1 Kings 6:17

KJV

And the house, that [is], the temple before it, was forty cubits [long].

KJV (with Strong's)

And the house {H1004}, that is, the temple {H1964} before {H3942} it, was forty {H705} cubits {H520} long.

Complete Jewish Bible

while the rest of the house, that is, the temple in front, was seventy feet long.

Berean Standard Bible

And the main hall in front of this room was forty cubits long.

American Standard Version

And the house, that is, the temple before the oracle, was forty cubits long.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 6:17 provides a specific architectural detail of Solomon's magnificent Temple, stating that the main sanctuary, often referred to as the Holy Place or Nave, measured forty cubits in length. This precise measurement is part of a larger, meticulous description of the Temple's construction, underscoring the divine blueprint and the profound significance of this sacred edifice as the central dwelling place for God's presence among His people, Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple"), a chapter exclusively dedicated to the detailed construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. Following the general timeline of the Temple's commencement in [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Temple Construction Begins"), the narrative shifts to an architectural blueprint. Verses [1 Kings 6:2-3](/1_kings/6-2 "1 Kings 6:2-3 - Temple Dimensions") describe the overall dimensions of the main structure and the porch. Verse 17 specifically delineates the length of the *heikal*, the main hall or Holy Place, which was the primary area accessible to priests for daily service, distinguishing it from the porch (ulam) and the innermost sanctuary, the Most Holy Place (debir), whose dimensions are given in [1 Kings 6:19-20](/1_kings/6-19 "1 Kings 6:19-20 - Dimensions of the Inner Sanctuary"). This meticulous enumeration of measurements emphasizes the divine precision and sacredness of the structure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of Solomon's Temple was the most significant undertaking of his reign, fulfilling the desire of his father, King David, to build a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant and a central place of worship for the nation. This grand project took seven years to complete ([1 Kings 6:38](/1_kings/6-38 "1 Kings 6:38 - Temple Completion")). Culturally, temples in the ancient Near East were considered the dwelling places of gods, and their construction often involved precise, ritually significant dimensions. For Israel, the Temple was not merely a building but a physical manifestation of God's covenant presence among His people, a successor to the portable Tabernacle described in [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-40 - Tabernacle Instructions and Construction"). The use of the "cubit" as a unit of measurement was standard across the region, typically ranging from 18 to 21 inches, making forty cubits a substantial length of approximately 60-70 feet (18-21 meters).
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple") contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Precision**, as the detailed measurements, including the forty cubits of the main hall, suggest a divinely inspired design, echoing the meticulous instructions given for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 26](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - Tabernacle Construction Details"). Secondly, the grandeur and scale of the Temple underscore the **Glory and Majesty of God**, for whom such an impressive structure was built, reflecting Israel's devotion and Solomon's wisdom and wealth. Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **Sacred Space and Separation**, clearly defining the dimensions of the Holy Place, which served as a distinct area for priestly service, set apart from the outer courts and the Most Holy Place, emphasizing the progressive levels of holiness within God's dwelling.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, בַּיִת, _bayit_):** This common Hebrew word for "house" or "dwelling" is used here to refer to the entire Temple complex, but the context clarifies it as the specific structure. In sacred contexts, _bayit_ often denotes a dwelling place for God, as seen in the "house of the Lord" or "house of God," signifying a place of divine presence and worship.
* **Temple (Hebrew, הֵיכָל, _heikal_):** More specifically, _heikal_ refers to the main sanctuary or nave of the Temple, often translated as "palace" or "temple." It was the larger, outer chamber of the sacred structure, preceding the innermost Holy of Holies. This distinction is crucial for understanding the layout and function of the different parts of Solomon's Temple.
* **Forty cubits (Hebrew, אַרְבָּעִים אַמָּה, _arba'im amma_):** The number forty holds symbolic significance in biblical numerology, often representing a period of testing, purification, or completion (e.g., forty years in the wilderness, forty days of flood, forty days of Jesus' temptation). While here it is a literal measurement, its presence in such a central sacred structure might subtly evoke ideas of divine testing or the journey of faith. A cubit (_ammah_) was an ancient unit of length, approximately 18-21 inches (45-53 cm), making the main hall roughly 60-70 feet (18-21 meters) long.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the house, that [is], the temple before it":** This phrase clarifies the specific part of the Temple being measured. "The house" refers to the overall Temple building, while "that [is], the temple before it" (or "the inner house," referring to the main hall) specifies the *heikal*, the Holy Place. This was the large chamber that priests entered daily to perform their duties, such as burning incense on the altar of incense and tending the lampstand and table of showbread. It stood "before" or in front of the innermost sanctuary, the Most Holy Place.
* **"was forty cubits [long]":** This provides the precise length of the *heikal*. This exactitude is characteristic of the entire description of the Temple, emphasizing the meticulous adherence to a divine blueprint. The length of forty cubits would have created a substantial and impressive hall, suitable for the sacred rituals performed within it and reflective of the grandeur of the God it was built to honor.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Kings 6:17, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Architectural Detail**. The text meticulously enumerates precise measurements and materials, creating a vivid mental blueprint of the Temple. This detailed description serves not merely as an architectural record but as a theological statement, emphasizing the **Divine Precision** and **Order** inherent in God's design for His dwelling place. The exactness of "forty cubits" contributes to a sense of **Realism** and **Verifiability**, grounding the sacred narrative in tangible dimensions. Furthermore, the focus on specific measurements can be seen as a form of **Symbolism**, where the physical dimensions reflect spiritual truths about God's character (order, majesty) and the sacredness of the space dedicated to Him. The entire chapter functions as an **Extended Description**, building a cumulative picture of a structure of unparalleled beauty and sacredness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 6:17, by detailing the dimensions of the Temple's main sanctuary, underscores the theological significance of sacred space and divine presence. The meticulous design reflects God's desire for order and excellence in worship, echoing the detailed instructions given for the Tabernacle, which served as a portable sanctuary before the Temple's construction. This emphasis on a physical dwelling place for God's presence highlights the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where His glory would reside among His people. The Temple served as the focal point for national worship, sacrifice, and prayer, symbolizing God's accessibility yet also His transcendence, as only certain individuals could enter specific areas.
* [Exodus 26:15-18](/exodus/26-15 "Exodus 26:15-18 - Tabernacle Frame Dimensions"): Details the dimensions of the Tabernacle's frames, demonstrating God's consistent demand for precise measurements in His dwelling places.
* [2 Chronicles 3:3](/2_chronicles/3-3 "2 Chronicles 3:3 - Temple Foundation Dimensions"): Provides the foundation dimensions of Solomon's Temple, confirming the consistent and grand scale of the structure.
* [Ezekiel 41:2](/ezekiel/41-2 "Ezekiel 41:2 - Dimensions of Ezekiel's Temple Nave"): Describes the dimensions of the nave in Ezekiel's visionary temple, showing a continuity of architectural focus in divine revelation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail in 1 Kings 6:17, describing the forty-cubit length of the Temple's main sanctuary, invites us to reflect on the nature of our own worship and service to God. Just as Solomon's Temple was built with precision and excellence, reflecting the glory of God, so too should our spiritual lives be marked by intentionality and reverence. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order, and He values careful attention to detail in all aspects of our walk with Him, not just in grand projects but in the daily disciplines of faith. While we no longer worship in a physical temple of stone, the principles of sacred space and divine presence remain. We are called to honor God with our best, recognizing that our bodies are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, and our lives are living sacrifices. This calls for a commitment to holiness, integrity, and a pursuit of excellence in our spiritual disciplines, relationships, and vocations, making our entire existence a dwelling place for God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the Temple's construction, as seen in 1 Kings 6:17, challenge my approach to spiritual disciplines and service?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a greater sense of reverence and intentionality in my daily life, recognizing that my body is a "temple of the Holy Spirit"?**
* **What "measurements" or standards of excellence does God call me to uphold in my character and conduct, reflecting His divine order?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the "forty cubits" section of the Temple mentioned in 1 Kings 6:17?**

Answer: The "forty cubits" section refers to the length of the *heikal*, also known as the Holy Place or the Nave. This was the main hall of Solomon's Temple, the larger of the two sacred chambers within the main building. Its purpose was to serve as the primary area where priests performed their daily duties and rituals, such as burning incense on the golden altar, tending the lampstand, and placing the showbread on the table. It was the chamber that worshippers would conceptually approach before the innermost sanctuary, the Most Holy Place or Holy of Holies, which was separated by a veil and accessible only to the High Priest once a year on the Day of Atonement, as described in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - Day of Atonement"). The precise measurement underscored the sacredness and specific function of this dedicated space.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 6:17 describes a physical structure, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ. The Temple, with its precise dimensions and sacred spaces, prefigured the dwelling of God among humanity, a reality fully realized in the person of Jesus. He is the ultimate "house" or dwelling place of God, the one in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Fullness of God in Christ")). Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the "temple of his body" ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). The meticulous forty-cubit length of the Holy Place, a space for priestly service, finds its perfect counterpart in Christ, our Great High Priest, who entered the true heavenly sanctuary "once for all" through His own blood, securing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, Our High Priest")). Furthermore, through Christ, believers become living stones, built into a spiritual house, a "holy temple in the Lord" ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Believers as God's Temple"); [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), where God's Spirit dwells, fulfilling the promise of God's presence among His people in a new and intimate way, far surpassing the glory of Solomon's physical edifice.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.