2 Chronicles 3:8

KJV

And he made the most holy house, the length whereof [was] according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits: and he overlaid it with fine gold, [amounting] to six hundred talents.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H6213} the most {H6944} holy {H6944} house {H1004}, the length {H753} whereof was according to {H6440} the breadth {H7341} of the house {H1004}, twenty {H6242} cubits {H520}, and the breadth {H7341} thereof twenty {H6242} cubits {H520}: and he overlaid {H2645} it with fine {H2896} gold {H2091}, amounting to six {H8337} hundred {H3967} talents {H3603}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he made the Especially Holy Place; its length matched the width of the house, thirty-five feet, and its width was thirty-five feet. He overlaid it with twenty tons of fine gold.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he made the Most Holy Place; its length corresponded to the width of the temple—twenty cubits long and twenty cubits wide. And he overlaid the inside with six hundred talents of fine gold.

American Standard Version

And he made the most holy house: the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house, was twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits; and he overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 3:8 provides a meticulous account of the Most Holy Place within Solomon's Temple, detailing its precise cubical dimensions and the astonishing quantity of fine gold used to completely overlay its interior. This innermost sanctuary, known as the Holy of Holies, served as the earthly dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the very presence and glory of God among His people. The lavish materials and exact craftsmanship underscore the unparalleled sacredness, divine perfection, and immense reverence attributed to this consecrated space, reflecting Israel's profound awe for the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 2 Chronicles 3, which meticulously chronicles King Solomon's monumental undertaking of constructing the Temple in Jerusalem, a project envisioned and initiated by his father, King David. Chapters 2 through 4 of 2 Chronicles provide comprehensive details regarding the preparations, acquisition of materials, and the construction of various components of the Temple, from its foundational elements to its intricate inner furnishings. Specifically, [2 Chronicles 3:1-7](/2_chronicles/3-1-7 "2 Chronicles 3:1-7 - Solomon's Temple Construction and Adornments") outlines the overall dimensions of the main sanctuary and its initial adornments. Verse 8 then shifts focus to the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies), highlighting its unique perfect-cube dimensions and the immense wealth invested in its beautification. This detailed description serves to emphasize the supreme significance of this particular chamber as the apex of the Temple's holiness, preceding the subsequent descriptions of the veil and the cherubim in [2 Chronicles 3:14](/2_chronicles/3-14 "2 Chronicles 3:14 - The Veil of the Temple").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's Temple, constructed around the 10th century BCE, represented the zenith of Israelite national and religious life, serving as the central worship edifice that superseded the portable Tabernacle. Its construction was an undertaking of immense scale, reflecting the nation's prosperity under Solomon and its deep commitment to YHWH. The concept of a "most holy house" or inner sanctuary was deeply embedded in Israelite religious tradition, directly paralleling the design of the Tabernacle's Holy of Holies, as described in [Exodus 26:33-34](/exodus/26-33-34 "Exodus 26:33-34 - The Veil and the Ark in the Tabernacle"). The use of vast quantities of gold was not merely for aesthetic grandeur but held profound symbolic meaning, signifying divine presence, purity, and ultimate value. In the ancient Near East, gold was a precious metal universally associated with royalty, divinity, and sacred spaces. Its lavish application in the Temple, particularly in the Most Holy Place, communicated the incomparable glory, majesty, and worthiness of the God of Israel, setting Him apart from all other deities worshipped by surrounding nations.

* **Key Themes:** The construction of the Temple, and specifically the Most Holy Place, contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Chronicles. First, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **God's Dwelling Presence**. The Temple was envisioned as the earthly locus where God's glory would uniquely reside among His people, serving as a tangible sign of His covenant faithfulness (cf. [1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10-11 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple")). Second, the immense value and meticulous detail underscore the theme of **Divine Holiness and Awe**. The "most holy house" was the epitome of sacred space, accessible only to the High Priest once a year on the Day of Atonement, emphasizing God's absolute transcendence, His purity, and the profound reverence due to Him. Finally, the unparalleled expenditure reflects the theme of **Worship and Dedication**. The extraordinary resources devoted to the Temple's construction demonstrate Israel's profound commitment to honoring YHWH and providing a suitable, albeit symbolic, dwelling for His name, even as Solomon himself humbly acknowledged that "heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee" ([1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - Solomon's Prayer on God's Omnipresence")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** From H1004, this term refers to a dwelling, building, or structure. In the context of the Temple, it specifically denotes a sacred edifice, a place set apart for divine habitation or worship. When combined with "holy," it refers to the innermost sanctuary, the "Holy of Holies," which served as the symbolic dwelling place of God's presence.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** From H6944, this word signifies sacredness, separation, or consecration. The phrase "most holy" (Hebrew: קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים, _qōḏeš qāḏāšîm_, literally "holy of holies") emphasizes the supreme degree of sacredness and absolute separation of this chamber from anything common or profane. It was the most set-apart space within the Temple, reserved exclusively for the High Priest's annual entry on the Day of Atonement.
* **Gold (Hebrew, _zâhâb'_):** From H2091, this refers to the precious metal, often associated with purity, royalty, and divine glory. The use of "fine gold" (H2896, _ṭôwb_, meaning "good" or "fine" gold) signifies gold of the highest quality and purity. Its lavish application throughout the Most Holy Place underscored the immense value, purity, and glory attributed to the divine presence it contained, reflecting the incomparable worthiness of YHWH.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made the most holy house,"**: This opening clause establishes the subject of the verse: the construction of the _dĕbîr_, the innermost sanctuary of the Temple. The verb "made" (H6213, _ʻâsâh_) indicates Solomon's direct oversight and active role in orchestrating the creation of this supremely sacred space, emphasizing its intentional and deliberate design.
* **"the length whereof [was] according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits:"**: This detailed measurement specifies the exact dimensions of the Holy of Holies. The phrasing "according to the breadth of the house" indicates that its length precisely matched its width, resulting in a perfectly square floor plan. The repetition of "twenty cubits" for both dimensions, when combined with the implied height of twenty cubits (as confirmed by parallel accounts like [1 Kings 6:20](/1_kings/6-20 "1 Kings 6:20 - Dimensions of the Inner Sanctuary")), establishes the chamber as a perfect cube. This geometric perfection is highly symbolic, representing completeness, divine order, and the absolute holiness of God's presence.
* **"and he overlaid it with fine gold, [amounting] to six hundred talents."**: This final clause describes the lavish adornment of the Most Holy Place. The entire interior surfaces—including walls, ceiling, and likely the floor—were covered with "fine gold." This material choice signifies purity, preciousness, and divine glory, making the chamber glow with unparalleled radiance. The staggering quantity of "six hundred talents" (H3603, _kikkâr_, a unit of weight) of gold, equivalent to roughly 45,000 pounds or 20,400 kilograms, underscores the immense value and profound reverence attributed to this sacred space. It emphasizes that no expense was spared in preparing a dwelling place for the God of Israel, reflecting His unparalleled magnificence and worthiness.

#### Literary Devices
The description in 2 Chronicles 3:8 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the profound significance of the Most Holy Place. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the "fine gold" represents divine purity, glory, and immense value, befitting the dwelling place of God. The cubical dimensions (implied by the twenty-cubit length and breadth, and consistent with parallel accounts of height) symbolize perfection, completeness, and divine order, echoing the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and powerfully foreshadowing the New Jerusalem. The sheer quantity of "six hundred talents" of gold functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary, almost unimaginable, wealth and resources dedicated to this sacred space, thereby magnifying the reverence and awe due to God. This exaggeration serves to impress upon the reader the unparalleled magnificence of the Temple's innermost sanctuary. The meticulous detailing of dimensions and materials also contributes to a strong sense of **Verisimilitude**, lending credibility and weight to the historical account of Solomon's grand construction and the profound theological truths it embodies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 3:8 profoundly illustrates the Israelite understanding of God's holiness and the sacredness of His presence. The Most Holy Place, meticulously crafted and overlaid with an unimaginable quantity of gold, was not merely an architectural marvel but a tangible expression of theological truth: God is supremely holy, utterly pure, and worthy of the utmost reverence and dedication. The perfect cubical dimensions further underscore this perfection and completeness associated with the divine presence. While God is omnipresent and cannot be contained by any structure, the Temple served as a designated space where His glory was uniquely manifested, inviting His people to approach Him with awe and respect, understanding the immense privilege of His dwelling among them. This physical structure, therefore, became a powerful symbol of the covenant relationship and God's commitment to His people, a constant reminder of His immanence and transcendence.

* [Exodus 26:33-34](/exodus/26-33-34 "Exodus 26:33-34 - The Veil and the Ark in the Tabernacle")
* [1 Kings 6:20](/1_kings/6-20 "1 Kings 6:20 - Dimensions of the Inner Sanctuary")
* [Hebrews 9:3-5](/hebrews/9-3-5 "Hebrews 9:3-5 - Description of the Holy of Holies and its contents")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of the Most Holy Place in 2 Chronicles 3:8, with its precise dimensions and lavish gold overlay, speaks volumes about the value God places on holiness and the reverence due to His presence. For ancient Israel, this chamber was the ultimate symbol of God's nearness, yet also His inapproachable holiness, a place where His glory resided in a unique way. While we no longer worship in a physical temple, the principles of dedication, reverence, and the pursuit of holiness remain profoundly relevant for believers today. As followers of Christ under the New Covenant, our bodies are now considered the [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Our Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit"), and collectively, the church is God's dwelling place. This profound truth calls us to live lives consecrated to God, understanding that His Spirit resides within us. Our "temple" should be adorned not with physical gold, but with spiritual purity, righteous living, and a heart wholly devoted to Him, reflecting the immeasurable worth of His indwelling presence. We are to approach God not with fear of a physical barrier, but with awe and respect for His holiness, striving to honor Him in every aspect of our being, offering Him our very best.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the immense value placed on the Most Holy Place in Solomon's Temple challenge my understanding of God's worth and my own dedication to Him in my daily life?**
* **If my body is now a "temple of the Holy Spirit," in what practical ways can I "overlay" it with spiritual "fine gold" (i.e., live a life of greater holiness, purity, and devotion)?**
* **What aspects of God's holiness, as exemplified by the Holy of Holies, do I need to cultivate more deeply in my personal walk, worship, and interactions with others?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "most holy house" being a perfect cube?**

Answer: The "most holy house," or Holy of Holies, being a perfect cube (20 cubits in length, breadth, and implied height, as seen in [1 Kings 6:20](/1_kings/6-20 "1 Kings 6:20 - Dimensions of the Inner Sanctuary")) is deeply symbolic. In ancient Near Eastern thought, and particularly within biblical symbolism, the cube represents perfection, completeness, and stability. It signifies a sacred, divinely ordered space, perfectly balanced and whole. This cubical form was first seen in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle (though its dimensions were smaller, it was also a cube), and significantly, it is also a prominent feature of the New Jerusalem described in [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The Cubical New Jerusalem"). This recurring motif suggests that the presence of God, whether in the earthly sanctuary or the heavenly city, is characterized by ultimate perfection, unblemished holiness, and divine order, reflecting His own perfect nature.

**Why was so much gold used to overlay the Most Holy Place, amounting to six hundred talents?**

Answer: The use of an extraordinary amount of fine gold (six hundred talents, equivalent to roughly 45,000 pounds or 20,400 kg) to overlay the Most Holy Place served multiple profound purposes, all emphasizing the supreme significance of this sacred space. Firstly, gold was the most precious and incorruptible metal known in the ancient world, universally symbolizing purity, royalty, and divinity. Its lavish application underscored the unparalleled glory, majesty, and worthiness of YHWH, the God of Israel. No expense was spared for the dwelling place of the Almighty, indicating His supreme value. Secondly, it communicated the immense value and profound reverence the Israelites placed on God's presence among them. It was an act of profound dedication and worship, reflecting a desire to honor God with the very best of their resources. Finally, it visually distinguished the Holy of Holies as the most sacred and set-apart area, reinforcing its holiness and the awe required to approach God's presence. The sheer opulence was a testament to God's incomparable glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical Temple, and particularly the Most Holy Place described in 2 Chronicles 3:8, serves as a powerful type and shadow pointing to the ultimate reality found in Jesus Christ. The Temple was where God's presence uniquely dwelt among His people, but it was a dwelling limited by physical space, human access, and the temporary nature of the Old Covenant. Jesus, however, is the true and ultimate Temple, for in Him "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - The Fullness of God in Christ")). He Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His own body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). The immense value of fine gold overlaying the Holy of Holies foreshadows the infinite worth, perfect purity, and divine glory of Christ, who is truly God dwelling among us in human flesh. Furthermore, the thick veil that separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the Temple, symbolizing the barrier between sinful humanity and a holy God, was dramatically torn from top to bottom at Christ's crucifixion ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")). This profound event signified that through His perfect sacrifice on the cross, believers now have direct, unhindered access to the very presence of God, having been made holy and righteous by His precious blood ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Boldness to Enter the Holy Place")). Thus, Christ Himself is our new and living way into the true Most Holy Place, the very presence of God in heaven, fulfilling and surpassing the symbolic purpose of the earthly sanctuary.

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

Exodus 26:33

And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy [place] and the most holy.

Hebrews 9:9

Which [was] a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

1 Kings 6:19

And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of the LORD.

1 Kings 6:20

And the oracle in the forepart [was] twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and [so] covered the altar [which was of] cedar.

Hebrews 9:3

And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;

1 Kings 6:16

And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built [them] for it within, [even] for the oracle, [even] for the most holy [place].

Hebrews 10:19

¶ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,