1 Kings 6:2

KJV

And the house which king Solomon built for the LORD, the length thereof [was] threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty [cubits], and the height thereof thirty cubits.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the house {H1004} which king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} built {H1129} for the LORD {H3068}, the length {H753} thereof was threescore {H8346} cubits {H520}, and the breadth {H7341} thereof twenty {H6242} cubits, and the height {H6967} thereof thirty {H7970} cubits {H520}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The house which King Shlomo built for ADONAI was 105 feet long, thirty-five feet wide and fifty-two-and-a-half feet high.

Berean Standard Bible

The house that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high.

American Standard Version

And the house which king Solomon built for Jehovah, the length thereof was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 6:2 meticulously details the foundational dimensions of the main sanctuary of Solomon's Temple, specifying its length as sixty cubits, its breadth as twenty cubits, and its height as thirty cubits. This verse immediately follows the commencement of the Temple's construction, providing the precise architectural blueprint for the physical dwelling place of the LORD in Jerusalem. These exact measurements underscore the sacredness and divine inspiration behind the structure, reflecting God's nature of order and the profound significance of the house built for His name.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very beginning of the detailed account of Solomon's Temple construction, immediately following the statement in [1 Kings 6:1](/1-kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Commencement of Temple Building") that the work began in the fourth year of Solomon's reign. It serves as the foundational architectural description upon which all subsequent details—such as the side chambers, windows, and internal furnishings—are built. The precise numerical specifications here set the tone for the meticulous and divinely guided nature of the entire building project, which spans the remainder of [1 Kings chapter 6](/1-kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple") and continues into [chapter 7](/1-kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Solomon's Palace and Temple Furnishings"). The narrative emphasizes that this was not merely a grand human endeavor but a fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would build a house for the LORD, as recorded in [2 Samuel 7:13](/2-samuel/7-13 "2 Samuel 7:13 - God's Promise to David Regarding the Temple").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of a grand temple was a common and significant undertaking for ancient Near Eastern monarchs, often symbolizing their power, piety, and the favor of their deities. However, Solomon's Temple was unique in its dedication to YHWH, the one true God, and its role as the central place of worship for the nation of Israel. The "cubit" (Hebrew: _ʾammah_) was a standard unit of measurement in the ancient world, typically representing the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18-22 inches (45-56 cm). The dimensions provided in this verse—60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high—describe the main sanctuary, which comprised the Holy Place (the larger outer chamber) and the Most Holy Place (the inner sanctum, or Holy of Holies, which occupied the innermost 20 cubits of the length). This structure was designed to be the preeminent physical manifestation of God's presence among His people in Jerusalem.

* **Key Themes:** The detailed dimensions in [1 Kings 6:2](/1-kings/6-2 "1 Kings 6:2 - Dimensions of Solomon's Temple") contribute significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, they highlight the theme of **Divine Precision and Order**. The meticulous measurements suggest that the Temple was built not arbitrarily, but according to a specific, sacred design, reflecting God's character as a God of order and perfection. Secondly, the sheer scale implied by these dimensions underscores the **Grandeur and Majesty of God**. The Temple was intended to be an impressive and awe-inspiring structure, fitting for the dwelling place of the Almighty, as emphasized in passages like [Psalm 29:2](/psalm/29-2 "Psalm 29:2 - Worship the LORD in the Splendor of Holiness"). Thirdly, the verse establishes the **Centrality of Worship** in Israelite life. By providing the foundational measurements of the sacred structure, the text emphasizes the Temple's role as the physical core of national religious life, where the covenant God would uniquely manifest His presence and receive the worship of His people, as seen in the dedication prayer in [1 Kings 8](/1-kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, בַּיִת, _bayit_):** While literally meaning "house" or "building," in this sacred context, _bayit_ signifies more than just a physical structure. It denotes a dwelling place, a sacred abode, or a temple dedicated to a deity. Here, it is explicitly "the house which king Solomon built for the LORD," emphasizing its consecrated purpose as the dwelling place for God's presence, rather than merely a royal edifice. This term carries profound theological weight, linking back to God's desire to "dwell among" His people (e.g., [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Tabernacle")).
* **Cubits (Hebrew, אַמָּה, _ʾammah_):** This ancient unit of measurement, derived from the forearm length, was fundamental to ancient Near Eastern architecture. Its use here underscores the concrete, tangible nature of the Temple's construction. However, in sacred architecture, specific numbers often carried symbolic significance. While not explicitly stated, the recurrence of multiples of ten (60, 20, 30) and the dimensions themselves could subtly convey completeness, order, and divine proportion, a common feature in divinely commissioned structures like the Tabernacle.
* **LORD (Hebrew, יְהוָה, _YHWH_):** The divine name, often rendered as "LORD" in English translations, signifies the covenant God of Israel. The explicit statement that the house was built "for the LORD" is crucial. It defines the Temple's ultimate purpose and ownership. It was not built for Solomon's glory, but as a dedicated space for the worship and presence of the sovereign God who had chosen Israel as His people and promised to dwell among them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the house which king Solomon built for the LORD":** This opening clause immediately establishes the subject of the description: the Temple, not just any building, but the specific sacred structure commissioned and dedicated to YHWH. It highlights Solomon's role as the divinely appointed builder, fulfilling the promise made to his father David. The phrase "for the LORD" emphasizes the Temple's exclusive and consecrated purpose, distinguishing it from secular royal buildings.
* **"the length thereof [was] threescore cubits":** This specifies the primary dimension of the main sanctuary (the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place combined). "Threescore" means sixty (60) cubits. At approximately 18-22 inches per cubit, this translates to roughly 90-110 feet (27-33 meters). This substantial length would have created an imposing and reverent space, leading worshippers from the outer courts into the sacred interior.
* **"and the breadth thereof twenty [cubits]":** This provides the width of the main sanctuary, twenty (20) cubits, approximately 30-37 feet (9-11 meters). The ratio of length to breadth (3:1) is significant and often found in ancient sacred architecture, contributing to the sense of proportion and balance within the divine blueprint.
* **"and the height thereof thirty cubits."**: This specifies the height of the main sanctuary, thirty (30) cubits, approximately 45-55 feet (13.5-17 meters). This considerable height would have contributed to the grandeur and spaciousness of the interior, elevating the structure both physically and symbolically as a place set apart for the Most High God. These foundational dimensions set the stage for the detailed descriptions of the Temple's internal divisions and furnishings that follow.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Kings 6:2 is **Precision and Detailing**. The text provides exact numerical measurements for the Temple's dimensions, which serves to emphasize the meticulous care and divine blueprint involved in its construction. This level of detail is not merely architectural; it conveys a theological message about God's orderliness, His specific requirements for worship, and the sacredness of the space dedicated to Him. The precise numbers also lend an air of **Verisimilitude**, making the account feel historically grounded and authentic. Furthermore, the description of these grand dimensions contributes to the overall **Symbolism** of the Temple itself. The structure, by its very size and precise design, symbolizes the majesty, holiness, and dwelling presence of God among His people, serving as a tangible representation of His covenant faithfulness and His desire to be known and worshipped.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The precise dimensions of Solomon's Temple, as laid out in 1 Kings 6:2, are not merely architectural specifications but carry profound theological weight. They underscore God's nature as a God of order, precision, and holiness, who desires a specific, consecrated space for His dwelling among His people. This attention to detail reflects the divine blueprint given for the Tabernacle (e.g., [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")), indicating a continuity in God's desire for a structured, reverent approach to His presence. The grandeur implied by these dimensions also speaks to the majesty and glory of the God whom the Temple was built to honor, establishing it as the preeminent center of worship and a tangible sign of the covenant relationship between YHWH and Israel.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 9:1](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Sanctuary")
* [Isaiah 6:1](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah 6:1 - Isaiah's Vision of God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we no longer build physical temples for God to dwell in, the meticulous care and precise dimensions described in 1 Kings 6:2 offer profound lessons for our spiritual lives. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order and intention, and He calls us to approach Him with similar reverence and thoughtfulness. The Temple's grandeur reflected the majesty of God; similarly, our lives, as spiritual temples, should reflect His glory through intentional worship, obedience, and a commitment to holiness. The detailed blueprint for the Temple suggests that God's plan for our lives, though not always as numerically precise, is equally intentional and purposeful. We are called to build our lives on the solid foundation of His Word, ensuring that our spiritual structures are sound and aligned with His divine design, rather than haphazardly constructed. This calls for a deliberate and disciplined faith, recognizing that every aspect of our being can be consecrated to the LORD.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on precise dimensions in the Temple's construction inform our understanding of God's character and His expectations for our worship?**
* **If our bodies are now considered temples of the Holy Spirit (as per the New Testament), what does the meticulous care given to Solomon's Temple imply about how we should steward our physical and spiritual lives?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be building haphazardly, and how can you apply the principle of divine precision and intentionality to align with God's blueprint for you?**

### FAQ

**What is a cubit in modern measurements, and how large was Solomon's Temple in contemporary terms?**

Answer: A cubit (Hebrew: _ʾammah_) was an ancient unit of length, typically based on the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its exact length varied slightly by region and period, it is generally estimated to be between 18 and 22 inches (approximately 45-56 centimeters). For the main sanctuary described in [1 Kings 6:2](/1-kings/6-2 "1 Kings 6:2 - Dimensions of Solomon's Temple"), this means:
* **Length:** 60 cubits translates to roughly 90-110 feet (27-33 meters).
* **Breadth:** 20 cubits translates to roughly 30-37 feet (9-11 meters).
* **Height:** 30 cubits translates to roughly 45-55 feet (13.5-17 meters).
These dimensions describe a substantial and impressive building for its time, though it was not as large as some of the massive pagan temples found in contemporary empires like Egypt or Mesopotamia. Its significance lay not in its sheer size but in its sacred purpose and its dedication to the one true God.

**Why are the dimensions of the Temple described with such precision in the biblical text?**

Answer: The precise dimensions in [1 Kings 6:2](/1-kings/6-2 "1 Kings 6:2 - Dimensions of Solomon's Temple") serve several important purposes. Firstly, they underscore the divine origin and sacred nature of the Temple's design. Just as the Tabernacle was built according to specific divine instructions (e.g., [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Tabernacle Built According to Pattern")), the Temple's exact measurements imply a heavenly blueprint, reflecting God's order and perfection. Secondly, this precision emphasizes the meticulous care and reverence with which the Temple was to be constructed, befitting a dwelling place for the Almighty. It highlights human obedience to divine commands. Thirdly, the detailed description provides a concrete understanding of the structure's grandeur and functional layout for the ancient reader, making the sacred space tangible and real. Finally, in ancient Near Eastern thought, sacred numbers and proportions often conveyed theological meaning, suggesting completeness, stability, and divine presence.

**Does Solomon's Temple still exist today, and what happened to it?**

Answer: No, Solomon's Temple, often referred to as the First Temple, no longer exists. It was tragically destroyed by the Babylonian army under King Nebuchadnezzar II in 586 BC, as vividly recounted in [2 Kings 25](/2-kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - Destruction of Jerusalem and Exile"). The Temple was plundered, burned, and its walls torn down, marking a devastating period in Israelite history known as the Babylonian Exile. A Second Temple was later built on the same site after the return from exile, completed around 516 BC (see [Ezra 6:15](/ezra/6-15 "Ezra 6:15 - Completion of the Second Temple")), which was then extensively renovated and expanded by Herod the Great. Herod's Temple was in turn destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD, leaving only the Western Wall (or "Wailing Wall") as its most prominent remnant today.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The precise and grand dimensions of Solomon's Temple, as detailed in [1 Kings 6:2](/1-kings/6-2 "1 Kings 6:2 - Dimensions of Solomon's Temple"), find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. The Temple, as the dwelling place of God among His people, was a powerful type and shadow of Jesus Christ. While the physical structure was magnificent, it was merely a temporary, earthly representation of God's presence. Jesus, however, is the true and perfect "Temple" in whom the fullness of God dwells in bodily form ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). He 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 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Through His incarnation, God truly came to "tabernacle" or "dwell" among us, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Furthermore, through Christ's atoning work, believers are now individually and corporately made temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1-corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit"); [2 Corinthians 6:16](/2-corinthians/6-16 "2 Corinthians 6:16 - Believers as Temples of the Living God")), fulfilling God's ancient desire to dwell among His people in a new and intimate way. Ultimately, the vision of the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth") reveals that in the eternal state, there will be no need for a physical temple, "for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - God and the Lamb are the Temple")), signifying the complete and unmediated presence of God with His redeemed people through Christ.

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

Ezekiel 40:1

¶ In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth [day] of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and brought me thither.

Ezekiel 40:41

Four tables [were] on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate; eight tables, whereupon they slew [their sacrifices].

Ezekiel 41:1

¶ Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, [which was] the breadth of the tabernacle.

Ezekiel 41:15

And he measured the length of the building over against the separate place which [was] behind it, and the galleries thereof on the one side and on the other side, an hundred cubits, with the inner temple, and the porches of the court;

Ezra 6:3

In the first year of Cyrus the king [the same] Cyrus the king made a decree [concerning] the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, [and] the breadth thereof threescore cubits;

Ezra 6:4

[With] three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house:

Revelation 21:16

And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.