three rows, and window was facing window in three ranks.
There were three rows of high windows facing one another in three tiers.
There were three rows of windows arranged in sets of three.
Tyndale line
And there were windows in three rows, and light was against light in three ranks.
And there were beams in three rows, and window was over against window in three ranks.
And there were prospects in three rows, and light was over against light in three ranks.
And there were windows in three rows, and light was against light in three ranks.
And the windowes were in three rowes, and windowe was against windowe in three rankes.
Strictly literal
And there were cross-beams in three rows, and window was against window in three ranks.
And windows [are] in three rows, and sight [is] over-against sight three times.
And frames [are] in three rows, and window [is] toward window three times.
And there were window-spaces in three rows, and windows were opposite each other in three ranks.
There were beams in three rows, and each window was opposite another window in three sets.
From the Latin
Set one against another,
Simplified
The windows were placed high up, in three rows facing each other.
There were three lines of window-frames, window facing window in every line.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in this verse, with six of the eight words matching. The Septuagint's word order and articles differ, but the essential elements of the description remain consistent.
וּשְׁקֻפִ֖ים שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה טוּרִ֑ים וּמֶחֱזָ֥ה אֶל־ מֶחֱזָ֖ה שָׁלֹ֥שׁ פְּעָמִֽים׃
6 of the 8 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in 1 Kings 7:4
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
שָׁקוּף (shaquph) refers to a frame or casing, particularly of windows. It is derived from the passive participle of a related root, indicating an opening or embrasure. The term encompasses concepts like light and window frames, as noted in the lexicons.
[שָׁקוּף, שְׁקוּף] n.m. frame, casing of windows
base
H8261 שָׁקוּף, שְׁקוּף, שָׁקֻף
8261 shaquph shaw-koof'
passive participle of 8259; an embrasure or opening (compare
8260) with bevelled jam:--light, window.
see HEBREW for 08259
see HEBREW for 08260
שָׁקוּף (sha.quph) — frame.
frame, casing (of windows), beams laid over, window frames
Conj | N-mp — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural absoluteHC/Ncmpa
The Hebrew word שָׁלֹשׁ (*shalosh*) means 'three' or 'triad.' It can also refer to the ordinal 'third' and is used in various contexts, including multiplication as 'thrice.' The entries consistently define it as a primitive number without significant disagreement.
שָׁלֹשׁ, שָׁלוֹשׁ, שְׁלֹשָׁה 430 n.m. et f. a three, triad
base
H7969 שָׁלֹשׁ, שָׁלוֹשׁ, שְׁלֹשָׁה a three, triad
7969 shalowsh shaw-loshe'
or shalosh {shaw-loshe'}; masculine shlowshah {shel-o-shaw'};
or shloshah {shel-o-shaw'}; a primitive number; three;
occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multipl.) thrice:--+ fork,
+ often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, + thrice.
Compare 7991.
see HEBREW for 07991
שָׁלֹשׁ (sha.losh) — three.
1) three, triad
1a) 3, 300, third
Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Adj — Noun common · both singular absoluteHNcbsa
(shalosh; treis).
See NUMBER.
The phrase "three days and three nights," Mt 12:40, was equivalent in Hebrew to the English "three days;" the Jews employing the expression "a day and a night" to denote our "day" of twentyfour hours. Nor did "three days," 1Sa 30:13, literally "this third day," according to their usage, necessarily include the whole of three days, but a part of three days, a continuous period including one whole day of twenty-four hours, and a portion of the day preceding it and the day following it. Compare Ge 7:12,17 1Sa 30:12-13.
טוּר (tuhr) refers to a 'row' or 'course,' specifically in contexts like building stones in the temple or jewels on the high priest's breast-piece, as noted in Exodus 28:17. It is derived from an unused root meaning to arrange in a regular manner.
טוּר n.m. Ex 28:17 row
row, course of building-stones, in temple and in Solomon’s house
row of jewels, on high priest’s breast-piece
base
H2905 טוּר n.m. Ex 28:17 row . row, course of building-stones, in temple and in Solomon’s house
. row of jewels, on high priest’s breast-piece
2905 tuwr toor
from an unused root meaning to range in a regular manner; a
row; hence, a wall:--row.
טוּר (tur) — row.
1) row
1a) row, course (of building)
1b) row (of jewels)
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
מֶחֱזָה (mechezah) refers to a window or a place of seeing, emphasizing the concept of light. It is derived from the root word meaning to see. The entries consistently highlight its association with visibility and illumination.
מֶחֱזָה n.f. light, place of seeing, window
base
H4237 מֶחֱזָה
4237 mechezah mekh-ez-aw'
from 2372; a window:--light.
see HEBREW for 02372
מֶחֱזָה (me.che.zah) — window.
light, window, place of seeing
Conj | N-fs — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular absoluteHC/Ncfsa
win'-do.
See HOUSE, II, 1, (9).
Window
Properly only an opening in a house for the admission of light and air, covered with lattice-work, which might be opened or closed (2 Kings 1:2; Acts 20:9). The spies in Jericho and Paul at Damascus were let down from the windows of houses abutting on the town wall (Josh. 2:15; 2 Cor. 11:33). The clouds are metaphorically called the “windows of heaven” (Gen. 7:11; Mal. 3:10). The word thus rendered in Isa. 54:12 ought rather to be rendered “battlements” (LXX., “bulwarks;” R.V., “pinnacles”), or as Gesenius…
The window of an Oriental house consists generally of an aperture closed in with lattice-work. (Judges 5:28; Proverbs 7:6) Authorized Version "casement;" (Ecclesiastes 12:3) Authorized Version "window;" (Solomon 2:9; Hosea 13:3) Authorized Version "chimney." Glass has been introduced into Egypt in modern times as a protection against the cold of winter, but lattice-work is still the usual, and with the poor the only, contrivance for closing the window. The windows generally look into the inner court of the house, but in every house one or more look into the street. In Egypt these outer windows generally project over the doorway. [HOUSE]
→ General scriptures concerning Ge 6:16; 26:8; Jos 2:15,21; 1Ki 6:4; Eze 40:16-36; Ac 20:9
The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),
prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place
Where the limit is actually entered, into
Of direction towards anything
Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
Of rule or standard according to (rare)
Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
base
H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place
. Where the limit is actually entered, into
. Of direction towards anything
. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
. Of rule or standard according to (rare)
. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
413 'el ale
(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});
a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but
occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or
among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,
against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,
by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,
over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,
with(-in).
אֶל (el) — to(wards).
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)
HR — PrepositionHR
מֶחֱזָה (mechezah) refers to a window or a place of seeing, emphasizing the concept of light. It is derived from the root word meaning to see. The entries consistently highlight its association with visibility and illumination.
מֶחֱזָה n.f. light, place of seeing, window
base
H4237 מֶחֱזָה
4237 mechezah mekh-ez-aw'
from 2372; a window:--light.
see HEBREW for 02372
מֶחֱזָה (me.che.zah) — window.
light, window, place of seeing
HNcfsa — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
win'-do.
See HOUSE, II, 1, (9).
Window
Properly only an opening in a house for the admission of light and air, covered with lattice-work, which might be opened or closed (2 Kings 1:2; Acts 20:9). The spies in Jericho and Paul at Damascus were let down from the windows of houses abutting on the town wall (Josh. 2:15; 2 Cor. 11:33). The clouds are metaphorically called the “windows of heaven” (Gen. 7:11; Mal. 3:10). The word thus rendered in Isa. 54:12 ought rather to be rendered “battlements” (LXX., “bulwarks;” R.V., “pinnacles”), or as Gesenius…
The window of an Oriental house consists generally of an aperture closed in with lattice-work. (Judges 5:28; Proverbs 7:6) Authorized Version "casement;" (Ecclesiastes 12:3) Authorized Version "window;" (Solomon 2:9; Hosea 13:3) Authorized Version "chimney." Glass has been introduced into Egypt in modern times as a protection against the cold of winter, but lattice-work is still the usual, and with the poor the only, contrivance for closing the window. The windows generally look into the inner court of the house, but in every house one or more look into the street. In Egypt these outer windows generally project over the doorway. [HOUSE]
→ General scriptures concerning Ge 6:16; 26:8; Jos 2:15,21; 1Ki 6:4; Eze 40:16-36; Ac 20:9
The Hebrew word שָׁלֹשׁ (*shalosh*) means 'three' or 'triad.' It can also refer to the ordinal 'third' and is used in various contexts, including multiplication as 'thrice.' The entries consistently define it as a primitive number without significant disagreement.
שָׁלֹשׁ, שָׁלוֹשׁ, שְׁלֹשָׁה 430 n.m. et f. a three, triad
base
H7969 שָׁלֹשׁ, שָׁלוֹשׁ, שְׁלֹשָׁה a three, triad
7969 shalowsh shaw-loshe'
or shalosh {shaw-loshe'}; masculine shlowshah {shel-o-shaw'};
or shloshah {shel-o-shaw'}; a primitive number; three;
occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multipl.) thrice:--+ fork,
+ often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, + thrice.
Compare 7991.
see HEBREW for 07991
שָׁלֹשׁ (sha.losh) — three.
1) three, triad
1a) 3, 300, third
Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Adj — Noun common · both singular absoluteHNcbsa
(shalosh; treis).
See NUMBER.
The phrase "three days and three nights," Mt 12:40, was equivalent in Hebrew to the English "three days;" the Jews employing the expression "a day and a night" to denote our "day" of twentyfour hours. Nor did "three days," 1Sa 30:13, literally "this third day," according to their usage, necessarily include the whole of three days, but a part of three days, a continuous period including one whole day of twenty-four hours, and a portion of the day preceding it and the day following it. Compare Ge 7:12,17 1Sa 30:12-13.
פַּ֫עַם (pa'am) refers to a beat or stroke, and encompasses meanings such as foot, anvil, and occurrence. It can denote a footstep or time, indicating repetitions like once, twice, or thrice. The word is built from a root that suggests various applications related to rhythm and timing.
פַּ֫עַם 118 n.f. beat, foot, anvil, occurrence
base
H6471 פַּ֫עַם beat, foot, anvil, occurrence
6471 pa`am pah'-am
or (feminine) pa;amah {pah-am-aw'}; from 6470; a stroke,
literally or figuratively (in various applications, as
follow):--anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-)fold,
X now, (this) + once, order, rank, step, + thrice, ((often-)),
second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel.
see HEBREW for 06470
פַּ֫עַם (pa.am) — beat.
1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence
1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep
1b) anvil
1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat
1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
N-fp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
