1 Kings 6:31

KJV

And for the entering of the oracle he made doors [of] olive tree: the lintel [and] side posts [were] a fifth part [of the wall].

KJV (with Strong's)

And for the entering {H6607} of the oracle {H1687} he made {H6213} doors {H1817} of olive {H8081} tree {H6086}: the lintel {H352} and side posts {H4201} were a fifth part {H2549} of the wall.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the entrance to the sanctuary he made doors of olive-wood, set within a five-sided door-frame.

Berean Standard Bible

For the entrance to the inner sanctuary, Solomon constructed doors of olive wood with five-sided doorposts.

American Standard Version

And for the entrance of the oracle he made doors of olive-wood: the lintel and door-posts were a fifth part of the wall.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 6:31 offers a meticulous architectural detail concerning the construction of the doors to the "oracle," the innermost and most sacred chamber of Solomon's Temple. These pivotal doors, along with their lintel and side posts, were fashioned from the highly symbolic olive wood and precisely engineered to be a substantial one-fifth the thickness of the surrounding wall. This verse underscores the profound sacredness, robust security, and divine precision that governed access to God's most immediate dwelling place, highlighting the Temple's grandeur and the awe-inspiring holiness of the sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the expansive and highly detailed biblical account of King Solomon's construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, a narrative that spans from [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple") through [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple"). Following the initial preparations for the Temple's construction and the commencement of the building project (cf. [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Preparations for the Temple")), the text shifts to the precise architectural specifications, the materials employed, and the intricate internal design of the sacred edifice. [1 Kings 6:31](/1_kings/6-31 "1 Kings 6:31 - Doors of the Oracle") specifically zeroes in on the innermost sanctuary, referred to as the "oracle" or the Holy of Holies, which was the most consecrated space, designated to house the Ark of the Covenant. The meticulous description of these particular doors, appearing after the general layout of the Temple and preceding the detailed account of the cherubim within the oracle, emphatically highlights the critical importance of controlling and defining access to God's immediate and holy presence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's Temple represented a monumental undertaking, symbolizing the zenith of Israelite power, wealth, and spiritual focus during his reign (approximately 970-931 BC). In contrast to the portable Tabernacle that preceded it, this was a permanent, fixed structure, signifying God's settled and enduring presence among His chosen people in Jerusalem, the newly established capital. The lavish use of premium materials such as cedar, cypress, pure gold, and, as specified in this verse, olive wood, testifies to the immense resources available to Solomon, often secured through strategic trade agreements and alliances (e.g., with Hiram of Tyre, as documented in [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Solomon's Alliance with Hiram")). While architectural precision and the distinct separation of sacred spaces were common features in ancient Near Eastern temples, in Israel, these elements served a unique theological purpose: to underscore the singular holiness, transcendence, and ineffable nature of Yahweh, setting Him apart from the polytheistic deities worshipped by surrounding nations. The "oracle" was the most restricted area, mirroring the concept of a divine throne room, accessible exclusively to the High Priest, and only once a year on the solemn Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), as prescribed in [Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - High Priest's Entry to the Most Holy Place").

* **Key Themes:** The intricate details presented in [1 Kings 6:31](/1_kings/6-31 "1 Kings 6:31 - Doors of the Oracle") contribute significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes prevalent within the book of Kings and the broader biblical canon. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **Sacredness and Holiness of God's Presence**. The "oracle" was conceived as the very dwelling place of God's glory, and every single detail, from the choice of materials to the restricted nature of its access, profoundly communicated its unparalleled sanctity. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Divine Precision and Uncompromising Craftsmanship**, reflecting the deeply held conviction that God's dwelling place demanded the absolute highest quality and exact adherence to divine specifications, echoing the meticulous instructions given for the construction of the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - God's Command for Tabernacle Design"). This unwavering attention to detail highlights the profound reverence due to God and the inherent order within His divine economy. Lastly, the presence and robust construction of the doors of the oracle powerfully symbolize the **Limited Access to God's Immediate Presence** under the Old Covenant. This formidable physical barrier served as a stark reminder of the separation between a perfectly holy God and sinful humanity, a profound theological truth that would later find its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in the New Testament (cf. [Hebrews 9:8](/hebrews/9-8 "Hebrews 9:8 - The Holy Spirit's Indication of Limited Access")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oracle (Hebrew, _dᵉbîyr_):** This term (H1687) derives from a root meaning "to speak," hence "the speaking place" or "the innermost sanctuary." It specifically refers to the Holy of Holies, the most sacred chamber within the Temple, where the Ark of the Covenant was housed. It was understood as the designated locus of divine revelation and communication, from which God would speak to His people, particularly through the High Priest, as exemplified in [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God Speaking from the Mercy Seat").
* **Olive tree (Hebrew, _ʻêts šemen_):** The KJV phrase "olive tree" combines two Hebrew words: `ʻêts` (H6086), meaning "tree" or "wood," and `shemen` (H8081), meaning "oil," "fat," or "ointment." Thus, it literally translates to "tree of oil" or "oily wood," referring to the olive tree. Olive wood was highly esteemed in the ancient Near East for its exceptional durability, inherent beauty, and profound symbolic association with anointing oil, which was used for consecration, priestly functions, and divine blessing. Its selection for the doors of the Most Holy Place was deeply symbolic, signifying purity, anointing, divine favor, and the enduring nature of God's covenant and presence, marking the material as sacred and consecrated.
* **Fifth part (Hebrew, _chămîyshîy_):** This precise ordinal term (H2549) indicates that the lintel (the horizontal beam above the door) and the side posts (the vertical supports) constituted one-fifth the thickness of the wall itself. This detail underscores the meticulous architectural planning and the substantial, robust nature of the barrier. Given the likely considerable thickness of the inner sanctuary walls, this implies an exceptionally weighty and imposing door frame, emphasizing the structural integrity, monumental scale, and profound significance befitting the entrance to God's sacred dwelling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for the entering of the oracle":** This initial clause immediately establishes the precise location and profound purpose of these doors – they are designed to guard the entrance to the "oracle," which is the Holy of Holies. This innermost sanctuary represented the very presence of God, a space demanding the utmost reverence and strictly limited access, symbolizing the sacred boundary between the divine and the human.
* **"he made doors [of] olive tree":** This specifies the material chosen for these crucial doors. The deliberate selection of olive wood, renowned for its density, durability, and rich symbolic associations with anointing, consecration, and divine blessing, emphasizes the preciousness and profound sacredness of this entryway. It signifies that only the finest and most symbolically appropriate materials were deemed worthy for the holiest of spaces within God's dwelling.
* **"the lintel [and] side posts [were] a fifth part [of the wall]":** This provides a highly precise architectural detail regarding the dimensions of the doorframe. The lintel (the horizontal beam at the top of the doorway) and the side posts (the vertical supports on either side) were constructed to be one-fifth the thickness of the surrounding wall. This detail highlights the monumental scale, the robust and weighty construction, and the deliberate creation of a formidable, secure, and visually imposing barrier to the Most Holy Place, underscoring the awe and reverence required to approach God's holy presence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning and significance. **Precision and Detail** are paramount, evident in the specific measurements ("a fifth part") and the exact material ("olive tree"), which serve to emphasize the meticulous care, divine instruction, and unparalleled craftsmanship involved in the Temple's construction, reflecting God's demand for excellence and order in His dwelling. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in the choice of "olive tree," which, beyond its practical qualities, carries rich connotations of anointing, divine presence, sacredness, purity, and enduring covenant, making it profoundly fitting for the entry to the Holy of Holies. The very existence of such robust and weighty "doors" and their substantial construction functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for the limited and controlled access to God's presence under the Old Covenant, highlighting the inherent separation between the perfectly holy divine and sinful humanity, and underscoring the profound holiness of the sanctuary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The construction of the doors to the oracle, as meticulously described in [1 Kings 6:31](/1_kings/6-31 "1 Kings 6:31 - Doors of the Oracle"), profoundly communicates the absolute holiness and transcendence of God. The painstaking detail, the use of precious materials, and the robust construction all serve to emphasize that God's presence is not to be approached lightly but with the utmost reverence, awe, and humility. The strictly restricted access, powerfully symbolized by these weighty doors, underscored the stark reality of humanity's sin and the necessary separation from a perfectly holy God. This formidable architectural barrier was a tangible, physical manifestation of a profound theological truth: direct, unmediated access to God was not yet fully available to all people, thereby foreshadowing the indispensable need for a greater High Priest and a new covenant that would ultimately bridge this divine-human divide.

* [Exodus 26:33](/exodus/26-33 "The Veil of the Tabernacle")
* [Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "High Priest's Entry to the Most Holy Place")
* [Hebrews 9:6](/hebrews/9-6 "The Priests' Service and the Veil's Meaning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed description of the doors leading into the oracle serves as a profound and enduring reminder of God's absolute holiness and the deep reverence due to Him. In a contemporary world that often tends to trivialize the sacred or approach spiritual matters casually, this verse powerfully calls us to cultivate a profound sense of awe, respect, and intentionality in our relationship with God. While the physical Temple no longer stands and the literal barrier to God's presence has been gloriously removed through the finished work of Christ, the underlying principle of intentionality, excellence, and profound respect in worship remains vitally important. We are now invited to approach God with boldness and confidence, yet always with profound humility and immense gratitude, recognizing the immeasurable cost of the open access we now freely enjoy. Our lives, our acts of worship, and our devoted service should reflect the same meticulous care, unwavering dedication, and pursuit of excellence that Solomon applied to the construction of God's dwelling place, prompting us to offer Him our very best in every sphere of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed description of the Temple doors in 1 Kings 6:31 shape your understanding of God's holiness and His demand for reverence?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as believers today, demonstrate a similar reverence, intentionality, and pursuit of excellence in our approach to God, even without a physical Temple?**
* **Considering the rich symbolism of the "olive tree" for these doors, how might we embody the spiritual qualities of anointing, fruitfulness, peace, and consecration in our daily walk with God?**
* **How does the "fifth part" detail, signifying robust security and limited access, deepen your appreciation for the open and unhindered access we now have to God's presence through Christ?**

### FAQ

**What was the "oracle" in Solomon's Temple?**

Answer: The "oracle" (Hebrew: `dᵉbîyr`, H1687) was the innermost sanctuary of Solomon's Temple, also known as the Most Holy Place or Holy of Holies. It was the most sacred and restricted area, designed as a perfect cube (cf. [1 Kings 6:20](/1_kings/6-20 "1 Kings 6:20 - Dimensions of the Oracle")), and its sole purpose was to house the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God's throne and His immediate, glorious presence among His people. It was distinct from the Holy Place and was accessible only to the High Priest, and only once a year, on the solemn Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), for the express purpose of offering sacrifices for the sins of the people (cf. [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")).

**Why were the doors made of olive wood?**

Answer: Olive wood was chosen for the doors of the oracle for several profound reasons, both practical and symbolic. Practically, it is a dense, exceptionally durable, and beautiful wood, making it suitable for such a critical structural element. Symbolically, the olive tree was highly revered in ancient Israel. It was the primary source of olive oil (`shemen`, H8081), which was indispensable for anointing priests and kings, for illuminating the menorah in the Tabernacle and Temple, and for various offerings. Consequently, olive wood carried rich connotations of anointing, consecration, light, peace, divine blessing, and enduring covenant. Its use for the doors leading to God's most sacred dwelling profoundly underscored the holiness, consecrated nature, and divine favor associated with the space, fitting for the entry to the very presence of God.

**What does "the lintel and side posts were a fifth part of the wall" mean?**

Answer: This phrase describes a precise architectural dimension of the doorframe leading into the oracle. It indicates that the thickness of the lintel (the horizontal beam situated above the doorway) and the side posts (the vertical supports on either side of the entrance) was exactly equal to one-fifth of the thickness of the surrounding wall itself. While the precise thickness of the oracle's wall is not explicitly stated, if we infer from the inner dimensions of the oracle (e.g., 20 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, 20 cubits high, as in [1 Kings 6:20](/1_kings/6-20 "1 Kings 6:20 - Dimensions of the Oracle")), and assuming substantial outer walls, a "fifth part" would imply an exceptionally robust and weighty doorframe. For example, if the wall was 10 cubits thick, the doorframe would be 2 cubits thick. This detail highlights the monumental scale, the incredibly robust construction, and the deliberate creation of a weighty, secure, and visually imposing barrier to the Most Holy Place, emphasizing the profound sacredness and deliberate restriction of access to God's presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulously crafted doors of olive wood, forming a substantial and imposing barrier to the "oracle," powerfully symbolize the limited and restricted access to God's immediate presence under the Old Covenant. This physical separation within the Temple underscored the profound holiness of God and humanity's inherent inability, due to sin, to approach Him directly or casually. However, this barrier was never intended to be God's final word. In Christ, we witness the glorious and ultimate fulfillment and radical transformation of this restricted access. The dramatic tearing of the Temple veil from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus' crucifixion ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Tearing of the Temple Veil")) unequivocally signified that the way into the Most Holy Place, into God's very presence, was now opened wide through His perfect and sacrificial death. Jesus Himself is declared to be the new and living way ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Our New Access Through Christ")), the ultimate High Priest who has entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, securing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Heavenly Priesthood")). Through saving faith in Him, believers are now invited to draw near to God's throne of grace with boldness and confidence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approaching the Throne of Grace")), no longer separated by physical doors of wood or a symbolic veil, but intimately united to God through the indwelling Holy Spirit, becoming living temples ourselves ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body as a Temple of the Holy Spirit")).

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

Hebrews 10:19

¶ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

Hebrews 10:20

By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Ephesians 3:18

May be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

John 10:9

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.