1 Kings 7:9

KJV

All these [were of] costly stones, according to the measures of hewed stones, sawed with saws, within and without, even from the foundation unto the coping, and [so] on the outside toward the great court.

KJV (with Strong's)

All these were of costly {H3368} stones {H68}, according to the measures {H4060} of hewed stones {H1496}, sawed {H1641} with saws {H4050}, within {H1004} and without {H2351}, even from the foundation {H4527} unto the coping {H2947}, and so on the outside {H2351} toward the great {H1419} court {H2691}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All these buildings were made of expensive stone blocks, cut to measure and finished by saws on the inner surfaces as well as the outer ones. These stones were used from the foundation to the eaves and outward from the buildings all the way to the Great Courtyard.

Berean Standard Bible

All these buildings were constructed with costly stones, cut to size and trimmed with saws inside and out from the foundation to the eaves, and from the outside to the great courtyard.

American Standard Version

All these were of costly stones, even of hewn stone, according to measure, sawed with saws, within and without, even from the foundation unto the coping, and so on the outside unto the great court.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:9 meticulously describes the exceptional quality and precision of the stonework used in King Solomon's royal palace complex, emphasizing that the same high standards of material and craftsmanship applied to his secular structures as to the recently completed Temple. This verse highlights the use of expensive, expertly hewn, and precisely cut stones, meticulously installed from the very foundation to the coping, ensuring consistent excellence both internally and externally, particularly visible from the grand court.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Kings 7:9 is situated within a lengthy architectural description of King Solomon's extensive building program, immediately following the detailed account of the construction of [the Temple of the Lord](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of the Temple"). While [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - The Temple's Construction") focuses exclusively on the sacred edifice, [1 Kings 7](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Solomon's Palace and Other Buildings") shifts to Solomon's own royal complex, including the House of the Forest of Lebanon, the Porch of Pillars, the Porch of Judgment, and his personal dwelling. This verse specifically details the exceptional quality of materials and craftsmanship applied to these grand, albeit secular, structures, underscoring that the king's residence was built with the same meticulous standards as God's house, reflecting Solomon's immense wealth and commitment to excellence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked a zenith of Israelite power, wealth, and international influence, largely due to his wisdom and strategic alliances. His extensive building projects, including the Temple and his sprawling palace complex, were not merely functional but served as powerful symbols of his divinely bestowed prosperity and the nation's prominence among its neighbors. The use of "costly stones" and highly skilled techniques like "hewing" and "sawing" reflects the advanced architectural capabilities of the era, often influenced by master craftsmen from Phoenicia, particularly those sent by Hiram of Tyre, who were renowned for their expertise in working with timber and stone. These monumental constructions were designed to project an image of unparalleled grandeur and stability, both to Solomon's own people and to foreign dignitaries visiting Jerusalem.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings"). Firstly, it highlights the **excellence in craftsmanship and materials** that characterized Solomon's entire building program, reflecting a commitment to quality that extended beyond the sacred Temple to his personal dwellings. This meticulous attention to detail, from the selection of "costly stones" to their precise "sawing," underscores a standard of perfection. Secondly, the sheer scale and opulence described, particularly the use of such valuable and expertly prepared materials, vividly portrays the **grandeur and wealth of Solomon**, a recurring motif in [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - The Queen of Sheba and Solomon's Wealth") that emphasizes God's abundant blessing upon him ([1 Kings 10:23](/1_kings/10-23 "1 Kings 10:23 - Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth")). Finally, the phrase "from the foundation unto the coping" emphasizes the **thoroughness and integrity of construction**, signifying that quality was maintained consistently throughout the entire structure, not just on visible surfaces. This speaks to a holistic approach to building, where the unseen elements were as crucial as the outward display.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Costly stones (Hebrew, _ʾăbānîm yĕqārôt_):** This phrase literally translates to "precious stones" or "valuable stones." It denotes not merely large stones, but those of high quality, beauty, and perhaps rarity, indicating their significant monetary value and aesthetic appeal. Their selection implies a deliberate choice for superior materials, reflecting the king's immense resources and desire for unparalleled grandeur in his construction projects.
* **Hewed stones (Hebrew, _ʾăbānîm gāzît_):** Refers to stones that have been cut, dressed, or squared, as opposed to rough, unworked blocks. This term signifies that the stones underwent a process of shaping and finishing, likely with chisels and hammers, to achieve precise dimensions and smooth surfaces. This level of preparation was essential for creating structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing masonry, ensuring a tight fit between individual blocks.
* **Sawed with saws (Hebrew, _məgōrārôt_):** This specific detail highlights the advanced methods of stone cutting employed. The use of saws (likely bronze or iron saws with abrasive sand) allowed for exceptionally precise, straight cuts, far superior to what could be achieved with only chiseling. This precision was crucial for creating perfectly fitted blocks, contributing to the structural integrity and the seamless appearance of the walls, demonstrating a high degree of architectural sophistication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All these [were of] costly stones":** This opening phrase establishes the universal standard of excellence for the materials used across all the structures within Solomon's palace complex, not just a select few. The "costly stones" signify both their inherent value and the king's boundless resources, setting a tone of unparalleled opulence and quality.
* **"according to the measures of hewed stones, sawed with saws":** This clause details the meticulous craftsmanship involved in preparing the stones. They were not merely "costly" but also precisely shaped ("hewed") and cut with advanced tools ("sawed with saws"). This indicates a high degree of precision engineering, ensuring uniformity in size and shape, which was critical for creating stable and aesthetically pleasing masonry.
* **"within and without":** This emphasizes the comprehensive application of this high standard. The quality of the stonework was consistent throughout the entire structure, both on the interior and exterior surfaces. It suggests that the integrity and beauty were not merely a facade but extended to every part of the building, regardless of visibility.
* **"even from the foundation unto the coping":** This phrase further underscores the thoroughness and consistency of the construction. From the very lowest part of the building (the "foundation") to its uppermost finishing element (the "coping" or cornice), the same high-quality, precisely prepared stones were used. This speaks to the complete structural integrity and uniform excellence of the entire edifice.
* **"and [so] on the outside toward the great court":** This final clause highlights the prominent visibility of this quality. The magnificent stonework was particularly evident on the exterior facing the "great court," the main public area of the palace complex. This served as a public display of Solomon's wealth, power, and the kingdom's architectural prowess, impressing both subjects and foreign visitors.

#### Literary Devices
1 Kings 7:9 employs several literary devices to convey the extraordinary nature of Solomon's building projects. The phrase "from the foundation unto the coping" is a clear example of **Merism**, a figure of speech where two contrasting parts represent the whole, effectively communicating that the quality and precision of the stonework extended throughout the entire structure, from its very base to its highest point. The meticulous description of "costly stones," "hewed stones," and stones "sawed with saws" creates vivid **Imagery**, allowing the reader to visualize the superior materials and advanced craftsmanship. This detailed enumeration also borders on **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the unparalleled grandeur and perfection of the construction, suggesting a level of excellence that was truly exceptional for its time. Furthermore, the "costly stones" themselves can function as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the building material) stands for the whole (Solomon's immense wealth, power, and the splendor of his reign).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail in 1 Kings 7:9, though describing a secular palace, carries profound theological resonance. It reflects a standard of excellence that permeated Solomon's kingdom, echoing the divine command for quality in the Tabernacle and Temple construction. This commitment to using the best materials and craftsmanship, even in areas not directly sacred, suggests that all human endeavor, when blessed by God, should strive for integrity and perfection. It underscores the principle that God's blessings enable grand achievements, and these achievements, in turn, can serve as a testament to His provision and the wisdom He bestows. The thoroughness "from foundation unto coping" can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual integrity, where one's inner character and unseen foundations are as crucial as outward appearance.

* [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8-9 - God's Instructions for the Tabernacle")
* [1 Chronicles 29:2-5](/1_chronicles/29-2 "1 Chronicles 29:2-5 - David's Lavish Preparations for the Temple")
* [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Work Heartily for the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 7:9, though detailing ancient architecture, offers timeless principles for contemporary life. The commitment to using "costly stones" and precise craftsmanship "from the foundation unto the coping" challenges us to consider the quality of our own endeavors, whether in our professional work, personal relationships, or spiritual disciplines. It prompts us to move beyond superficiality, encouraging us to invest deeply in the unseen foundations of character, integrity, and faith, knowing that true excellence is holistic. This verse reminds us that the resources God entrusts to us, be they talents, time, or material wealth, are meant to be stewarded with diligence and a pursuit of excellence, reflecting the grandeur of the God who provides. It calls us to build lives and communities marked by thoroughness, beauty, and lasting value, not just for outward show, but with an intrinsic commitment to quality that honors God in all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to cut corners, and how might you apply the principle of "from the foundation unto the coping" to those areas?**
* **How does the pursuit of excellence in your daily tasks, even seemingly mundane ones, reflect your understanding of God's character and your stewardship of His gifts?**
* **What "costly stones" (talents, resources, time) has God entrusted to you, and how are you using them to build things of lasting value and integrity?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of using "costly stones" for Solomon's palace?**

Answer: The use of "costly stones" for Solomon's palace, as described in [1 Kings 7:9](/1_kings/7-9 "1 Kings 7:9 - Costly Stones for Solomon's Palace"), signified several things. Firstly, it demonstrated the immense wealth and prosperity that God had bestowed upon Solomon, positioning him as an unparalleled monarch in the ancient world ([1 Kings 10:23](/1_kings/10-23 "1 Kings 10:23 - Solomon's Riches")). Secondly, it reflected the grandeur and prestige of his reign, serving as a powerful symbol of his kingdom's stability and influence. Thirdly, it underscored a commitment to excellence in construction, applying the same high standards of material and craftsmanship seen in the Temple to his royal residence, indicating that even secular structures were built with the utmost integrity and quality.

**Why is the detail "sawed with saws" important?**

Answer: The detail "sawed with saws" is significant because it highlights the advanced architectural and engineering capabilities available during Solomon's time. While "hewed stones" suggests shaping with chisels, "sawed with saws" implies a higher degree of precision cutting, likely using specialized bronze or iron saws with abrasive agents. This allowed for perfectly straight and uniform cuts, ensuring that the stones fit together seamlessly. This level of precision contributed to both the structural integrity and the aesthetic beauty of the buildings, distinguishing them as works of sophisticated craftsmanship, far beyond simple rough-hewn construction. It speaks to the meticulous attention to detail that characterized Solomon's entire building program, as also seen in the construction of [the Temple](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - The Temple's Construction").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 7:9 describes the grandeur of an earthly king's palace, its emphasis on costly materials, precise craftsmanship, and thorough construction "from the foundation unto the coping" points forward to the ultimate builder and the ultimate temple: Jesus Christ and the spiritual house He constructs. Just as Solomon's palace was built with the finest, perfectly fitted stones, so too is the church, the body of Christ, built upon the [cornerstone of Jesus Himself](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone"). We, as believers, are described as [living stones](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones") being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, for God's dwelling. The integrity "from foundation unto coping" foreshadows the complete and perfect work of Christ, who not only laid the foundation of salvation through His sacrifice on the cross ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Jesus, the Only Foundation")) but also brings it to completion, ensuring that every part of His spiritual temple is perfectly fitted and eternally secure. The visible glory of Solomon's court, built with such care, pales in comparison to the [invisible, eternal glory of God revealed in Christ](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), who is the true temple, in whom all the fullness of God dwells ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")).

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 5:17

And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, [and] hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house.

1 Kings 7:10

And the foundation [was of] costly stones, even great stones, stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits.

1 Kings 7:11

And above [were] costly stones, after the measures of hewed stones, and cedars.