1 Kings 7:7

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Then he made a porch for the throne where he might judge, [even] the porch of judgment: and [it was] covered with cedar from one side of the floor to the other.

Complete Jewish Bible:

He made the Hall of the Throne his place for dispensing justice, that is, the Hall of Judgment; it was covered with cedar from floor to ceiling.

Berean Standard Bible:

In addition, he built a hall for the throne, the Hall of Justice, where he was to judge. It was paneled with cedar from floor to ceiling.

American Standard Version:

And he made the porch of the throne where he was to judge, even the porch of judgment: and it was covered with cedar from floor to floor.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Then he made^{H6213} a porch^{H197} for the throne^{H3678} where he might judge^{H8199}, even the porch^{H197} of judgment^{H4941}: and it was covered^{H5603} with cedar^{H730} from one side of the floor^{H7172} to the other^{H7172}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for 1 Kings 7:7

1 Kings 7:7 describes a specific architectural feature within the grand construction projects undertaken by King Solomon, as part of his building campaign in ancient Israel. The verse is set within the broader context of the detailed description of Solomon's own palace and the Temple in Jerusalem, which are central to the narrative of 1 Kings.

In this verse, the construction of a porch, or an outer room, specifically designed for the purpose of judgment is highlighted. This "porch of judgment" served as a place where King Solomon could administer justice, hear petitions, and make legal decisions for his people. The mention of cedar covering the entire floor of the porch underscores the opulence and the high quality of materials used in the construction, reflecting Solomon's wealth and the grandeur of his reign. Cedarwood was a luxury import, highly prized for its fragrance, durability, and aesthetic appeal, and its use here symbolizes both the wisdom and the splendor associated with Solomon's rule.

The historical context of this verse is situated within the period of Solomon's reign, which is traditionally dated to around the 10th century BCE. During this time, Solomon was known for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of monumental buildings, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. The verse reflects the stability and prosperity of Israel under Solomon, as well as the king's role as a wise and just ruler, themes that are recurrent in the biblical portrayal of his reign. The detailed description of the porch of judgment also serves to emphasize the importance of justice in the life of the nation, a value that is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H6213
   There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָשָׂה
   Transliteration: ʻâsâh
   Pronunciation: aw-saw'
   Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use.
   
2. Strong's Number: H197
   There are 66 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אוּלָם
   Transliteration: ʼûwlâm
   Pronunciation: oo-lawm'
   Description: or (shortened), אֻלָם ; from אָלַם (in the sense of tying); a vestibule (as bound to the building); porch.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3678
   There are 124 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כִּסֵּא
   Transliteration: kiççêʼ
   Pronunciation: kis-say'
   Description: or כִּסֵּה; from כָּסָה; properly, covered, i.e. a throne (as canopied); seat, stool, throne.
   
4. Strong's Number: H8199
   There are 182 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁפַט
   Transliteration: shâphaṭ
   Pronunciation: shaw-fat'
   Description: a primitive root; to judge, i.e. pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literally or figuratively); [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule.
   
5. Strong's Number: H4941
   There are 406 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מִשְׁפָּט
   Transliteration: mishpâṭ
   Pronunciation: mish-pawt'
   Description: from שָׁפַט; properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary), or even a style; [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong.
   
6. Strong's Number: H5603
   There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: סָפַן
   Transliteration: çâphan
   Pronunciation: saw-fan'
   Description: a primitive root; to hide by covering; specifically, to roof (passive participle as noun, a roof) or wainscot; figuratively, to reserve; cieled, cover, seated.
   
7. Strong's Number: H730
   There are 466 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֶרֶז
   Transliteration: ʼerez
   Pronunciation: eh-rez'
   Description: from אָרַז; a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots); cedar (tree).
   
8. Strong's Number: H7172
   There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קַרְקַע
   Transliteration: qarqaʻ
   Pronunciation: kar-kah'
   Description: from קָרַע; floor (as if a pavement of pieces or tesseroe), of abuilding or the sea; bottom, ([idiom] one side of the) floor.