1 Kings 6:18

KJV

And the cedar of the house within [was] carved with knops and open flowers: all [was] cedar; there was no stone seen.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the cedar {H730} of the house {H1004} within {H6441} was carved {H4734} with knops {H6497} and open {H6362} flowers {H6731}: all was cedar {H730}; there was no stone {H68} seen {H7200}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cedar covering the house was carved with gourds and open flowers; all was cedar; no stone was visible.

Berean Standard Bible

The cedar paneling inside the temple was carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; not a stone could be seen.

American Standard Version

And there was cedar on the house within, carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 6:18 meticulously details the exquisite interior of Solomon's Temple, highlighting the lavish use of cedar wood. This verse describes how the entire inner sanctuary was meticulously carved with intricate designs of "knops and open flowers," so thoroughly that no original stone structure remained visible. It powerfully conveys the unparalleled dedication, immense resources, and profound artistry invested in creating a dwelling place for God that was both magnificent and aesthetically perfect, symbolizing the Israelites' deep reverence and desire to honor the Divine with the absolute finest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive narrative of the Temple's construction in [1 Kings chapters 5-8](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5-8 - The Construction and Dedication of Solomon's Temple"). Following the initial preparations and the laying of the foundation, [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple") shifts its focus to the building's structure and, more specifically, its interior finishing. Verse 18 elaborates on the ornate details of the inner sanctuary, the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, which were the focal points of divine presence. It follows the description of the Temple's overall dimensions and the unique construction method where stones were prepared off-site, ensuring that "no hammer, nor axe, nor any tool of iron was heard in the house, while it was in building" ([1 Kings 6:7](/1_kings/6-7 "1 Kings 6:7 - Silence During Temple Construction")). Thus, verse 18 emphasizes the final, perfected state of the interior, where the rough-hewn stone was completely covered by refined, beautiful materials.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's Temple was the culmination of a long-held desire to establish a permanent dwelling for God's presence, replacing the portable Tabernacle. Its construction marked a zenith of Israelite national identity and religious devotion during Solomon's prosperous reign (c. 970-931 BC). The use of cedar, specifically "cedar of Lebanon," was a symbol of immense wealth, luxury, and durability in the ancient Near East. This highly prized, aromatic wood was imported from Phoenicia (modern-day Lebanon), often through elaborate trade agreements like those Solomon forged with King Hiram of Tyre ([1 Kings 5:1-12](/1_kings/5-12 "1 Kings 5:1-12 - Solomon's Alliance with Hiram")). The intricate carvings of "knops and open flowers" were common decorative motifs in ancient Near Eastern sacred architecture, often symbolizing life, fertility, creation, and divine blessing, reflecting a shared artistic vocabulary across the region. The sheer scale and opulence underscored the Temple's significance as the central place of worship and the seat of God's presence among His people.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous description in [1 Kings 6:18](/1_kings/6-18 "1 Kings 6:18 - The Cedar Interior of the Temple") powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Opulence and Dedication** to God, demonstrating Israel's commitment to offering their very best in worship and service. The phrase "all was cedar; there was no stone seen" underscores the extraordinary expense and effort, symbolizing profound reverence. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Intricate Craftsmanship and Aesthetic Perfection**, showcasing the highest level of artistic skill employed in God's dwelling. This attention to beauty reflected the belief that God deserved a sanctuary that was not only structurally sound but also visually magnificent. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **God's Dwelling Place and Immanence**, as the Temple was designed to house the Ark of the Covenant and serve as the locus of divine presence, where the "glory of the Lord filled the house" upon its completion ([1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple")). The transformation of raw stone into a seamless, beautiful cedar interior can also subtly foreshadow the transformative power of God's presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knops (פְּקָעִים, _peqa'im'_):** This Hebrew term, appearing only in the context of the Temple and Tabernacle decorations (e.g., [Exodus 25:33](/exodus/25-33 "Exodus 25:33 - Almond Blossoms on the Menorah")), refers to rounded, swelling forms, often translated as gourds, buds, or ornamental protuberances. In the context of carvings, they would have been three-dimensional, bulbous shapes, possibly resembling pomegranates or other fruit-like designs, symbolizing fruitfulness, abundance, and life.
* **Open Flowers (פְּטוּרֵי צִצִּים, _peturei tsitsim'_):** This phrase describes fully bloomed or blossoming flowers. The term _tsits_ (flower) is often used for lilies or other ornate floral designs. These were likely stylized representations of natural flora, such as the lily or palm tree motifs common in ancient Near Eastern art, conveying beauty, growth, and the flourishing of life. Together with "knops," they created a vibrant, organic aesthetic.
* **Cedar (אֶרֶז, _erez'_):** Cedar of Lebanon was highly prized for its durability, aromatic qualities, and resistance to decay, making it an ideal material for sacred structures. Its use here signifies not only the immense cost and luxury but also the intention for the Temple to be a lasting, beautiful, and fragrant dwelling for God, reflecting the highest possible quality and honor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the cedar of the house within [was] carved":** This clause establishes the primary material—cedar—and the method of its adornment—carving. The "house within" refers to the interior chambers of the Temple, specifically the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (the inner sanctuary). The act of carving implies skilled craftsmanship and deliberate artistry, transforming raw wood into intricate designs.
* **"with knops and open flowers":** This specifies the particular motifs used in the carvings. "Knops" (gourds/buds) and "open flowers" (blossoming flowers) represent natural, organic forms. These designs were not merely decorative but likely carried symbolic weight, evoking themes of life, growth, beauty, and the abundance of God's creation, bringing the vibrancy of the natural world into the sacred space.
* **"all [was] cedar; there was no stone seen":** This powerful statement emphasizes the complete and seamless covering of the interior. The underlying stone structure, though meticulously prepared, was entirely concealed by the cedar paneling and carvings. This detail highlights the extraordinary opulence and the desire for aesthetic perfection, creating a unified, warm, and visually stunning environment that transcended the raw materials, presenting a finished product of unparalleled beauty and dedication.

#### Literary Devices
The description in 1 Kings 6:18 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Imagery** is paramount, as the verse paints a vivid picture of the Temple's interior, allowing the reader to visualize the rich cedar, the intricate "knops," and the "open flowers." This sensory detail emphasizes the beauty and grandeur of the sanctuary. The phrase "all was cedar; there was no stone seen" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphasis. While the underlying structure was indeed stone, the statement underscores the complete and overwhelming presence of cedar, conveying a sense of seamless luxury and total transformation. This hyperbole also contributes to the **Symbolism** of the verse. The cedar itself symbolizes durability, royalty, and sacredness, while the natural motifs of "knops and open flowers" symbolize life, growth, and divine beauty, connecting the created world with the Creator's dwelling. The complete covering of the rough stone by the refined cedar can also be seen as a subtle **Metaphor** for spiritual transformation, where the ordinary or unrefined is made beautiful and sacred by divine purpose and presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail and lavish materials described in [1 Kings 6:18](/1_kings/6-18 "1 Kings 6:18 - The Cedar Interior of the Temple") serve as a profound theological statement about the nature of God and humanity's response to Him. The Temple's unparalleled beauty and costliness were a testament to God's supreme worthiness of the absolute best. It reflected a theology where the physical dwelling place of God was to be a microcosm of heavenly perfection and glory, inspiring awe and reverence. This dedication of the finest resources for God's house foreshadows the ultimate offering of Christ, who perfectly embodies divine glory and beauty. While the New Covenant shifts from a physical temple to a spiritual one, the principle of giving our best, striving for excellence, and dedicating our lives as living sacrifices remains central, as our bodies become temples of the Holy Spirit.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")
* [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Christ's Superior Tabernacle")
* [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Our Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The description of Solomon's Temple in [1 Kings 6:18](/1_kings/6-18 "1 Kings 6:18 - The Cedar Interior of the Temple") offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers. The Israelites spared no expense, dedicating the most precious materials and skilled craftsmanship to God's dwelling. This challenges us to consider the quality and intentionality of our own offerings to God—not just financially, but in our time, talents, and devotion. Are we giving God our "cedar" or merely our "stone"? The emphasis on beauty and perfection in the Temple's design also reminds us that excellence in worship, whether in music, art, service, or personal conduct, can enhance our reverence and draw us closer to God. Furthermore, just as the rough stone was completely covered and transformed by the beautiful cedar, so too can God's presence and grace transform our lives, making something beautiful and sacred out of what might otherwise seem ordinary or unrefined. This transformation is not merely superficial but indicative of a deep, inner work that covers our imperfections and makes us fit dwelling places for His Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the Temple's construction challenge our approach to worship and service today?**
* **In what ways can we, as "temples of the Holy Spirit," reflect the beauty and dedication described in 1 Kings 6:18 in our daily lives?**
* **What does the complete covering of stone by cedar teach us about God's desire to transform and beautify our inner lives?**

### FAQ

**Why was so much cedar used in the Temple, and what was the significance of the "no stone seen" detail?**

Answer: The extensive use of cedar in Solomon's Temple, particularly cedar of Lebanon, was highly significant for several reasons. Cedar was an exceptionally valuable, durable, and aromatic wood, symbolizing wealth, prestige, and longevity in the ancient world. Its import from Phoenicia, facilitated by King Hiram of Tyre ([1 Kings 5:1-12](/1_kings/5-12 "1 Kings 5:1-12 - Solomon's Alliance with Hiram")), underscored the immense resources and international cooperation dedicated to God's house. The detail "no stone seen" emphasizes the complete covering of the underlying stone structure with this precious wood. This served multiple purposes: it created a seamless, aesthetically perfect, and luxurious interior, reflecting the highest honor given to God. It also symbolically transformed the raw, earthly materials into something refined and sacred, perhaps alluding to the spiritual transformation that occurs in God's presence. Furthermore, it subtly connects to [1 Kings 6:7](/1_kings/6-7 "1 Kings 6:7 - Silence During Temple Construction"), where stones were prepared off-site to ensure silence during construction; the cedar then provided the final, beautiful, and quiet finish.

**What is the symbolic meaning of the "knops and open flowers" carved into the cedar?**

Answer: The "knops" (פְּקָעִים, _peqa'im_) and "open flowers" (פְּטוּרֵי צִצִּים, _peturei tsitsim_) carved into the cedar were not merely decorative but carried rich symbolic meaning, common in ancient Near Eastern sacred architecture. "Knops," often interpreted as gourds or buds, represented fruitfulness, abundance, and the promise of life. "Open flowers," likely stylized lilies or palm tree motifs, symbolized beauty, growth, flourishing, and the vibrant life of creation. Together, these natural designs imbued the sacred space with a sense of vitality and divine blessing. They connected the Temple, as a dwelling place for God, to the broader themes of God's creative power and His desire for His people to thrive and bear fruit, making the interior a visual testament to life and beauty in God's presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The exquisite beauty and meticulous craftsmanship of Solomon's Temple, particularly the seamless cedar interior described in [1 Kings 6:18](/1_kings/6-18 "1 Kings 6:18 - The Cedar Interior of the Temple"), finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, though magnificent, was but a shadow of the true dwelling place of God. Christ Himself is the ultimate Temple, the perfect embodiment of God's presence among humanity, where the "Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of the Word")). Just as the Temple's interior was completely covered in precious cedar, hiding the rough stone, so too does Christ's perfection and sacrifice entirely cover our imperfections, making us beautiful and acceptable in God's sight. He is the flawless "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) whose righteousness is imputed to us. Furthermore, the Temple's role as a place where God's glory dwelt is fulfilled in Christ, who declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), speaking of His own body. Through Christ, believers are transformed from "rough stone" into living stones, becoming part of a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), indwelt by the Holy Spirit, thus becoming the new "temple of God" ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). The ultimate vision of the New Jerusalem reveals that there will be no physical temple, "for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - God and the Lamb Are the Temple")), signifying that the direct, unmediated presence of God in Christ is the ultimate and eternal reality.

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.

Cross-References

1 Kings 7:24

And under the brim of it round about [there were] knops compassing it, ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about: the knops [were] cast in two rows, when it was cast.