What number verse is 1 Kings 6:33 in the Bible?

1 Kings 6:33 is the 8,930th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 1 Kings 6:33 sits at position 8,930.

Translation

King James Version

So also made he for the door of the temple posts of olive tree, a fourth part of the wall.

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KJV (with Strong's)

So also made ^H6213 he for the door ^H6607 of the temple ^H1964 posts ^H4201 of olive ^H8081 tree ^H6086, a fourth part ^H7243 of the wall.

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Complete Jewish Bible

For the entrance to the temple he also made doorposts of olive-wood, set within a rectangular door-frame,

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Berean Standard Bible

In the same way he made four-sided doorposts of olive wood for the sanctuary entrance.

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American Standard Version

So also made he for the entrance of the temple door-posts of olive-wood, out of a fourth part of the wall;

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World English Bible Messianic

So also made he for the entrance of the temple door posts of olive wood, out of a fourth part of the wall;

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And so made he for the doore of the Temple, postes of oliue tree foure square.

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Young's Literal Translation

And so he hath made for the opening of the temple, side-posts of the oil-tree, from the fourth.

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City Plan: Jerusalem in the Time of Solomon View full PDF

Building Plan: Solomon's Temple View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 8,930 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Kings 6:33 meticulously describes the construction of the doorposts for the main entrance to the Holy Place of Solomon's Temple. These substantial posts, crafted from durable olive wood and precisely measured as a significant portion of the wall's thickness, highlight the unparalleled craftsmanship, structural integrity, and profound symbolic significance embedded in every architectural detail of God's sacred dwelling. The verse underscores the unwavering commitment to excellence and the divine precision that characterized the erection of a structure befitting the presence of the Almighty among His people.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is situated within the highly detailed account of Solomon's construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, specifically within 1 Kings 6. The chapter meticulously describes the dimensions, materials, and adornments of the various parts of the Temple, emphasizing the precision and grandeur of the edifice. Verse 33 focuses on the doorposts leading into the Holy Place (the main sanctuary), distinguishing them from the doors and doorposts of the innermost sanctuary, the Most Holy Place or Oracle, which were described immediately prior in 1 Kings 6:31-32. The narrative flow moves from the general structure to specific, intricate details, highlighting that no element, however seemingly minor, was overlooked in the sacred design, reinforcing the divine origin and importance of the entire project.
Historical & Cultural Context: The construction of Solomon's Temple marked a pinnacle of Israelite history, signifying the establishment of a permanent, central place of worship for Yahweh, replacing the portable Tabernacle. This period, during King Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC), was one of immense wealth, political stability, and international influence for Israel. The use of specific materials like cedar, cypress, gold, and olive wood was not arbitrary; these were highly valued resources, often imported, signifying the immense cost and grandeur of the project. Olive trees were abundant in ancient Israel and highly prized not only for their durable wood but also for their fruit, which yielded oil essential for anointing, lighting, and food. Culturally, the Temple served as the spiritual and national heart of Israel, embodying God's covenant presence among His people, a concept deeply rooted in the Tabernacle traditions outlined in Exodus 25-40.
Key Themes: The meticulous description of the Temple's construction in 1 Kings 6 contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it emphasizes the holiness and sacredness of God's dwelling place, where every detail reflects divine instruction and purpose, setting it apart as consecrated ground. Secondly, it highlights the theme of divine presence—the Temple was built as a permanent abode for the Lord among His people, fulfilling promises made to David (see 2 Samuel 7:12-13). Thirdly, the use of the finest materials and precise measurements underscores the theme of excellence in worship and service to God; only the best was deemed suitable for the Creator of the universe, reflecting His infinite worth. Finally, the Temple's construction, while physical, also foreshadows a deeper spiritual reality, pointing to God's ultimate desire to dwell with humanity, a concept that finds its ultimate expression in Christ and the Church (as seen in John 1:14 and Ephesians 2:19-22).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

made (Hebrew, ʻâsâh', H6213): This primitive root signifies "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In this context, it emphasizes Solomon's active role in the execution of the Temple's construction, highlighting the intentionality and comprehensive nature of his efforts in bringing the divine blueprint to fruition. It speaks to the meticulous work involved in crafting each component.
posts (Hebrew, mᵉzûwzâh', H4201): This term refers to "a door-post (as prominent)." It denotes the vertical structural components that frame a doorway. The use of this specific term emphasizes that these were not merely decorative elements but integral, load-bearing parts of the Temple's entrance, signifying stability, permanence, and the demarcation of sacred space.
olive tree (Hebrew, _ʻêts shemen'_, H6086): This phrase combines H6086 ("a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood") and H8081 ("grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness; olive"). The choice of olive wood signifies a material known for its firmness and durability, making it suitable for substantial construction. Its association with "oil" and "richness" also subtly hints at the symbolic value of the olive, connecting the physical material to concepts of anointing and abundance, which are deeply significant in biblical theology.

Verse Breakdown

"So also made he for the door of the temple posts": This clause continues the detailed description of Solomon's architectural endeavors, specifically focusing on the entrance to the "temple" (referring to the main sanctuary, the Holy Place, distinct from the innermost "oracle"). It underscores the king's direct involvement and the meticulous craftsmanship applied to every structural element, even the framing of the doorways.
"[of] olive tree": This specifies the material chosen for these significant structural elements. The selection of olive wood was intentional, not only for its practical qualities of durability and strength but also for its inherent firmness and the rich symbolic associations of the olive with anointing and prosperity, imbuing the very entrance with sacred meaning and a sense of enduring quality.
"a fourth part [of the wall]": This precise measurement indicates the substantial dimension of the doorposts, suggesting they were one-fourth the thickness or width of the adjacent wall. This detail emphasizes the robust and integral nature of these posts within the overall structure, reflecting the meticulous adherence to divine architectural specifications and contributing to the Temple's imposing, stable, and enduring character.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device at play in 1 Kings 6:33, and indeed throughout the detailed description of the Temple's construction, is Precision and Detail. The text functions almost as an architectural blueprint, meticulously specifying dimensions, materials, and placement. This extreme level of detail serves to underscore the sacredness and divine origin of the Temple's design, conveying that God's dwelling place was not to be built haphazardly but with utmost care, exactitude, and adherence to a perfect, divinely ordained plan. Furthermore, Symbolism is evident in the choice of "olive tree" wood. While the immediate Strong's definitions point to firmness and oil, the broader biblical context imbues the olive with connotations of anointing, peace, and divine blessing, subtly connecting the physical threshold to deeper theological truths. The very act of describing these elements so thoroughly also functions as Emphasis, highlighting the supreme importance of the Temple as the central locus of Israelite worship and God's interaction with His people.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The meticulous detail afforded to the Temple's construction, even down to the doorposts of olive wood, profoundly communicates God's demand for holiness, excellence, and intentionality in all matters pertaining to His worship and presence. The physical Temple, with its robust structure and sacred materials, was not merely a building but a tangible representation of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire to dwell among His people. The choice of olive wood, rich in its properties of firmness and its association with oil, points to themes of anointing, divine blessing, and enduring strength—qualities that should characterize the approach to God's presence. This emphasis on precise construction and consecrated materials teaches that our worship and service to God should be offered with the highest regard for quality and integrity, reflecting the infinite worth of the One we serve. The earthly Temple, magnificent as it was, ultimately served as a shadow, pointing to greater spiritual realities.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The detailed account of the Temple's construction, particularly the attention to elements like the olive wood doorposts, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and excellence, and He values meticulousness in our devotion and service. Just as every part of the physical Temple was crafted with the finest materials and utmost care, so too should our lives, as spiritual temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), be built with intentionality, integrity, and a commitment to offering our very best to God. The "doorposts" of our lives—our boundaries, commitments, and the thresholds we cross—should be strong, consecrated, and reflective of divine principles. This verse challenges us to consider whether we approach our spiritual walk, our relationships, and our work with the same level of care and honor that Solomon gave to God's physical dwelling. It encourages us to seek not just functionality, but also beauty, symbolism, and a deep reverence for the sacred in all that we do for the Lord, understanding that our lives are a testament to His glory.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous detail of the Temple's construction challenge our approach to spiritual disciplines and service, prompting us to offer our "best" to God?
In what ways can we ensure that the "doorposts" of our lives—our commitments, boundaries, and the values that define our spiritual walk—are built with the same intentionality and "sacred materials" as the Temple's?
What does the symbolism of the olive tree (peace, anointing, divine blessing) suggest about the atmosphere and purpose of our personal "temples" (our lives as dwellings for the Spirit)?

FAQ

Why was olive wood chosen for the doorposts of the Temple?

Answer: Olive wood was chosen for several reasons, both practical and symbolic. Practically, it is a strong, dense, and durable wood, making it ideal for structural elements like doorposts that needed to withstand significant use and time. Symbolically, the olive tree held deep significance in ancient Israel. It was the source of olive oil, which was used for anointing priests, kings, and sacred objects, thus signifying consecration and divine appointment. The olive branch was also a symbol of peace (as seen in Genesis 8:11) and prosperity. Its use at the entrance to the Holy Place underscored the sacredness of the space and the themes of divine blessing, anointing, and peace associated with God's presence.

What does "a fourth part [of the wall]" mean in relation to the doorposts?

Answer: This phrase refers to the precise dimensions of the doorposts, indicating that they were exceptionally substantial. It most likely means that the thickness or width of these olive wood doorposts was one-fourth the thickness of the adjoining wall. This detail highlights the robust and integral nature of these structural elements within the Temple's overall design. It emphasizes the meticulous planning and adherence to exact architectural specifications, ensuring the stability, grandeur, and imposing presence of God's house. It speaks to the fact that every component, no matter how seemingly minor, was precisely measured and built to reflect the divine blueprint for the sacred structure, ensuring its enduring quality.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The physical Temple, with its meticulously crafted olive wood doorposts, serves as a profound foreshadowing of Christ and the spiritual reality He inaugurates. While the Temple's doorposts marked the entrance to God's earthly dwelling, Jesus declares Himself to be the true "door" through whom humanity gains access to God and salvation (John 10:9). The olive wood, symbolizing anointing and divine blessing, points directly to Jesus, the Anointed One (Christ), upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rests without measure (Luke 4:18 and John 3:34). He is the ultimate fulfillment of all that the Temple represented—the dwelling place of God among humanity, as the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the true Temple, whose body was destroyed and raised in three days (John 2:19-21), signifying a new era where God's presence is no longer confined to a physical building but is accessible through Him. Through Christ, believers are now built together into a spiritual house, a holy temple in the Lord, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22), fulfilling the ultimate purpose of God's desire to dwell intimately with His people.

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Commentary on 1 Kings 6 verses 15–38

15 ¶ And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar, both the floor of the house, and the walls of the cieling: and he covered them on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir.

16 And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built them for it within, even for the oracle, even for the most holy place.

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

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

19 And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of the LORD.

20 And the oracle in the forepart was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and so covered the altar which was of cedar.

21 So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle; and he overlaid it with gold.

22 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.

23 And within the oracle he made two cherubims of olive tree, each ten cubits high.

24 And five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other were ten cubits.

25 And the other cherub was ten cubits: both the cherubims were of one measure and one size.

26 The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so was it of the other cherub.

27 And he set the cherubims within the inner house: and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house.

28 And he overlaid the cherubims with gold.

29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.

30 And the floor of the house he overlaid with gold, within and without.

31 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.

32 The two doors also were of olive tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims, and upon the palm trees.

33 So also made he for the door of the temple posts of olive tree, a fourth part of the wall.

34 And the two doors were of fir tree: the two leaves of the one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding.

35 And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.

36 And he built the inner court with three rows of hewed stone, and a row of cedar beams.

37 In the fourth year was the foundation of the house of the LORD laid, in the month Zif:

38 And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So was he seven years in building it.

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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BedeAD 735

Of the Temple of Solomon 1.16.4

Just as the entrance to the inner sanctuary by which one reached the ark of the Lord and the cherubim signifies the entrance to the kingdom of heaven whereby we hope and desire to be introduced to the vision of our Creator and the heavenly citizens, so the entrance into the temple shows in type the beginnings of our life oriented on God when we enter the church of this present time. The latter entrance denotes our entry into the faith, the former our entry into vision. Hence the posts of this entrance were foursquare because of the four books of the holy gospel by whose teaching we are instructed in the true faith, or because of the four cardinal virtues of prudence, fortitude, temperance and justice, on whose most firm foundation, as it were, every edifice of good actions rests; prudence, by which we learn what we ought to do and how we ought to live; fortitude, through which we carry out what we have learned must be done; and the prophet briefly sums up these virtues in one verse, saying, “The Lord is my light and my salvation”; light, that is, to teach us the things we ought to do, salvation to strengthen us to do them; temperance by which we have discretion so as not to find ourselves giving more or less than the right amount of attention to prudence or fortitude; and since anyone who exercises prudence, fortitude and temperance will be proved beyond dispute to be just, the fourth virtue that follows after prudence, fortitude and temperance is justice.

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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