1 Kings 6:38

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in the eleventh {H259}{H6240} year {H8141}, in the month {H3391} Bul {H945}, which is the eighth {H8066} month {H2320}, was the house {H1004} finished {H3615} throughout all the parts {H1697} thereof, and according to all the fashion {H4941} of it. So was he seven {H7651} years {H8141} in building {H1129} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month, all parts of the house were completed exactly as designed. Thus he was seven years building it.

Berean Standard Bible

In his eleventh year and eighth month, the month of Bul, the temple was finished in every detail and according to every specification. So he built the temple in seven years.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 6:38 meticulously records the triumphant completion of King Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, precisely dating this monumental achievement to the eleventh year of his reign, in the month Bul, which corresponds to the eighth month of the Hebrew calendar. The verse emphasizes the absolute completeness and perfect adherence to the divine blueprint, stating that "the house [was] finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it." This culmination of seven years of dedicated construction marked a profound moment in Israel's history, establishing the central sanctuary for Yahweh's worship and fulfilling a long-standing divine promise to the Davidic dynasty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the definitive climax of the detailed architectural narrative concerning the construction of Solomon's Temple, a process initiated in [1 Kings 6:1](/1-kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Temple Construction Begins"). The preceding verses, particularly [1 Kings 6:2-37](/1-kings/6-2-37 "1 Kings 6:2-37 - Detailed Description of the Temple's Dimensions and Features"), meticulously describe the Temple's precise dimensions, the lavish materials employed (such as cedar, cypress, and gold), and the intricate decorative elements. This extensive description underscores the immense resources, meticulous craftsmanship, and profound significance attributed to the House of the Lord. The precise dating in 1 Kings 6:38 provides a crucial chronological anchor, signaling the conclusion of the building phase and setting the stage for the subsequent account of Solomon's other significant building projects in [1 Kings 7](/1-kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Solomon's Palace and Other Building Projects"), followed by the climactic dedication of the Temple in [1 Kings 8](/1-kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple was the preeminent undertaking of Solomon's reign, fulfilling the divine covenant made to his father, [King David, that his son would build a lasting house for God's name](/2-samuel/7-13 "2 Samuel 7:13 - God's Covenant with David"). This project not only solidified Jerusalem's status as the religious and political heart of the united monarchy but also served as a tangible symbol of God's covenant presence among His people. The reference to "the month Bul" is significant, as it uses an ancient Canaanite name for the eighth month (corresponding to October-November), indicating the use of a widely recognized regional calendar alongside the Israelite numerical designation. The impressive seven-year duration of the construction attests to the scale of the undertaking, the vast labor force (including both Israelite conscripts and skilled Phoenician artisans from Tyre), the immense material resources marshaled, and the sophisticated administrative and logistical capabilities of Solomon's kingdom. The Temple was far more than a mere edifice; it was the physical embodiment of God's dwelling among Israel, destined to be the central locus for national worship, sacrifice, and pilgrimage for centuries to come.

* **Key Themes:** The completion of the Temple in [1 Kings 6:38](/1-kings/6-38 "1 Kings 6:38 - Completion of the Temple") encapsulates several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Design and Meticulous Execution**. The phrase "finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it" underscores the absolute completeness and the strict adherence to the detailed architectural plans, which were understood to have been divinely revealed to David and passed on to Solomon (compare [1 Chronicles 28:11-19](/1-chronicles/28-11-19 "1 Chronicles 28:11-19 - David Gives Temple Plans to Solomon")). This emphasizes the critical importance of precise obedience to God's instructions in sacred undertakings. Secondly, the "seven years in building it" signifies **Perseverance and Dedication**, reflecting a sustained period of immense effort, resource allocation, and unwavering commitment from King Solomon and the Israelite people to establish a central dwelling place for the Lord's presence. This long duration demonstrates the cost and commitment involved in serving God's purposes. Finally, the Temple's completion cemented its role as the **Centrality of God in National Life**, symbolizing His covenant presence and His centrality to the identity and worship of His people, where His name was to dwell ([1 Kings 8:29](/1-kings/8-29 "1 Kings 8:29 - God's Name Dwells in the Temple")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bul (Hebrew, _Bûwl'_):** This is an ancient Canaanite name for the eighth month of the Hebrew civil calendar, roughly corresponding to October-November in the Gregorian calendar. Its inclusion alongside the numerical designation ("the eighth month") provides a precise historical anchor for the Temple's completion. The use of this older, pre-exilic calendar name, also found in other ancient Near Eastern texts, indicates its widespread usage in the region and lends historical authenticity to the biblical account.
* **Finished (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** The verb "kâlâh" means to complete, to bring to an end, or to perfect. Here, it emphasizes the absolute conclusion of the construction project. The repetition of the idea of completion within the verse ("finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it") underscores that nothing was left undone; the Temple was brought to a state of perfect readiness and entirety according to its original, divinely-inspired blueprint. This signifies a work brought to its intended consummation.
* **Fashion (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** While "mishpâṭ" most commonly means "judgment" or "justice," in architectural or procedural contexts, it refers to the prescribed manner, design, or plan. The phrase "according to all the fashion of it" indicates that the Temple was built in precise conformity to its detailed specifications and design. This highlights the meticulous adherence to the divinely revealed architectural blueprints, signifying perfect execution of God's will for His dwelling place, leaving no room for human improvisation or deviation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which [is] the eighth month":** This initial clause provides the precise chronological markers for the Temple's completion. The "eleventh year" refers to the eleventh year of King Solomon's reign. The "month Bul" is the ancient Canaanite name for the eighth month of the Hebrew civil calendar, which aligns with October-November. This dual dating system (ancient name and numerical designation) ensures clarity and historical specificity, underscoring the monumental significance of the event and the meticulous record-keeping associated with such a national and religious undertaking.
* **"was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it":** This segment declares the absolute and comprehensive completion of the Temple. "Throughout all the parts thereof" signifies that every component, from the foundational stones to the intricate roof, from the inner sanctuary (Most Holy Place) to the outer courts and surrounding structures, was fully constructed and perfected. "According to all the fashion of it" emphasizes that the building adhered perfectly to its original design and specifications, implying a divine blueprint that was faithfully executed without deviation or compromise. This speaks to the perfection and completeness required for a dwelling place of the holy God.
* **"So was he seven years in building it":** This final clause summarizes the total duration of the construction project. The seven-year period (from the fourth year of Solomon's reign, as noted in [1 Kings 6:1](/1-kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Temple Construction Begins"), to the eleventh year) highlights the immense scale of the undertaking, the unwavering dedication required, and the significant resources invested. The number seven, often associated with completeness, perfection, and divine action in biblical numerology, subtly reinforces the idea of a divinely ordained and perfectly executed work, brought to its sacred conclusion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. **Precision** is vividly evident in the meticulous chronological details ("eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month"), which not only provide historical accuracy but also underscore the monumental nature of the event. **Repetition** of the idea of completion, conveyed through the phrases "finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it," emphasizes the thoroughness, perfection, and comprehensive nature of the work. The **Symbolism** of "seven years" subtly reinforces the idea of completeness, divine perfection, and the sacred nature of the project, as seven is a recurring number of divine action, covenant, and fullness in Scripture. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Culmination**, bringing to a definitive close the preceding detailed architectural descriptions and preparing the reader for the subsequent narrative of the Temple's dedication and its role in Israel's worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The completion of Solomon's Temple, as recorded in 1 Kings 6:38, signifies the glorious fulfillment of God's promise to David and the establishment of a tangible dwelling place for the Lord among His people. This monumental act underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and His profound desire to dwell in intimate communion with humanity. It also highlights the human responsibility to diligently and precisely execute divine commands, as Solomon and the Israelites meticulously followed the divinely-inspired plans for the sanctuary. The Temple's completion was not merely an architectural feat but a profound theological statement about God's immanent presence, His holiness, and the centrality of worship in the life of the nation. It served as a tangible reminder of God's sovereignty and His exclusive covenant relationship with Israel, a designated place where atonement could be made, prayers offered, and communion with God could be sought.

* [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8-9 "Exodus 25:8-9 - Command to Build the Tabernacle According to the Pattern")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - The Lord Builds the House")
* [Haggai 1:8](/haggai/1-8 "Haggai 1:8 - Build the House So I May Take Pleasure in It")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The completion of Solomon's Temple, after seven years of dedicated and meticulous labor, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, faithfulness, and diligent effort in our own spiritual endeavors and kingdom assignments. Just as the Temple was built "throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it," we are called to pursue spiritual growth, personal sanctification, and service with diligence, attention to detail, and unwavering adherence to God's revealed will. Significant undertakings for God's kingdom often require sustained effort, immense patience, and a long-term vision, rather than instant gratification. This verse encourages us to "finish well" whatever God has called us to build, whether it's the development of Christ-like character, the establishment of a ministry, or contributing to the spiritual house of God, the Church. It challenges us to critically examine whether our own lives and ministries are truly being built according to God's "fashion" or divine design, reflecting His glory and purpose in every part, ensuring that our efforts align with His blueprint for our lives and for His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "building projects" (spiritual, personal, communal) has God called you to undertake, and how committed are you to seeing them through to completion with diligence and integrity?**
* **In what areas of your life or service do you need to exercise more perseverance and patience, recognizing that significant work for God often takes time and sustained effort?**
* **How does the meticulous completion of the Temple challenge you to pay closer attention to God's "fashion" or divine design for your life and ministry, ensuring alignment with His will?**
* **What does it mean for you, as a believer, to be part of God's "spiritual house" (the Church) and to contribute to its building according to His divine blueprint, rather than human preferences?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "seven years" in building the Temple?**

Answer: The seven-year duration of the Temple's construction (from the fourth to the eleventh year of Solomon's reign) highlights the immense scale, complexity, and national commitment involved in the project. It required vast resources, a massive skilled labor force, and meticulous planning and execution. Beyond the practicalities, the number seven itself often carries significant symbolic weight in biblical numerology, representing completeness, perfection, or divine fullness (e.g., the seven days of creation in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account")). Thus, the seven years not only denote a precise historical period but also subtly reinforce the idea that the Temple was a perfectly completed work, divinely ordained and brought to fruition in a manner that reflected divine blessing and perfection.

**What was the "month Bul"?**

Answer: The "month Bul" was an ancient Canaanite name for the eighth month of the Hebrew civil calendar. This corresponds roughly to our modern months of October and November. The biblical text often employs both older Canaanite calendar names (like Bul for the eighth month, or Ziv for the second month, as seen in [1 Kings 6:1](/1-kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Temple Construction Begins")) and their numerical designations ("the eighth month") to provide clear and unambiguous chronological markers for significant historical events. Its inclusion here adds to the historical precision of the account, firmly anchoring the Temple's completion to a specific, identifiable point in time within the ancient Near Eastern context.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 6:38 marks the completion of a magnificent physical structure, its ultimate and profound fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Temple, as the preeminent dwelling place of God's presence among His people, served as a powerful foreshadowing of the incarnate Christ, who is the true and perfect dwelling of God. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us") declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us," literally meaning He "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent" among humanity, signifying that in Jesus, God's very presence was no longer confined to a building but was fully embodied in a person. Jesus Himself boldly proclaimed, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")," a statement which the Gospel of John clarifies referred to "the temple of His body" ([John 2:21](/john/2-21 "John 2:21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ became the ultimate and eternal access point to God, thereby superseding the need for a physical temple for atonement and worship. Furthermore, the New Testament reveals that believers, both individually and corporately, are now the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1-corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as the Temple of the Holy Spirit")) and are being "built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit" ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Believers Built into a Holy Temple")). Thus, the meticulous completion of Solomon's Temple, built "according to all the fashion of it," beautifully points forward to the perfect, complete, and eternally effective work of Christ, who perfectly embodies God's presence and perfectly builds His spiritual house, the Church, according to God's eternal and flawless design.

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

1 Kings 7:1

¶ But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.

Zechariah 4:9

The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.

Ezra 3:8

¶ Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD.

Ezra 3:13

So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

1 Kings 6:1

¶ And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which [is] the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD.

1 Kings 6:9

So he built the house, and finished it; and covered the house with beams and boards of cedar.

John 2:20

Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?