1 Kings 7:50

KJV

And the bowls, and the snuffers, and the basons, and the spoons, and the censers [of] pure gold; and the hinges [of] gold, [both] for the doors of the inner house, the most holy [place, and] for the doors of the house, [to wit], of the temple.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the bowls {H5592}, and the snuffers {H4212}, and the basons {H4219}, and the spoons {H3709}, and the censers {H4289} of pure {H5462} gold {H2091}; and the hinges {H6596} of gold {H2091}, both for the doors {H1817} of the inner {H6442} house {H1004}, the most {H6944} holy {H6944} place, and for the doors {H1817} of the house {H1004}, to wit, of the temple {H1964}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the cups, snuffers, basins, incense pans and fire pans of pure gold; and the hinges of gold, both those for the doors of the inner house, the Especially Holy Place, and those for the doors of the house, that is, of the temple.

Berean Standard Bible

the pure gold basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, ladles, and censers; and the gold hinges for the doors of the inner temple (that is, the Most Holy Place) as well as for the doors of the main hall of the temple.

American Standard Version

and the cups, and the snuffers, and the basins, and the spoons, and the firepans, of pure gold; and the hinges, both for the doors of the inner house, the most holy place, and for the doors of the house, to wit, of the temple, of gold.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 7:50 culminates a meticulous catalog of the sacred furnishings commissioned by King Solomon for the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. This verse specifically enumerates various essential items—bowls, snuffers, basins, spoons, and censers—all crafted from "pure gold," extending even to the hinges for the doors of both the inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place, and the main Temple entrance. The pervasive use of such precious material underscores the profound value, sanctity, and divine excellence attributed to every component of the dwelling place consecrated to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a concluding statement to the detailed description of the Temple's interior furnishings and implements, meticulously laid out in [1 Kings chapter 7](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Temple Furnishings and Solomon's Palace"). It follows the architectural specifications of the Temple building itself in [1 Kings chapter 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple") and precedes the grand dedication ceremony in [1 Kings chapter 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of Solomon's Temple"). The entire section, from chapters 6 through 8, emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promise to David regarding a perpetual dynasty and a house for His name. Verse 50, by listing the final, most precious elements, provides a sense of completion to the construction phase, highlighting the opulence and sacredness of the finished sanctuary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple was a monumental undertaking, reflecting Israel's peak of national prosperity and Solomon's unparalleled wisdom and wealth. In the ancient Near East, temples were considered the literal dwelling places of deities, and their construction often involved the finest materials and craftsmanship available, reflecting the god's power and status. Gold, being incorruptible and lustrous, was universally associated with divinity, royalty, and purity. The items listed in [1 Kings 7:50](/1_kings/7-50 "1 Kings 7:50 - Temple Furnishings of Pure Gold") were not merely decorative; they were functional instruments for the daily sacrificial and liturgical rituals performed by the priests, such as preparing the lamps, holding offerings, and burning incense. The use of pure gold for even the door hinges underscores the belief that every element, visible or hidden, was consecrated to God and had to meet the highest standard of purity and excellence.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous description of the Temple's golden furnishings in this verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. The repeated mention of "pure gold" powerfully conveys the theme of **Purity and Holiness**, signifying the absolute perfection and unblemished character of God, which demands a corresponding purity in worship and sacred objects. This emphasis also highlights the theme of **Excellence in Worship**, demonstrating Israel's commitment to offering God the very best of their resources and craftsmanship, a physical manifestation of their reverence and honor for the Lord. Furthermore, these vessels and architectural elements facilitated the priestly service and rituals that acknowledged **Divine Presence** among His people, particularly within the [Most Holy Place](/exodus/26-33 "Exodus 26:33 - The Veil of the Most Holy Place") where the Ark of the Covenant resided. Finally, the detailed cataloging of items, down to the hinges, reinforces the theme of **Attention to Detail** in God's requirements for worship and service, underscoring His expectation for precision and order in all aspects of devotion, echoing the detailed instructions given for the Tabernacle in [Exodus chapter 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pure Gold (Hebrew, _zahav tahor_):** This phrase emphasizes not merely the material value but, more significantly, the ritual and moral purity of the gold. _Tahor_ (טהור) denotes ceremonial cleanness, unadulterated quality, and suitability for sacred use. Its repeated mention throughout the Temple descriptions highlights that everything dedicated to God's service must be of the highest, unblemished quality, reflecting His own holy character.
* **Snuffers (Hebrew, _mezamerot_):** These were specialized instruments, likely wick trimmers or tongs, used to maintain the lamps of the menorah. Their purpose was to ensure a clean, steady, and efficient flame, preventing smoke and maintaining the purity of light within the sanctuary. This seemingly minor detail underscores the meticulous care required in all aspects of Temple service.
* **Censers (Hebrew, _machtot_):** These were small firepans or shovels used for burning incense, which produced a fragrant smoke symbolizing the prayers of the saints ascending to God (cf. [Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3 "Revelation 8:3-4 - Incense and Prayers of the Saints")). Their inclusion among the golden vessels signifies the importance of prayer and intercession in the Temple liturgy and the sacredness of communication with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the bowls, and the snuffers, and the basons, and the spoons, and the censers [of] pure gold;":** This initial clause enumerates five distinct categories of vessels, all specified as being made of "pure gold." The "bowls" (סִפֹּת, _sippot_) were likely for holding liquids or offerings, "basons" (מִזְרָקוֹת, _mizraqot_) for catching blood during sacrifices, and "spoons" (כַּפּוֹת, _kappot_) for handling incense or other sacred substances. The collective emphasis on "pure gold" for these functional items underscores their sacred purpose and the immense value placed on the implements used in divine worship.
* **"and the hinges [of] gold,":** This brief phrase highlights an extraordinary detail: even the hinges, typically utilitarian and often hidden components, were fashioned from gold. This choice emphasizes that no part of God's house was deemed too insignificant for the most precious material. It speaks to a comprehensive dedication to excellence and holiness, extending to every unseen element of the sacred space.
* **"[both] for the doors of the inner house, the most holy [place, and] for the doors of the house, [to wit], of the temple.":** This final part specifies the location of these golden hinges: they were for both the doors of the inner sanctuary (the Most Holy Place, or Holy of Holies) and the doors of the main Temple structure. This distinction reinforces the hierarchical sanctity of the Temple, with the Most Holy Place being the most sacred, yet all parts of the sacred complex were treated with the utmost reverence and adorned with the most precious materials.

#### Literary Devices
1 Kings 7:50 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Enumeration** is prominent, as the verse lists specific items (bowls, snuffers, basins, spoons, censers, hinges), creating a comprehensive inventory that emphasizes the sheer volume and variety of sacred objects. This detailed listing also contributes to a sense of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, not necessarily in the sense of untruth, but in underscoring the extraordinary opulence and unparalleled richness of the Temple's furnishings. The repeated mention of "pure gold" functions as a powerful **Symbolism**, where the material itself represents purity, divinity, incorruptibility, and supreme value, directly reflecting the character of the God being worshipped. Furthermore, the inclusion of seemingly minor items like "hinges" alongside major vessels demonstrates a meticulous **Attention to Detail**, suggesting that every aspect of God's dwelling, no matter how small, was deemed worthy of the highest quality and consecration. This attention to detail implies divine oversight and an expectation of thoroughness in worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous description of the Temple's golden furnishings in 1 Kings 7:50 transcends mere architectural detail, offering profound theological insights into the nature of God, worship, and holiness. It portrays a God of absolute purity and infinite worth, who deserves the very best from His people. The use of "pure gold" for every item, down to the hinges, signifies that all aspects of life and worship, both grand and seemingly mundane, are to be consecrated and offered to God with unblemished integrity and excellence. This commitment to quality in the physical realm reflected a spiritual truth: God's presence demands reverence, purity of heart, and unwavering dedication. The Temple, with its golden splendor, served as a tangible reminder of God's holy presence among His people, a place where heaven and earth intersected, and where the people could draw near to the divine.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Sanctuary")
* [Revelation 21:18-21](/revelation/21-18 "Revelation 21:18-21 - The New Jerusalem Adorned with Gold")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical Temple in Jerusalem no longer stands, and believers today are not called to construct literal sanctuaries of gold, the principles embedded in 1 Kings 7:50 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary Christian life and worship. The emphasis on "pure gold" challenges us to consider the quality of our own offerings to God—not just financial, but our time, talents, and the very integrity of our hearts. Are we giving God our "pure gold," or merely what is convenient or leftover? This verse calls us to a life of excellence and consecration, recognizing that every aspect of our existence can be an act of worship. Just as even the hidden hinges of the Temple were made of gold, so too should the unseen motives and private disciplines of our lives be pure and dedicated to God's glory. As temples of the Holy Spirit, we are called to embody holiness in every detail, reflecting the divine purity and worth of the One who dwells within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail and use of "pure gold" in the Temple furnishings challenge our modern understanding of "excellence" in worship and service to God?**
* **In what specific areas of your life—both public and private—can you strive for a greater "purity" and "excellence" as an act of worship to God?**
* **Considering that believers are now "temples of the Holy Spirit," what does the emphasis on the "hinges of gold" in 1 Kings 7:50 teach us about the importance of even the "hidden" or seemingly insignificant parts of our spiritual lives?**

### FAQ
**Why was so much gold used in the Temple, and what did it signify?**

Answer: The extensive use of gold in Solomon's Temple, as highlighted in [1 Kings 7:50](/1_kings/7-50 "1 Kings 7:50 - Temple Furnishings of Pure Gold"), served multiple significant purposes. Historically and culturally, gold was the most precious and incorruptible metal known in the ancient world, universally associated with royalty, divinity, and enduring value. Its lustrous quality also symbolized purity and glory. Theologically, the sheer quantity and purity of gold in the Temple underscored the immeasurable worth and holiness of God. It demonstrated Israel's profound reverence and commitment to offering their very best to the Lord, reflecting His own perfect and unblemished character. It also visually represented the glory and majesty of the divine presence that was believed to dwell within the sanctuary.

**What were the practical uses of the specific items listed in this verse (bowls, snuffers, basins, spoons, censers)?**

Answer: These items were essential liturgical implements used by the priests in the daily operations and rituals of the Temple. The "bowls" and "basins" were likely used for various liquids, such as water for ceremonial washing or wine for libations, and for collecting the blood of sacrifices, respectively. The "spoons" were probably used for handling incense or other sacred substances, ensuring cleanliness and precision. The "snuffers" were crucial for maintaining the lamps of the menorah, trimming wicks to ensure a clean, steady, and bright flame, symbolizing the perpetual light of God's presence. The "censers" were small firepans for burning incense, which was offered daily and symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God (cf. [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense")). Each item, though functional, was imbued with sacred significance through its material and purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The opulent furnishings of Solomon's Temple, particularly the pervasive use of "pure gold" for every vessel and even the hinges in [1 Kings 7:50](/1_kings/7-50 "1 Kings 7:50 - Temple Furnishings of Pure Gold"), serve as a rich foreshadowing of Christ and the new covenant reality. The Temple itself was a type, pointing to the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity. While the earthly Temple's gold symbolized purity and divine presence, it was but a shadow of the perfect, unblemished purity found in Jesus Christ, the true and living Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). He is the "pure gold" offering, the Lamb of God without blemish or spot, whose perfect sacrifice truly cleanses and makes holy, unlike the repeated sacrifices offered in the earthly sanctuary ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the meticulous attention to detail and the preciousness of every item in the Temple point to the infinite value and perfection of Christ's work, where every aspect of His life, death, and resurrection was perfectly consecrated to God. Through His finished work, believers are now indwelt by the Holy Spirit, becoming living temples of God ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), no longer needing a physical structure of gold, but embodying the spiritual purity and divine presence that the golden Temple merely foreshadowed. The glory of the Old Testament Temple pales in comparison to the glory of Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of all its types and shadows, establishing a new covenant where God dwells not in structures made with hands, but in the hearts of His redeemed people ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built into a Holy Temple in the Lord")).

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

Leviticus 16:12

And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring [it] within the vail:

Exodus 27:3

And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make [of] brass.

2 Chronicles 4:21

And the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, [made he of] gold, [and] that perfect gold;

2 Chronicles 4:22

And the snuffers, and the basons, and the spoons, and the censers, [of] pure gold: and the entry of the house, the inner doors thereof for the most holy [place], and the doors of the house of the temple, [were of] gold.

Numbers 7:86

The golden spoons [were] twelve, full of incense, [weighing] ten [shekels] apiece, after the shekel of the sanctuary: all the gold of the spoons [was] an hundred and twenty [shekels].

Exodus 25:29

And thou shalt make the dishes thereof, and spoons thereof, and covers thereof, and bowls thereof, to cover withal: [of] pure gold shalt thou make them.