What number verse is 1 Kings 6:36 in the Bible?

1 Kings 6:36 is the 8,933rd 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 6:36 sits at position 8,933.

Translation

King James Version

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

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KJV (with Strong's)

And he built ^H1129 the inner ^H6442 court ^H2691 with three ^H7969 rows ^H2905 of hewed stone ^H1496, and a row ^H2905 of cedar ^H730 beams ^H3773.

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Complete Jewish Bible

He built the inner courtyard with three rows of cut stone and a row of cedar beams.

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Berean Standard Bible

Solomon built the inner courtyard with three rows of dressed stone and one row of trimmed cedar beams.

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American Standard Version

And he built the inner court with three courses of hewn stone, and a course of cedar beams.

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World English Bible Messianic

He built the inner court with three courses of cut stone, and a course of cedar beams.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And hee built the court within with three rowes of hewed stone, and one rowe of beames of cedar.

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Young's Literal Translation

And he buildeth the inner court, three rows of hewn work, and a row of beams of cedar.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Kings 6:36 provides a precise architectural detail regarding the construction of the inner court of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. This verse illuminates the foundational materials—specifically, three rows of meticulously hewed stone and a single row of cedar beams—used for this sacred enclosure. This inner court, distinct from the larger outer courts, was specifically designated for the priests, underscoring its profound holiness, the meticulous craftsmanship dedicated to God's dwelling place, and the ordered nature of divine access.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is situated within a lengthy and highly detailed account of the construction of Solomon's Temple, spanning from 1 Kings 6:1 to 1 Kings 7:51. Specifically, 1 Kings 6:15-36 describes the interior structure and materials of the main sanctuary, including the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (the Oracle). Verse 36 acts as a bridge, concluding the description of the immediate Temple structure and setting the stage for the broader complex, including Solomon's own palace, described in 1 Kings 7. The meticulous detail here emphasizes the divine origin of the Temple's design, echoing the precise instructions given for the Tabernacle in Exodus 25-40.
Historical & Cultural Context: Solomon's Temple, built in the 10th century BCE, was the central place of worship for ancient Israel, replacing the portable Tabernacle. Its construction was a monumental undertaking, requiring vast resources, skilled labor, and international cooperation, particularly with Hiram, King of Tyre, who provided cedar wood and expert craftsmen (as detailed in 1 Kings 5). The use of "hewed stone" and "cedar beams" reflects the highest standards of ancient Near Eastern architecture. Hewed stone indicated superior craftsmanship, as stones were cut and shaped off-site to ensure quiet and efficient assembly on-site, a detail noted in 1 Kings 6:7. Cedar from Lebanon was a prized commodity, known for its durability, aromatic properties, and resistance to decay, often used in royal and sacred structures throughout the region, signifying luxury and permanence. The inner court, often referred to as the "priests' court," was a restricted area, symbolizing the holiness of God and the exclusive access granted to the Levitical priests for their sacred duties.
Key Themes: The detailed description of the inner court in 1 Kings 6:36 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and broader biblical narrative. First, it underscores the Divine Blueprint and Precision inherent in God's dwelling place. The meticulousness of the architectural details reflects the sacredness of the project and God's desire for order and excellence in worship, a theme consistently present from the Tabernacle's construction. Second, the use of "hewed stone" and "cedar beams" highlights the theme of Quality and Excellence dedicated to the Lord. Solomon spared no expense, using the finest and most durable materials available, signifying the profound reverence and honor due to God. This commitment to excellence serves as a model for devotion. Third, the distinct construction of the inner court reinforces the theme of Holiness and Separation. This area, reserved for the priests, visually and functionally demarcated a sacred boundary, emphasizing the set-apart nature of God's presence and the specific requirements for approaching Him, a concept rooted in the Mosaic Law and the design of the Tabernacle, as seen in passages like Leviticus 10:10.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

built (Hebrew, bânâh', H1129): A primitive root meaning "to build" literally and figuratively. In this context, it refers to Solomon's active role in constructing the Temple complex. The verb implies not just physical construction but also the establishment and setting up of something significant and enduring, reflecting the monumental nature of the Temple as a permanent dwelling for God's presence among His people.
hewed stone (Hebrew, gâzîyth', H1496): From a root meaning "to cut," this term refers to stone that has been carefully cut, shaped, and dressed, as opposed to rough, unhewn stones. Its use signifies superior craftsmanship, precision, and expense. The preparation of these stones off-site (as mentioned in 1 Kings 6:7) ensured the sanctity and quietude of the Temple construction site, underscoring the reverence for the sacred space.
beams (Hebrew, kâruthâh', H3773): A passive participle feminine of a root meaning "to cut," specifically referring to something cut, i.e., a hewn timber. In this verse, it denotes the carefully prepared wooden timbers, likely from cedar, used in the construction. These beams would have provided structural integrity, a finished aesthetic, or served as a capstone element, complementing the stone work and adding to the overall grandeur and durability of the inner court.

Verse Breakdown

"And he built the inner court": This clause identifies King Solomon as the primary agent of construction, continuing the narrative of his monumental project. The "inner court" is the specific focus, immediately surrounding the main Temple building itself. This space was set apart for the priests, distinguishing it from the larger "great court" (1 Kings 7:12) and emphasizing its higher degree of sanctity and restricted access for sacred duties.
"with three rows of hewed stone": This detail specifies the primary material and foundational structure of the inner court's walls. The use of "three rows" suggests a substantial and solid base, indicating stability, permanence, and the significant effort invested. "Hewed stone" emphasizes the meticulous craftsmanship and high quality of the materials, which were prepared off-site to maintain the sanctity and quietude of the building process.
"and a row of cedar beams": This final clause describes the complementary material used in the construction. The "row of cedar beams" likely refers to a course of cedar wood laid atop the stone rows, possibly as a decorative element, a capstone, or part of a structural component like a railing or an upper course. This addition of luxurious and durable cedar signifies the excellence and beauty dedicated to God's house, contrasting the solidity of stone with the elegance of wood.

Literary Devices

The description in 1 Kings 6:36 employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. The most prominent is Precision and Detail, where the exact number of rows and specific materials are meticulously listed. This hyper-specificity is not merely architectural reporting but serves to underscore the divine importance and sacredness of the Temple. Every element is intentional, reflecting a divine blueprint rather than human whim, thereby elevating the structure to a sacred artifact. There is also an element of Contrast in the materials: the heavy, solid "hewed stone" forms the foundational bulk, while the lighter, aromatic "cedar beams" likely provide a finishing touch or upper structure. This contrast highlights both the strength and beauty inherent in God's dwelling. Furthermore, the materials themselves carry Symbolism: hewed stone symbolizes permanence, strength, and the painstaking effort required for God's work, while cedar symbolizes luxury, beauty, and durability, representing the finest offering to the Lord. The entire description of the inner court also functions as Metonymy, where the part (the inner court) stands for the whole (the Temple's sanctity and exclusivity), emphasizing the sacred boundaries and the restricted access to God's presence.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The construction of the inner court, as detailed in 1 Kings 6:36, is replete with theological significance. It speaks to God's desire to dwell among His people, yet in a manner that underscores His absolute holiness and transcendence. The meticulous design and costly materials reflect the reverence due to the Creator of the universe. The inner court's restricted access, reserved for priests, visually and functionally taught Israel about the necessary separation between the holy and the common, and the mediation required to approach God. This detail, therefore, not only describes a physical structure but also embodies profound theological truths about God's character, the nature of worship, and the conditions of divine-human encounter under the Old Covenant.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The precise description of the inner court in 1 Kings 6:36 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. While we no longer build physical temples of stone and cedar, the principles of dedication, excellence, and holiness remain eternally relevant. The meticulous craftsmanship and costly materials used for God's dwelling place challenge us to consider the quality of our own spiritual offerings. Are we giving God our "hewed stone" and "cedar beams"—our best efforts, our purest motives, our most refined talents—or are we settling for less? The inner court's restricted access reminds us of God's holiness and the privilege of drawing near to Him, a privilege now granted through Christ. This verse calls us to cultivate a life marked by reverence, intentionality, and a commitment to excellence in all areas of our lives, recognizing that our bodies are now temples of the Holy Spirit. Our lives, individually and corporately, should reflect the same care and devotion that Solomon poured into the physical Temple, becoming a beautiful and holy dwelling place for God's presence in the world.

Questions for Reflection

In what areas of my life am I offering God "hewed stone" and "cedar beams," and where might I be offering less than my best?
How does the concept of the "inner court" and its restricted access inform my understanding of God's holiness and the privilege of worship?
Considering that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, what practical steps can I take to live a life that reflects the same dedication and excellence seen in the Temple's construction?
How does the quiet, precise construction of the Temple (stones prepared off-site) speak to the nature of spiritual growth and the building of God's kingdom today?

FAQ

What was the primary purpose and significance of the "inner court" of Solomon's Temple?

Answer: The "inner court," also known as the "priests' court," was the most sacred outer area of the Temple complex, immediately surrounding the main sanctuary building (the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place). Its primary purpose was to provide a dedicated, holy space for the Levitical priests to perform their daily sacrificial rituals, minister before the Lord, and carry out their sacred duties. Its significance lay in its restricted access, serving as a physical boundary that emphasized God's holiness and the necessary separation between the sacred and the common. It was the closest point of approach for human beings to God's dwelling place, accessible only to those consecrated for service, thereby reinforcing the themes of mediation and divine transcendence within Israelite worship, as outlined in the Mosaic Law.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The meticulous construction of the inner court in 1 Kings 6:36, with its hewed stone and cedar beams, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, with its layers of courts and restricted access, served as a powerful shadow of a greater spiritual reality. In Christ, the ultimate "inner court" is opened, as He is the true and living Temple (John 2:19-21). Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus abolished the need for a physical inner court and priestly mediation, tearing the veil that separated humanity from God's most holy presence (Matthew 27:51). Now, believers are invited to "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" into the very presence of God, through the new and living way that Christ consecrated for us (Hebrews 10:19-22). Furthermore, the Church, composed of believers, is now God's spiritual temple, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22). We, as "living stones," are being built up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5). Thus, the excellence and holiness symbolized by the Temple's inner court are now realized in the indwelling Holy Spirit within individual believers and the corporate body of Christ, making us the dwelling place of God by the Spirit.

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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 2.17.8

Hence it is aptly noted that the priests’ court was constructed of three courses of polished stones and one course of cedar beams. For the three courses of polished stones are faith, hope and charity, and the expression “of polished stones” is appropriate because each one needs a certain amount of intelligence to discern how he ought to believe and what he ought to hope for as well as love. But the one course of cedar beams is good works performed without being vitiated by outward show, since, if this condition is lacking, faith, hope and charity cannot be genuine. For it has often been said that on account of their pleasant fragrance and naturally incorruptible quality, cedar beams symbolize the enduring character and good repute of works of piety. All the elect who aim at pleasing God by faith, hope, love and action get as far as this court. Beyond it climb the perfect by the exalted grace of their merits since they reach such a peak of virtue that they can say to their hearers, “Be imitators of us as we also are of Christ,” and boast and say, “Do you not know that we shall judge the angels? How much more the things of this world?”

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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Cross-References

1 Kings 7:12
And the great court round about was with three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams, both for the inner court of the house of the LORD, and for the porch of the house.
Revelation 11:2
But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
Exodus 38:9
¶ And he made the court: on the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, an hundred cubits:
Exodus 38:20
And all the pins of the tabernacle, and of the court round about, were of brass.
2 Chronicles 7:7
Moreover Solomon hallowed the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, because the brasen altar which Solomon had made was not able to receive the burnt offerings, and the meat offerings, and the fat.
Exodus 27:9
¶ And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:
Exodus 27:19
All the vessels of the tabernacle in all the service thereof, and all the pins thereof, and all the pins of the court, shall be of brass.