1 Kings 6:5

KJV

And against the wall of the house he built chambers round about, [against] the walls of the house round about, [both] of the temple and of the oracle: and he made chambers round about:

KJV (with Strong's)

And against the wall {H7023} of the house {H1004} he built {H1129} chambers {H3326}{H3326} round about {H5439}, against the walls {H7023} of the house {H1004} round about {H5439}, both of the temple {H1964} and of the oracle {H1687}: and he made {H6213} chambers {H6763} round about {H5439}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Against the wall of the house he built an annex all the way around; it went all the way around the walls of the house, including both the temple and the sanctuary.

Berean Standard Bible

Against the walls of the temple and the inner sanctuary, Solomon built a chambered structure around the temple, in which he constructed the side rooms.

American Standard Version

And against the wall of the house he built stories round about, against the walls of the house round about, both of the temple and of the oracle; and he made side-chambers round about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 6:5 provides a meticulous architectural detail of Solomon's Temple, describing the construction of ancillary chambers that were built around the exterior walls of the main sanctuary. These side rooms encircled both the Holy Place (referred to as the "temple") and the Most Holy Place (the "oracle"), underscoring the comprehensive planning and functional design integral to God's dwelling place. This verse highlights the extensive nature of the Temple complex, which incorporated practical spaces crucial for the daily operations, maintenance, and support of the sacred structure, reflecting a divine blueprint for order and provision in worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the highly detailed account of Solomon's construction of the Temple, which commences in [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Beginning of Temple Construction"). The preceding verses establish the overall dimensions, foundational elements, and primary materials, setting the stage for the specific architectural components described here. Following [1 Kings 6:5](/1_kings/6-5 "1 Kings 6:5 - Temple Chambers"), the narrative continues to elaborate on the structure of these chambers, detailing their support systems and the exquisite materials used for the interior, such as cedar and gold, as seen in [1 Kings 6:9-10](/1_kings/6-9 "1 Kings 6:9-10 - Chambers and Roof"). The meticulous and repetitive detail throughout [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of the Temple") emphasizes the divine mandate behind the Temple's design and the unparalleled craftsmanship dedicated to building God's sacred house.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's Temple, erected in Jerusalem, served as the singular, central place of worship for the Israelite nation, marking a profound transition from the portable Tabernacle. Its construction symbolized God's stable and permanent presence among His people, solidifying Jerusalem's role as the spiritual capital. In the broader ancient Near East, temples were rarely simple structures; they were often elaborate complexes that included administrative offices, storage facilities for offerings, treasuries, and quarters for priests. The description of these chambers in [1 Kings 6:5](/1_kings/6-5 "1 Kings 6:5 - Temple Chambers") aligns with common ancient architectural practices for major religious edifices, adapted to meet the unique theological and ritual requirements of Israelite worship. The involvement of skilled craftsmen, including Phoenicians, as detailed in [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Solomon's Preparations for the Temple"), highlights the international collaboration and advanced building techniques employed in this monumental undertaking.
* **Key Themes:** The construction of the Temple, as meticulously described in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of the Temple"), is a pivotal theme that underscores God's profound desire to dwell intimately among His people, echoing the instructions for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Dwelling Among Israel"). The precise architectural specifications, including the functional chambers mentioned in [1 Kings 6:5](/1_kings/6-5 "1 Kings 6:5 - Temple Chambers"), highlight the themes of **divine order and meticulous design**. Every element of the Temple, from its grand dimensions to its practical side rooms, was purposed for sacred service and the maintenance of holiness. This points to the theme of **provision for ministry**, as these chambers were likely essential for storing priestly garments, sacred vessels, tithes, and offerings, thereby ensuring the seamless operation of the elaborate Temple rituals. Furthermore, the explicit distinction between the "temple" (Holy Place) and the "oracle" (Most Holy Place) reinforces the overarching theme of **holiness and separation**, with the most sacred space being the very core of the entire complex.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **chambers (Hebrew, _yâtsûwaʻ_):** Derived from a passive participle meaning "spread," this term, in an architectural context, refers to an extension, wing, or lean-to, often a single story or a collective of such rooms. In the Temple's design, these were not merely decorative but highly functional side rooms. They likely served practical purposes such as storage for sacred items, priestly vestments, tithes, and offerings, or even as lodging for priests on duty. Their construction "round about" signifies their comprehensive integration into the Temple's overall structure, maximizing functional space within the sacred precinct.
* **temple (Hebrew, _hêykâl_):** This word designates the main sanctuary or nave of the Temple, commonly translated as the Holy Place. It was the larger, outer room where priests performed daily rituals, including burning incense on the altar of incense and tending the golden lampstand. The fact that the chambers surrounded this area indicates that even the public-facing aspects of the Temple's sacred service required extensive support infrastructure and practical spaces for its operation.
* **oracle (Hebrew, _dᵉbîyr_):** This term refers to the innermost sanctuary, known as the Most Holy Place or Holy of Holies. It was the most sacred and exclusive part of the Temple, where the Ark of the Covenant was housed, as detailed in [1 Kings 6:19](/1_kings/6-19 "1 Kings 6:19 - Ark in the Oracle"). Only the High Priest was permitted to enter this space, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The chambers encompassing the _dᵉbîyr_ further emphasize the profound sanctity and protective nature of the entire complex, ensuring that even the most hallowed ground was supported by necessary, albeit less sacred, functional spaces.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And against the wall of the house he built chambers round about,"**: This initial clause introduces the primary architectural feature: the construction of ancillary rooms directly against the exterior walls of the main Temple structure. The phrase "round about" (Hebrew: סָבִיב, _saviv_) immediately conveys the encircling nature of these chambers, indicating they were not isolated additions but integral parts of the building's perimeter, designed for comprehensive support.
* **"[against] the walls of the house round about,"**: This repetition serves as an emphatic restatement, reinforcing the concept of the chambers completely surrounding the main edifice. It underscores the thoroughness of the construction and the comprehensive nature of the design, ensuring no part of the primary structure was left without these supportive annexes. This highlights the meticulous attention to detail in the Temple's construction.
* **"[both] of the temple and of the oracle:"**: This crucial specification clarifies precisely which parts of the "house" (the Temple) were encircled by these chambers. It explicitly names the _hêykâl_ (the Holy Place) and the _dᵉbîyr_ (the Most Holy Place), signifying that the entire sacred core of the Temple, from its outer priestly service areas to its innermost divine presence, was encompassed by these functional rooms. This highlights the unified and holistic design of the sacred complex, where every part served the overall purpose.
* **"and he made chambers round about:"**: This concluding phrase acts as a final summary and reiteration of the main action. It emphasizes the completion and pervasive nature of the chamber construction, leaving no doubt about their extensive presence around the entire Temple structure. The repetition of "chambers round about" creates a powerful sense of completeness, meticulous execution, and the all-encompassing nature of the Temple's design.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device prominently employed in [1 Kings 6:5](/1_kings/6-5 "1 Kings 6:5 - Temple Chambers") is **Repetition**, specifically of the phrase "round about" (סָבִיב, _saviv_). This repetition is not redundant but serves a crucial rhetorical and descriptive purpose: it emphatically underscores the comprehensive and encircling nature of the chambers built against the Temple walls. It visually and textually reinforces the idea that these functional rooms completely enveloped the sacred core, from the Holy Place to the Most Holy Place, conveying a sense of thoroughness and protective enclosure. This meticulous detail is also a form of **Architectural Description**, characteristic of the entire chapter, which provides precise measurements and structural elements. This device highlights the divine blueprint and the profound human effort invested in constructing God's dwelling place. Furthermore, the mention of "the temple and of the oracle" can be interpreted as a form of **Merism**, where two distinct or contrasting parts are named to represent the whole. By naming both the outer sanctuary and the innermost shrine, the text effectively signifies the entirety of the sacred interior, emphasizing that the entire holy structure was supported by these surrounding chambers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The detailed description of the Temple's ancillary chambers in [1 Kings 6:5](/1_kings/6-5 "1 Kings 6:5 - Temple Chambers") offers profound insights into God's character and His relationship with His people. It reveals a God who values order, functionality, and meticulous preparation in worship and service. The existence of these chambers, designed for storage, administration, and support, underscores the principle that sacred spaces and divine service are not haphazard but require thoughtful provision and organization. This divine attention to detail in the physical structure of the Temple reflects the spiritual truth that God desires a well-ordered and well-resourced ministry, where every component, from the most sacred rites to the most practical logistical support, contributes to the overall purpose of glorifying Him and facilitating communion with His people. It teaches us that even the seemingly mundane or "behind-the-scenes" aspects of spiritual life and community are vital for the flourishing of God's work and the manifestation of His presence.

* [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8-9 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Sanctuary")
* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Order in Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intricate details of the Temple's construction, including its functional chambers, invite us to reflect deeply on the intentionality with which God designs and sustains His presence among His people. While we no longer worship in a physical Temple, the enduring principles of order, provision, and purpose remain profoundly relevant for our personal spiritual lives and corporate worship. Just as the chambers supported the sacred work of the priests and the maintenance of the holy space, our personal disciplines, practical preparations, and supportive ministries within the church are vital for facilitating genuine worship and effective outreach. This verse challenges us to consider how we, as individuals and as a community, can contribute to creating environments—both physical and spiritual—that are conducive to encountering God. It encourages us to ensure that our "chambers" (our resources, time, talents, practical efforts, and even our unseen acts of service) are intentionally built "round about" the core mission of glorifying God and serving others. We are called to be diligent in the unseen, supportive roles that enable the visible work of God to thrive, recognizing that every detail, no matter how small, matters in His divine economy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the Temple's construction, including its chambers, speak to God's character and His expectations for our service?**
* **In what ways do "chambers" or supportive structures (e.g., administrative roles, hospitality, prayer support) exist in your personal spiritual life or within your church community?**
* **How can we ensure that our practical efforts and organizational structures genuinely facilitate, rather than hinder, our worship and service to God and His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What were the primary uses of these "chambers round about" the Temple?**

Answer: The "chambers round about" the Temple, as described in [1 Kings 6:5](/1_kings/6-5 "1 Kings 6:5 - Temple Chambers"), served various practical and administrative purposes essential for the daily operation and maintenance of the sacred complex. While the biblical text does not provide an exhaustive list specifically for Solomon's Temple, based on parallels with the Tabernacle, later Temple descriptions (e.g., Ezekiel's vision), and historical accounts, these rooms were likely used for:
* **Storage:** Holding sacred vessels, priestly garments, incense, anointing oil, and other materials necessary for rituals and sacrifices.
* **Treasury:** Storing tithes, offerings, and valuable donations made to the Temple, as indicated in passages like [1 Kings 7:51](/1_kings/7-51 "1 Kings 7:51 - Temple Treasures"), which mentions Solomon bringing in the dedicated treasures.
* **Priestly Quarters:** Providing lodging, resting places, or changing rooms for priests who were on duty or performing their shifts, allowing them to remain ritually pure within the Temple precincts.
* **Administrative Offices:** Spaces for managing the extensive affairs of the Temple, including records, personnel, and the distribution of resources.
These chambers ensured that the Temple functioned as a well-ordered, self-sufficient, and highly organized institution, supporting the central acts of worship, sacrifice, and the ongoing spiritual life of the nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Kings 6:5](/1_kings/6-5 "1 Kings 6:5 - Temple Chambers") meticulously describes the physical structure of Solomon's Temple, its ultimate theological fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly Temple, with its Holy Place and Most Holy Place, served as a profound shadow and type of God's true dwelling among humanity. Jesus Himself declared that something "greater than the temple" was present in Him ([Matthew 12:6](/matthew/12-6 "Matthew 12:6 - Greater Than the Temple")), and He famously spoke of His own body as the temple that would be destroyed and raised in three days ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")). In Christ, God's presence is no longer confined to a building with surrounding chambers, but dwells fully and bodily in a person ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")). Through His perfect sacrifice, Jesus, our great High Priest, opened the way into the true Most Holy Place—the very presence of God in heaven—making access available to all believers ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ")). Moreover, the New Testament reveals that believers, united with Christ, become living stones built into a spiritual house, a "holy temple in the Lord" ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Temple"); [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). Just as the physical chambers supported the ancient Temple's operations, the diverse gifts, ministries, and supportive roles within the body of Christ (the spiritual temple) serve to build up and equip the whole, ensuring that the dwelling place of God continues to function dynamically in the world, making His presence, glory, and redemptive purpose known to all.

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 6:16

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].

Psalms 28:2

Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.

1 Kings 6:31

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].

2 Chronicles 5:9

And they drew out the staves [of the ark], that the ends of the staves were seen from the ark before the oracle; but they were not seen without. And there it is unto this day.

1 Kings 6:19

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

1 Kings 6:21

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.

2 Chronicles 5:7

And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, to the oracle of the house, into the most holy [place, even] under the wings of the cherubims: