2 Chronicles 3:4

And the porch that [was] in the front [of the house], the length [of it was] according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the height [was] an hundred and twenty: and he overlaid it within with pure gold.

And the porch {H197} that was in the front {H6440} of the house, the length {H753} of it was according to the breadth {H7341} of the house {H1004}, twenty {H6242} cubits {H520}, and the height {H1363} was an hundred {H3967} and twenty {H6242}: and he overlaid {H6823} it within {H6441} with pure {H2889} gold {H2091}.

The length of the hall fronting the house was the same as the house's width, thirty-five feet and the height 210 [feet]; and he overlaid it with pure gold.

The portico at the front, extending across the width of the temple, was twenty cubits long and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold.

And the porch that was before the house, the length of it, according to the breadth of the house, was twenty cubits, and the height a hundred and twenty; and he overlaid it within with pure gold.

Commentary

And the porch that [was] in the front [of the house], the length [of it was] according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the height [was] an hundred and twenty: and he overlaid it within with pure gold.

Context

This verse describes a specific architectural detail of Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, specifically the porch (or vestibule) that served as the grand entrance to the main sanctuary. The book of 2 Chronicles focuses heavily on the southern kingdom of Judah and the Temple, emphasizing its centrality to Israelite worship and the presence of God. This detail follows the general dimensions of the Temple's main structure, setting the scene for the elaborate and costly construction undertaken by King Solomon.

Key Themes

  • Grandeur and Scale: The dimensions, particularly the astonishing 120-cubit height (approximately 180 feet), suggest an incredibly imposing and awe-inspiring structure, designed to convey the immense majesty of God. While the height is debated by scholars (some suggest a tower or a scribal variant from 1 Kings 6:2's 30 cubits for the main building), it undeniably points to an intent for overwhelming magnificence.
  • Sacred Opulence: The internal overlaying with pure gold signifies the Temple's sacredness and unparalleled value. Gold, a precious metal, consistently symbolizes divine glory, purity, and royalty throughout the Bible, indicating that only the best was deemed fit for the dwelling place of the Lord.
  • Preparation for Divine Presence: This elaborate entrance was not merely functional but symbolic, preparing those who entered for an encounter with the holy God, whose glory would later fill the house.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "cubit" (Hebrew: ammah) was an ancient measurement based on the length of a forearm, typically 18-21 inches (approx. 45-53 cm). Thus, 20 cubits would be roughly 30-35 feet, and 120 cubits around 180-210 feet, underscoring the immense scale.
  • "Pure gold" (Hebrew: zahab tahor) emphasizes the finest quality of gold, free from impurities, reflecting the perfection and holiness attributed to God and His dwelling.

Practical Application

  • Excellence in Worship: Solomon's commitment to building a Temple of such immense scale and with the most precious materials reminds us of the call to offer our very best in worship and service to God. It highlights that our devotion should be characterized by excellence, not mediocrity.
  • The Sanctuary Within: While we no longer have a physical Temple of this kind, believers are now called the temple of the Holy Spirit. This verse encourages us to consider the "porch" of our lives – our outward presentation and inner preparation – and ensure it is adorned with purity and dedicated to God's glory, reflecting His presence within us.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 10:23

    And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.

  • Acts 5:12

    ¶ And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.

  • Acts 3:11

    And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.
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