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 offers a precise architectural description of Solomon's Temple, detailing the construction of ancillary chambers that encircled the main sanctuary. These side rooms, built against the exterior walls of both the Holy Place (the "temple") and the Most Holy Place (the "oracle"), highlight the meticulous planning and functional design integral to God's dwelling place. This verse underscores the comprehensive nature of the Temple complex, which extended beyond the central worship areas to include practical spaces essential for the daily operations and maintenance of the sacred structure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the detailed account of Solomon's construction of the Temple, beginning in [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Beginning of Temple Construction"). The preceding verses establish the overall dimensions and materials, setting the stage for the specific architectural elements 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, their support systems, and the 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 detail throughout [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of the Temple") emphasizes the divine mandate and the unparalleled craftsmanship dedicated to building God's house.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's Temple was built in Jerusalem, serving as the central place of worship for the Israelite nation, replacing the portable Tabernacle. Its construction marked a significant transition from a nomadic worship structure to a permanent, grand edifice, symbolizing God's stable presence among His people. In the ancient Near East, temples were not merely empty halls but complex structures often including administrative offices, storage rooms for offerings, 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 buildings, adapted to the specific theological requirements of Israelite worship. The use of skilled craftsmen, including Phoenicians, as mentioned 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.

* **Key Themes:** The construction of the Temple, as described in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of the Temple"), is a central theme emphasizing God's desire to dwell among His people, a theme that echoes from the Tabernacle instructions in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Dwelling Among Israel"). The detailed architectural specifications, including the chambers in [1 Kings 6:5](/1_kings/6-5 "1 Kings 6:5 - Temple Chambers"), underscore the themes of **divine order and meticulous design**. Every part of the Temple, from its grand dimensions to its functional side rooms, was purposed for the sacred service and the maintenance of holiness. This points to the theme of **provision for ministry**, as these chambers likely stored priestly garments, sacred vessels, and offerings, ensuring the smooth operation of the Temple rituals. Furthermore, the distinction between the "temple" (Holy Place) and the "oracle" (Most Holy Place) reinforces the theme of **holiness and separation**, with the most sacred space being at the core of the entire complex.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chambers (Hebrew, _yatsia'_):** This term refers to a side structure or annex, specifically rooms built alongside the main building. While _yatsia'_ can also mean a bed or couch, in architectural contexts like this, it denotes functional side rooms. In the Temple, these were not merely decorative but served practical purposes, likely for storage of sacred items, priestly vestments, tithes, or even as lodging for priests on duty. Their construction "round about" indicates a comprehensive integration into the Temple's overall structure, maximizing functional space within the sacred precinct.
* **Temple (Hebrew, _heykhal_):** This word designates the main sanctuary or nave of the Temple, often translated as the Holy Place. It was the larger, outer room where priests performed daily rituals, such as burning incense and tending the lampstand. The fact that the chambers surrounded this area signifies that even the public-facing aspects of the Temple's sacred service required extensive support infrastructure.
* **Oracle (Hebrew, _devir_):** This term refers to the innermost sanctuary, the Most Holy Place or Holy of Holies. It was the most sacred part of the Temple, where the Ark of the Covenant was housed, as described in [1 Kings 6:19](/1_kings/6-19 "1 Kings 6:19 - Ark in the Oracle"). Only the High Priest could enter this space, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The chambers encompassing the _devir_ further emphasizes the 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 side rooms directly against the exterior walls of the 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.
* **"[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.
* **"[both] of the temple and of the oracle:"**: This crucial specification clarifies which parts of the "house" (the Temple) were encircled by the chambers. It explicitly names the _heykhal_ (the Holy Place) and the _devir_ (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.
* **"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 sense of completeness and meticulous execution.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device 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 to emphasize 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. This meticulous detail is also a form of **Architectural Description**, characteristic of the entire chapter, which provides precise measurements and structural elements, underscoring the divine blueprint and the human effort in constructing God's dwelling. Furthermore, the mention of "the temple and of the oracle" can be seen as a form of **Merism**, where two contrasting or distinct parts are named to represent the whole, effectively signifying the entirety of the sacred interior.

### 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") speaks profoundly to 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 and support, underscores the principle that sacred spaces and divine service are not haphazard but require thoughtful provision and organization. This 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 to the most practical, contributes to the overall purpose of glorifying Him and facilitating communion with His people. It teaches us that even the seemingly mundane aspects of spiritual life and community are important for the flourishing of God's work.

* [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 the functional chambers, invite us to reflect on the intentionality with which God designs and sustains His presence among His people. While we no longer worship in a physical Temple, the principles of order, provision, and purpose remain deeply relevant for our spiritual lives and corporate worship. Just as the chambers supported the sacred work of the priests, 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 can contribute to creating environments—both physical and spiritual—that are conducive to encountering God, ensuring that our "chambers" (our resources, time, talents, and practical efforts) are intentionally built "round about" the core mission of glorifying God and serving others. It encourages us to be diligent in the unseen, supportive roles that enable the visible work of God to thrive, recognizing that every detail matters in His economy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the Temple's construction, including its chambers, speak to God's character?**
* **In what ways do "chambers" or supportive structures 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?**

### 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 Bible doesn't provide an exhaustive list for Solomon's Temple, based on parallels with the Tabernacle and later Temple descriptions (e.g., Ezekiel's vision or historical accounts), these rooms were likely used for:
* **Storage:** Holding sacred vessels, priestly garments, incense, anointing oil, and other materials needed for rituals.
* **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").
* **Priestly Quarters:** Providing lodging or resting places 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 Temple affairs, records, and personnel.
These chambers ensured that the Temple functioned as a well-ordered and self-sufficient institution, supporting the central acts of worship and sacrifice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Kings 6:5](/1_kings/6-5 "1 Kings 6:5 - Temple Chambers") describes the physical structure of Solomon's Temple, its ultimate theological fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ. The Temple, with its Holy Place and Most Holy Place, was a shadow of God's true dwelling among humanity. Jesus declared Himself to be the "greater temple" (as implied in [Matthew 12:6](/matthew/12-6 "Matthew 12:6 - Greater Than the Temple")), and He spoke of His 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 in a person ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")). Through His sacrifice, Jesus, our High Priest, opened the way into the true Most Holy Place, the presence of God in heaven ([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 in 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, the various gifts and ministries within the body of Christ (the spiritual temple) serve to build up and support the whole, ensuring the dwelling place of God continues to function in the world, making His presence known.

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.