1 Kings 6:22

Translation
King James Version
And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with gold.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And the whole house H1004 he overlaid H6823 with gold H2091, until he had finished H8552 all the house H1004: also the whole altar H4196 that was by the oracle H1687 he overlaid H6823 with gold H2091.
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Complete Jewish Bible
The entire house he overlaid with gold until it was completely covered with it. He also overlaid with gold the entire altar that belonged to the sanctuary.
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Berean Standard Bible
So he overlaid with gold the whole interior of the temple, until everything was completely finished. He also overlaid with gold the entire altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary.
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American Standard Version
And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until all the house was finished: also the whole altar that belonged to the oracle he overlaid with gold.
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World English Bible Messianic
The whole house he overlaid with gold, until all the house was finished: also the whole altar that belonged to the oracle he overlaid with gold.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And he ouerlayde all the house with gold, vntill all the house was made perfite. also he couered the whole altar, that was before the oracle, with golde.
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Young's Literal Translation
And the whole of the house he hath overlaid with gold, till the completion of all the house; and the whole of the altar that the oracle hath, he hath overlaid with gold.
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See also
Exodus 30:1Exodus 30:31 Kings 6:202 Chronicles 3:72 Chronicles 3:14Exodus 30:5Exodus 30:6
See on the biblical-era map
City Plan: Jerusalem in the Time of Solomon
City Plan: Jerusalem in the Time of Solomon View full PDF
Building Plan: Solomon's Palace and the Temple Complex
Building Plan: Solomon's Palace and the Temple Complex View full PDF
Building Plan: Solomon's Temple
Building Plan: Solomon's Temple View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 8,919 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Kings 6:22 meticulously details the culmination of the interior finishing of Solomon's Temple, specifically highlighting that the entire structure and the altar positioned near the Most Holy Place were lavishly overlaid with pure gold. This extensive application of the most precious metal served to underscore the unparalleled sanctity, divine glory, and immense value attributed to God's dwelling place among His people, powerfully reflecting both King Solomon's profound devotion and the sacredness of the space dedicated exclusively to the Lord.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is intricately woven into the detailed biblical account of the construction of Solomon's Temple, a narrative that spans from 1 Kings 5 through 1 Kings 8. Specifically, 1 Kings 6 provides a meticulous architectural blueprint, outlining the dimensions, materials, and craftsmanship employed in erecting this monumental edifice. Prior to verse 22, the text describes the foundational stones, the cedar paneling that covered the interior walls, and the intricate carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers that adorned these surfaces. Verse 22, therefore, marks a significant point: the completion of the interior's most opulent layer of decoration, signifying the final stage of the inner sanctum's embellishment. It immediately precedes the description of the two massive cherubim placed within the oracle and further details concerning the inner and outer courts, setting the stage for the Temple's grand dedication.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, temples were not merely buildings; they were considered the earthly dwelling places of deities, and their construction was often the most significant undertaking of a king's reign, reflecting both his power and wealth, and the perceived status of the god. Solomon's Temple, situated in Jerusalem, was designed to be the central place of worship for the nation of Israel, thereby solidifying Jerusalem's burgeoning role as the religious and political capital. The use of gold in such a prodigious quantity was far more than an aesthetic choice; gold was universally revered as the most precious, incorruptible, and radiant metal, symbolizing divinity, royalty, purity, and permanence. Kings throughout the region would spare no expense in honoring their gods, and the unparalleled lavishness of the Temple's gold overlay would have communicated Israel's profound devotion to Yahweh and simultaneously showcased Solomon's immense wealth, which was understood as a direct sign of God's blessing upon his reign, as promised in 1 Kings 3:13.
  • Key Themes: The meticulous description of the Temple's construction, particularly the pervasive application of its golden overlay, profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of Divine Presence, as the Temple was conceived as the earthly dwelling place for God's name and glory among His chosen people, a concept deeply rooted in the design and purpose of the earlier Tabernacle (e.g., Exodus 25:8). Secondly, the unparalleled opulence of the Temple emphasizes the Holiness and Sacredness of God Himself, conveying that His dwelling place must be utterly set apart, pure, and worthy of His transcendent majesty. Thirdly, this grand undertaking speaks directly to the theme of Kingship and Covenant Fulfillment, as Solomon's successful completion of the Temple fulfills his father David's earnest desire and God's enduring promise to establish David's throne and "house" forever (e.g., 2 Samuel 7:13). Finally, the sheer grandeur of the Temple was intentionally designed to inspire Worship and Awe among the people, directing their hearts and minds towards the magnificent and glorious God who graciously chose to dwell in their midst.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • House (Hebrew, bayith', H1004): This term, derived from a root suggesting "to build," refers broadly to a dwelling, structure, or even a family or lineage. In the context of 1 Kings 6:22, "the whole house" specifically denotes the entirety of the Temple building, encompassing its various chambers and internal structures. Its repeated use emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the gold overlay, signifying that no part of God's earthly dwelling was deemed unworthy of the most precious adornment.
  • Overlaid (Hebrew, tsâphâh', H6823): This primitive root means "to sheet over" or "to plate," particularly with metal. It denotes a thorough and complete covering, implying that the underlying materials (wood, stone) were entirely concealed by the gold. This action was not merely decorative but transformative, creating an environment of dazzling splendor and reflecting light, profoundly impacting anyone entering the sacred space. The meticulousness suggested by this verb highlights the exhaustive effort to glorify the Temple.
  • Oracle (Hebrew, dᵉbîyr', H1687): Also known as the Most Holy Place or Holy of Holies, the "dᵉbîyr" literally translates to "the speaking place" or "the innermost room." This was the most sacred chamber of the Temple, where the Ark of the Covenant resided, symbolizing the very throne of God's presence. Its name inherently suggests its function as the locus from which God communicated with His people, particularly through the high priest on the Day of Atonement. The fact that this most sacred area, along with its adjacent altar, was completely overlaid with gold, profoundly underscores its absolute sanctity and the profound reverence due to God's immediate, albeit veiled, presence.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And the whole house he overlaid with gold": This initial clause establishes the comprehensive nature of the gold application within the Temple. "The whole house" refers to the entire interior of the Temple, including the Holy Place (Hekal) and the Most Holy Place (Dĕbîr), as well as the walls, ceiling, and potentially the floor. The verb "overlaid" signifies a complete covering, not merely a superficial plating, indicating an unparalleled level of opulence and dedication aimed at making God's dwelling place supremely glorious and reflective of His majesty.
  • "until he had finished all the house": This phrase emphasizes the thoroughness and completion of the work, underscoring that the gold overlay was not a partial or temporary measure but a final, exhaustive effort to adorn every single part of the interior with the precious metal. This highlights King Solomon's unwavering commitment to fulfilling his father David's grand vision for a magnificent Temple and to honoring God with the absolute best resources available to the kingdom.
  • "also the whole altar that [was] by the oracle he overlaid with gold": This specifies an additional, highly significant item that received the same lavish treatment. The "altar that was by the oracle" is widely understood to be the Altar of Incense, which stood in the Holy Place directly in front of the veil separating it from the Most Holy Place (the "oracle" or Dĕbîr). Its complete overlaying with gold symbolically linked the act of worship, particularly the offering of incense (which often symbolized prayers ascending to God), directly to the divine presence in the Holy of Holies, emphasizing the sanctity of all elements connected to God's dwelling and the purity required for approaching Him.

Literary Devices

The verse masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message of grandeur, sanctity, and divine worthiness. Repetition is a prominent feature, with the phrase "overlaid with gold" and the emphasis on "the whole house" and "the whole altar" being reiterated. This repetition powerfully underscores the comprehensive nature of the golden adornment and reinforces the theme of lavish, unreserved dedication to God. Symbolism is central to the verse's impact, with gold serving as a potent symbol of divine glory, purity, majesty, and enduring value. The sheer quantity and pervasive application of gold create a sense of hyperbole or extreme emphasis, highlighting the extraordinary beauty and sacredness intended for God's house, a structure designed to far surpass any other of its time in splendor. The meticulous description evokes a strong visual imagery of dazzling splendor, designed to inspire awe and profound reverence in the reader, mirroring the intended effect on those who would physically enter the Temple.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The lavish use of gold in Solomon's Temple, as meticulously described in 1 Kings 6:22, stands as a profound theological statement about the transcendent nature of God and His desire to dwell among humanity. It unequivocally signifies that God is worthy of the absolute best, and His holy presence demands the highest reverence, purity, and honor. The gold, being an incorruptible and enduring metal, also powerfully points to the eternal, unchanging nature of God and the steadfastness of His covenant promises. While the omnipresent God cannot be contained by any physical structure (as Solomon himself humbly acknowledges in 1 Kings 8:27), the Temple served as a tangible, visible symbol of His commitment to dwell intimately among His people. It was a sacred space where heaven and earth intersected, a designated place where humanity could approach the divine. The gold-laden interior would have visually communicated the immeasurable glory and majesty of the invisible God, inspiring awe and worship.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While the magnificent physical Temple with its dazzling golden overlay no longer stands, the profound spiritual principles it embodied remain profoundly relevant and applicable for believers today. The meticulous dedication and lavish resources poured into God's dwelling challenge us to deeply consider the quality and nature of our own offerings—not merely financial, but our most precious time, unique talents, and deepest affections. Just as King Solomon spared no expense in honoring God with the finest materials, we are called to give God our absolute best, valuing His presence, His purposes, and His glory above all else in our lives. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is supremely worthy of our deepest reverence and awe. The dazzling interior of the Temple was designed to inspire an overwhelming sense of His majesty and holiness, prompting us to approach Him with humility, adoration, and a profound understanding of His greatness, whether in corporate worship settings or in the quiet intimacy of personal devotion. Furthermore, recognizing that believers are now the spiritual temple of the Holy Spirit (as powerfully declared in 1 Corinthians 6:19), we are called to live lives that consistently reflect God's glory and purity, making our bodies and our entire lives a "golden" offering, set apart and consecrated for His divine purposes.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what specific areas of my life am I truly giving God my "gold" – my best, most precious resources, and most dedicated efforts?
  • How does the description of the Temple's unparalleled lavishness deepen my understanding of God's holiness and His infinite worthiness of worship?
  • If my body is indeed a temple of the Holy Spirit, how can I more intentionally adorn it with actions, attitudes, and choices that genuinely reflect God's glory and purity?

FAQ

What was the primary significance of overlaying the Temple with gold?

Answer: The primary significance of overlaying the Temple with gold was multi-faceted and deeply symbolic. Firstly, gold universally symbolized divine glory, purity, and majesty, directly reflecting the character of the transcendent God who was to dwell there. Its incorruptible nature also spoke to God's eternal and unchanging essence and the enduring nature of His covenant promises. Secondly, it served as a tangible demonstration of King Solomon's immense wealth and his profound devotion to God, showcasing his unwavering commitment to building a dwelling truly worthy of the Lord. Lastly, the sheer opulence and dazzling splendor were intentionally designed to inspire awe and reverence in all who entered, directing their focus to the transcendent holiness and majesty of God.

Was the entire Temple truly covered in solid gold?

Answer: The biblical text states the Temple was "overlaid" with gold, which implies a complete covering or plating rather than being constructed of solid gold. While incredibly extensive and requiring vast quantities of the precious metal, it was a layer applied over the cedar and stone structures of the interior. This method was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern temple construction to achieve a dazzling, radiant effect without the impracticality and impossible cost of solid gold construction. The visual effect, however, would have been one of unparalleled splendor, making it appear as if the entire interior shimmered with divine light.

What was the "oracle" mentioned in the verse, and why was it so important?

Answer: The "oracle" (Hebrew: dĕbîr) refers to the Most Holy Place, also known as the Holy of Holies. It was the innermost, most sacred, and exclusive chamber of the Temple, separated from the Holy Place by a thick veil. This was the precise location where the Ark of the Covenant was placed, representing the very presence and throne of God among His people. Its paramount importance stemmed from its role as the point of closest communion between God and humanity, accessible only to the High Priest once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). The name "dĕbîr" itself, meaning "the speaking place," highlights its function as the locus from which God communicated His will and presence. Its complete overlaying with gold underscored its absolute sanctity and the profound reverence due to God's immediate, albeit veiled, presence.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The magnificent, gold-overlaid Temple described in 1 Kings 6:22 ultimately finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The physical Temple, with its dazzling display of gold symbolizing divine glory and purity, served as a powerful foreshadowing of the true dwelling place of God's glory, which is Christ Himself. Just as the gold signified purity, divine majesty, and the very presence of God, so Jesus is the ultimate embodiment of God's glory, full of grace and truth, as beautifully declared in John 1:14. He is the ultimate "oracle," the perfect "speaking place" where God communicates perfectly and fully with humanity, for in Him "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (Colossians 1:19). The Altar of Incense, overlaid with gold and strategically positioned near the oracle, pointed to the prayers and worship offered to God, which are now perfectly mediated through Christ, our great High Priest. He entered not an earthly sanctuary with the blood of animals, but the true, heavenly sanctuary with His own precious blood, securing eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:11-12). The Temple's sacredness and its golden splendor, designed to inspire awe and reverence, are surpassed by the inherent holiness and divine radiance of Christ, who is the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" (Hebrews 1:3). Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jesus has inaugurated a new spiritual temple, not made with human hands, where believers, united with Him, become the very dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, reflecting His glory to a watching world (1 Corinthians 3:16).

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Commentary on 1 Kings 6 verses 15–38

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

Here, I. We have a particular account of the details of the building.

1.The wainscot of the temple. It was of cedar (Kg1 6:15), which was strong and durable, and of a very sweet smell. The wainscot was curiously carved with knops (like eggs or apples) and flowers, no doubt as the fashion then was, Kg1 6:18.

2.The gilding. It was not like ours, washed over, but the whole house, all the inside of the temple (Kg1 6:22), even the floor (Kg1 6:30), he overlaid with gold, and the most holy place with pure gold, Kg1 6:21. Solomon would spare no expense necessary to make it every way sumptuous. Gold was under foot there, as it should be in all the living temples: the abundance of it lessened its worth.

3.The oracle, or speaking-place (for so the word signifies), the holy of holies, so called because thence God spoke to Moses, and perhaps to the high priest, when he consulted with the breast-plate of judgment. In this place the ark of the covenant was to be set, Kg1 6:19. Solomon made every thing new, and more magnificent than it had been, except the ark, which was still the same that Moses made, with its mercy-seat and cherubim; that was the token of God's presence, which is always the same with his people whether they meet in tent or temple, and changes not with their condition.

4.The cherubim. Besides those at the ends of the mercy-seat, which covered the ark, (1.) Solomon set up two more, very large ones, images of young men (as some think), with wings made of olive-wood, and all overlaid with gold, Kg1 6:23, etc. This most holy place was much larger than that in the tabernacle, and therefore the ark would have seemed lost in it, and the dead wall would have been unsightly, if it had not been thus adorned. (2.) He carved cherubim upon all the walls of the house, Kg1 6:29. The heathen set up images of their gods and worshipped them; but these were designed to represent the servants and attendants of the God of Israel, the holy angels, not to be themselves worshipped (see thou do it not), but to show how great he is whom we are to worship.

5.The doors. The folding doors that led into the oracle were but a fifth part of the wall (Kg1 6:31), those into the temple were a fourth part (Kg1 6:33); but both were beautified with cherubim engraven on them, Kg1 6:32, Kg1 6:35.

6.The inner court, in which the brazen altar was at which the priests ministered. This was separated from the court where the people were by a low wall, three rows of hewn stone tipped with a cornice of cedar (Kg1 6:36), that over it the people might see what was done and hear what the priests said to them; for, even under that dispensation, they were not kept wholly either in the dark or at a distance.

7.The time spent in this building. It was but seven years and a half from the founding to the finishing of it, Kg1 6:38. Considering the vastness and elegance of the building, and the many appurtenances to it which were necessary to fit it for use, it was soon done. Solomon was in earnest in it, had money enough, had nothing to divert him from it, and many hands made quick work. He finished it (as the margin reads it) with all the appurtenances thereof, and with all the ordinances thereof, not only built the place, but set forward the work for which it was built.

II. Let us now see what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true temple; he himself spoke of the temple of his body, Joh 2:21. God himself prepared him his body, Heb 10:5. In him dwelt the fulness of the Godhead, as the Shechinah in the temple. In him meet all God's spiritual Israel. Through him we have access with confidence to God. All the angels of God, those blessed cherubim, have a charge to worship him. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, Co1 3:16. Even the body is such by virtue of its union with the soul, Co1 6:19. We are not only wonderfully made by the divine providence, but more wonderfully made anew by the divine grace. This living temple is built upon Christ as its foundation and will be perfected in due time. 3. The gospel church is the mystical temple; it grows to a holy temple in the Lord (Eph 2:21), enriched and beautified with the gifts and graces of the Spirit, as Solomon's temple with gold and precious stones. Only Jews built the tabernacle, but Gentiles joined with them in building the temple. Even strangers and foreigners are built up a habitation of God, Eph 2:19, Eph 2:22. The temple was divided into the holy place and the most holy, the courts of it into the outer and inner; so there are the visible and the invisible church. The door into the temple was wider than that into the oracle. Many enter into profession that come short of salvation. This temple is built firm, upon a rock, not to be taken down as the tabernacle of the Old Testament was. The temple was long in preparing, but was built at last. The top-stone of the gospel church will, at length, be brought forth with shoutings, and it is a pity that there should be the clashing of axes and hammers in the building of it. Angels are ministering spirits, attending the church on all sides and all the members of it. 4. Heaven is the everlasting temple. There the church will be fixed, and no longer movable. The streets of the new Jerusalem, in allusion to the flooring of the temple, are said to be of pure gold, Rev 21:21. The cherubim there always attend the throne of glory. The temple was uniform, and in heaven there is the perfection of beauty and harmony. In Solomon's temple there was no noise of axes and hammers. Every thing is quiet and serene in heaven; all that shall be stones in that building must in the present sate of probation and preparation be fitted and made ready for it, must be hewn and squared by divine grace, and so made meet for a place there.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 15–38. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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