2 Chronicles 3:6

KJV

And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold [was] gold of Parvaim.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he garnished {H6823} the house {H1004} with precious {H3368} stones {H68} for beauty {H8597}: and the gold {H2091} was gold {H2091} of Parvaim {H6516}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He also decorated the building with precious stones and gold from Parvayim,

Berean Standard Bible

He adorned the temple with precious stones for beauty, and its gold was from Parvaim.

American Standard Version

And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 3:6 describes the lavish adornment of Solomon's Temple, specifically highlighting the use of "precious stones for beauty" and "gold of Parvaim." This verse underscores the extraordinary opulence and meticulous attention to detail in constructing God's dwelling place, emphasizing that the finest and most exotic materials were employed to reflect the incomparable glory and majesty of the Lord, establishing the Temple as a magnificent edifice designed for awe-inspiring worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the detailed account of King Solomon's construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, as presented in [2 Chronicles 3](/2_chronicles/3 "2 Chronicles 3 - Solomon Builds the Temple"). The chapter begins by establishing the location and dimensions of the Temple ([2 Chronicles 3:1-3](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1-3 - Temple Location and Foundation")), then moves into the specific materials and architectural features. Verse 6 follows the description of the Temple's porch and the overlaying of the interior with gold ([2 Chronicles 3:4-5](/2_chronicles/3-4 "2 Chronicles 3:4-5 - Temple Porch and Gold Overlay")), setting the stage for the subsequent details regarding the cherubim, veil, and pillars ([2 Chronicles 3:7-17](/2_chronicles/3-7 "2 Chronicles 3:7-17 - Temple Interior Details")). It serves as a crucial detail illustrating the unparalleled splendor intended for God's house, fitting seamlessly into the broader narrative of Solomon's reign and his dedication to fulfilling David's vision for the Temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple by Solomon (c. 960 BCE) was a monumental undertaking, signifying the zenith of Israelite power and wealth during the United Monarchy. In the ancient Near East, temples were not merely functional buildings but cosmic centers, designed to embody the presence and power of the deity they housed. The use of lavish materials—gold, silver, precious stones, and rare woods—was common in temple construction across the region, reflecting the perceived status and wealth of the god and the king. However, the scale and quality of materials described for Solomon's Temple, particularly the "gold of Parvaim," indicate an exceptional level of dedication and access to extensive trade networks. This period saw significant international trade, allowing Solomon to import exotic goods and skilled craftsmen, underscoring the cultural emphasis on offering the absolute best to the divine, a practice deeply ingrained in the religious landscape of the time.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Chronicles 3:6](/2_chronicles/3-6 "2 Chronicles 3:6 - Temple Adornment") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Excellence in Worship**, emphasizing that God is worthy of the finest materials and most meticulous craftsmanship. Solomon's extravagant use of "precious stones" and "gold of Parvaim" demonstrates a profound commitment to honoring God with unparalleled beauty and quality, a principle echoed in [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with your wealth"). Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Divine Glory and Majesty**. The Temple's splendor was not for human glorification but was intended to be a physical manifestation of the invisible, incomparable glory of the God of Israel, inspiring awe and reverence in all who beheld it. This aligns with the understanding of God's presence as glorious and majestic, as seen in the descriptions of the tabernacle in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Completed"). Lastly, it speaks to the theme of **Dedication and Sacrifice**, showcasing the immense resources, time, and skill invested by Solomon and the nation. This act of building was a corporate expression of devotion, reflecting Israel's commitment to their covenant God and His dwelling among them, fulfilling the vision first articulated by King David in [1 Chronicles 22](/1_chronicles/22 "1 Chronicles 22 - David's Preparations for the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Garnished (Hebrew, _shaphar'_):** The KJV translates the Hebrew verb שָׁפַר (_shaphar_) as "garnished." This root primarily means "to be fair," "to be pleasant," or "to be beautiful." In this context, it signifies the deliberate act of making the Temple visually appealing and glorious through decoration. It implies an aesthetic intention, not merely functional construction, highlighting that beauty itself was considered an appropriate offering to God and a reflection of His own character.
* **Parvaim (Hebrew, _parvayim'_):** This is a unique and somewhat enigmatic geographical reference, found only here in the Old Testament. The term פַּרְוָ֑יִם (_parvayim_) is generally understood to denote a distant, highly reputed source of exceptionally fine gold. While its exact location remains debated among scholars—with theories ranging from locations in the Arabian Peninsula (like Yemen or Oman) to India—its inclusion here emphasizes the exotic and superior quality of the gold. It signifies that the very best and most valuable materials, even from the farthest reaches of the known world, were sought out and brought to adorn the Temple, underscoring the unparalleled worthiness of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty:"** This clause describes the decorative work on the Temple. "He" refers to Solomon, acting as the royal patron and overseer. The "house" is the Temple. The use of "precious stones" (אֶבֶן יְקָרָה, _ʾeven yĕqārâ_) indicates highly valued and rare gems, not merely ordinary stones. The explicit purpose, "for beauty" (לְתִפְאָרָה, _lĕtiphʾārâ_), emphasizes the aesthetic dimension of the adornment, suggesting that the visual splendor was an integral part of the Temple's design and its function in worship. This was an intentional act to create a magnificent, awe-inspiring edifice.
* **"and the gold [was] gold of Parvaim."** This phrase specifies the type and origin of the gold used, highlighting its exceptional quality and rarity. The repetition of "gold" (הַזָּהָב זְהַב, _hazzāhāḇ zĕhaḇ_) emphasizes its purity and value. By identifying it as "gold of Parvaim," the Chronicler points to a source renowned for its superior quality, further underscoring the immense wealth and dedication invested in the Temple. This detail elevates the description beyond mere quantity, focusing on the unparalleled excellence of the materials chosen for God's dwelling.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message of divine magnificence and human devotion. **Emphasis** is achieved through the detailed description of the materials, particularly the specific mention of "gold of Parvaim," which highlights its rarity and supreme quality. This serves to underscore the extraordinary resources dedicated to the Temple. **Symbolism** is central, as the physical beauty and lavishness of the Temple are not ends in themselves but serve as a tangible representation of God's own glory, majesty, and holiness. The precious stones and exotic gold symbolize the immeasurable worth and splendor of the Divine, creating an environment designed to inspire awe and reverence. The verse also implicitly uses **Hyperbole** or extreme description, as the level of opulence described would have been almost unimaginable to the average Israelite, thus magnifying the perception of God's greatness and the king's devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The lavish adornment of Solomon's Temple, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 3:6](/2_chronicles/3-6 "2 Chronicles 3:6 - Temple Adornment"), profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that God is worthy of our absolute best. This was not about human ostentation but about creating a dwelling place that suitably reflected the incomparable glory of the Almighty, serving as a physical testament to His supreme worth and majesty. The Temple's beauty was an act of worship, an offering of excellence to the One who is Himself the source of all beauty and perfection. This dedication of the finest materials foreshadows the ultimate offering of Christ and calls believers to a life of consecrated excellence, where every aspect of our being is offered to God as a beautiful and fragrant sacrifice.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")
* [Psalm 96:6](/psalms/96-6 "Splendor and Majesty Before Him")
* [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Our Bodies as Temples")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detail in [2 Chronicles 3:6](/2_chronicles/3-6 "2 Chronicles 3:6 - Temple Adornment") challenges us to consider the quality of our offering to God. While we no longer build physical temples of stone and gold, the principle of giving our "precious stones for beauty" and "gold of Parvaim" remains profoundly relevant. It calls us to examine our hearts and lives: are we offering God our best time, our most refined talents, our purest resources, and our deepest devotion? This isn't about legalistic obligation but a joyful response to His supreme worth. Just as the Temple's beauty was meant to reflect God's glory, our lives, as temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Believers as the Temple of the Holy Spirit")), should be "garnished" with virtues, integrity, and acts of love that bring honor and beauty to His name. It encourages us to pursue excellence in all that pertains to our worship and service, recognizing that striving for beauty and quality in our offerings can be a powerful act of reverence and adoration for the God who deserves nothing less than our absolute finest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you consciously offering God your "precious stones" and "gold of Parvaim" – your best and most valuable resources?**
* **How does the emphasis on "beauty" in the Temple's adornment inform your understanding of aesthetics and excellence in contemporary worship and Christian living?**
* **If your life is a "temple of the Holy Spirit," what "garnishing" (virtues, actions, attitudes) are you cultivating to reflect God's glory to the world?**
* **What might it look like to pursue excellence "for beauty" in your daily tasks, relationships, or professional life, as an act of worship to God?**

### FAQ

**Why was such immense expense and lavishness necessary for God's Temple?**

Answer: The immense expense and lavishness for Solomon's Temple, as described in [2 Chronicles 3:6](/2_chronicles/3-6 "2 Chronicles 3:6 - Temple Adornment") and throughout the Temple narratives, served multiple theological and practical purposes. Theologically, it was a tangible expression of God's supreme worth and majesty. In the ancient world, the grandeur of a deity's temple directly reflected the perceived power and importance of that deity. For Israel, this meant building a structure that was unparalleled in its beauty and cost, signifying that Yahweh was the one true God, far above all other gods. It was an act of profound worship and an offering of the very best to the One who deserved it. Practically, the Temple served as the central place of worship for the entire nation, a visible symbol of God's presence among His people and the covenant relationship. Its splendor would have inspired awe, reverence, and national pride, reinforcing the identity and faith of Israel. It also fulfilled King David's vision to build a "house of rest" for the Ark of the Covenant, a place worthy of God's dwelling ([1 Chronicles 28:2](/1_chronicles/28-2 "1 Chronicles 28:2 - David's Desire to Build the Temple")).

**What is "gold of Parvaim" and why is its mention significant?**

Answer: "Gold of Parvaim" (פַּרְוָ֑יִם) refers to a specific, highly prized type of gold, likely sourced from a distant and renowned location. While the exact geographical location of Parvaim remains a subject of scholarly debate—with theories pointing to regions in the Arabian Peninsula (like Yemen) or even as far as India—its significance lies in its implication of exceptional quality and rarity. The Chronicler's mention of "gold of Parvaim" in [2 Chronicles 3:6](/2_chronicles/3-6 "2 Chronicles 3:6 - Temple Adornment") is not merely a geographical detail; it underscores the fact that Solomon spared no expense and went to great lengths to acquire the finest and most valuable materials available in the known world for God's house. This detail emphasizes the unparalleled dedication and the immense resources committed to the Temple's construction, further highlighting the supreme value placed on God's dwelling place and His glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The lavish adornment of Solomon's Temple, with its "precious stones for beauty" and "gold of Parvaim" ([2 Chronicles 3:6](/2_chronicles/3-6 "2 Chronicles 3:6 - Temple Adornment")), finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a material building but in the person of Jesus Christ Himself. The Old Testament Temple was a shadow, a tangible representation of God's dwelling among His people ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - The Heavenly Sanctuary")). In Christ, God's glory did not merely dwell *in* a building, but was incarnated *as* a person. John declares that the Word became flesh and "dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of the Word")). Jesus is the true and greater Temple, the ultimate place where God's presence is fully revealed and accessible to humanity. He even prophesied, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of his body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Furthermore, through Christ, believers become living stones, built into a spiritual house, a "holy temple in the Lord" ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Believers as a Holy Temple")), where God's Spirit now dwells. The unparalleled beauty and value of the Temple's materials point to the infinite worth and glory of Christ, in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - The Fullness of Christ")). Ultimately, the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation reveals that there will be no need for a physical temple, "for its temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")), perfectly fulfilling the longing for God's glorious presence among His people forever.

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

Revelation 21:18

And the building of the wall of it was [of] jasper: and the city [was] pure gold, like unto clear glass.

Revelation 21:21

And the twelve gates [were] twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city [was] pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

1 Chronicles 29:2

Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for [things to be made] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver, and the brass for [things] of brass, the iron for [things] of iron, and wood for [things] of wood; onyx stones, and [stones] to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.

Isaiah 54:11

¶ O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, [and] not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

Isaiah 54:12

And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.

1 Chronicles 29:8

And they with whom [precious] stones were found gave [them] to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.