TRV
Translation
King James Version
And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom.
Complete Jewish Bible
and twelve more lions standing on each side of the six steps. Nothing like it had ever been made in any kingdom.
Berean Standard Bible
Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom.
American Standard Version
And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom.
World English Bible Messianic
Twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other on the six steps: there was nothing like it made in any kingdom.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And twelue lyons stoode there on the sixe steps on either side: there was not the like made in any kingdome.
Young's Literal Translation
and twelve lions are standing there on the six steps on this side , and on that: it hath not been made so for any kingdom.
See also
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 11,384 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Chronicles 9 verses 13–31
13 ¶ Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold;
14 Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.
15 And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target.
16 And three hundred shields made he of beaten gold: three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.
17 Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold.
18 And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the stays:
19 And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom.
20 And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver; it was not any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon.
21 For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.
22 And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
23 And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.
24 And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.
25 And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
26 And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt.
27 And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the low plains in abundance.
28 And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands.
29 Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat?
30 And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.
31 And Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
We have here Solomon in his throne, and Solomon in his grave; for the throne would not secure him from the grave. Mors sceptra ligonibus aequat - Death wrenches from the hand the sceptre as well as the spade.
I. Here is Solomon reigning in wealth and power, in ease and fulness, such as, for aught I know, could never since be paralleled by any king whatsoever. In cannot pretend to be critical in comparing the grandeur of Solomon with that of some of the great princes of the earth. But I may observe that the most illustrious of them were famed for their wars, whereas Solomon reigned forty years in profound peace. Some of those that might be thought to vie with Solomon affected retirement, kept people in awe by keeping them at a great distance; nobody must see them, or come near him, upon pain of death: but Solomon went much abroad, and appeared in public business. So that, all things considered, the promise was fulfilled, that God would give him riches, and wealth, and honour, such as no kings have had, or shall have, Ch2 1:12. 1. Never any prince appeared in public with great splendour than Solomon did, which to those that judge by the sight of the eye, as most people do, would very much recommend him. He had 200 targets and 300 shields, all of beaten gold, carried before him (Ch2 9:15, Ch2 9:16), and sat upon a most stately throne, Ch2 9:17-19. There was not the like in any kingdom. The lustre wherein he appeared was typical of the spiritual glory of the kingdom of the Messiah and but a faint representation of his throne, which is above every throne. Solomon's pomp was all artificial; and therefore our Saviour prefers the natural beauty of the lilies of the field before it. Mat 6:29, Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these. 2. Never any prince had greater plenty of gold and silver, though there were no gold or silver mines in his own kingdom. Either he made himself master of the mines in other countries, and, having a populous country, sent hands to dig out those rich metals, or, having a fruitful country, he exported the commodities of it and with them fetched home all this gold that is here spoken of, Ch2 9:13, Ch2 9:14-21. 3. Never any prince had such presents brought him by all his neighbours as Solomon had: All the kings of Arabia, and governors of the country, brought him gold and silver (Ch2 9:14), not as tribute which he extorted from them, but as freewill offerings to procure his favour, or in a way of exchange for some of the productions of his husbandry, corn or cattle. All the kings of the earth brought him presents, that is, all in those parts of the world (Ch2 9:24, Ch2 9:28), because they coveted his acquaintance and friendship. Herein he was a type of Christ, to whom, as soon as he was born, the wise men of the east brought presents, gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Mat 2:11), and to whom all that are about him must bring presents, Psa 76:11; Rom 12:1. 4. Never any prince was so renowned for wisdom, so courted, so consulted, so admired (Ch2 9:23): The kings of the earth (for it was too great a favour for common persons to pretend to) sought to hear his wisdom - his natural philosophy, or his skill in physic, or his state policy, or his rules of prudence for the conduct of human life, or perhaps the principles of his religion, and the reasons of it. The application which they then made to Solomon to hear his wisdom will aggravate, shame, and condemn, men's general contempt of Christ and his gospel. Though in them are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, yet none of the princes of this world desire to know them, for they are foolishness to them, Co1 2:8, Co1 2:14.
II. Here is Solomon dying, stripped of his pomp, and leaving all his wealth and power, not to one concerning whom he knew not whether he would be a wise man or a fool (Ecc 2:19), but who he knew would be a fool. This was not only vanity but vexation of spirit, Ch2 9:29-31. It is very observable that no mention is here made of Solomon's departure from God in his latter days, not the least hint given of it, 1. Because the Holy Ghost would teach us not to take delight in repeating the faults and follies of others. If those that have been in reputation for wisdom and honour misbehave, though it may be of use to take notice of their misconduct for warning to ourselves and others, yet we must not be forward to mention it, once the speaking of it is enough; why should that unpleasing string be again struck upon? Why can we not do as the sacred historian here does, speak largely of that in others which is praise-worthy, without saying any thing of their blemishes, yea, though they have been gross and obvious? This is but doing as we would be done by. 2. Because, though he fell, yet he was not utterly cast down. His sin is not again recorded, because it was repented of, and pardoned, and became as if it had never been. Scripture-silence sometimes speaks. I am willing to believe that its silence here concerning the sin of Solomon is an intimation that none of the sins he committed were mentioned against him, Eze 33:16. When God pardons sin he casts it behind his back and remembers it no more.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 13–31. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying 2 Chronicles 9:19 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 9:19 offers a captivating glimpse into the unparalleled opulence and meticulous craftsmanship of King Solomon's throne, specifically detailing the twelve golden lions symmetrically positioned on its six steps. This verse serves as a profound testament to the extraordinary grandeur, immense wealth, and unique status of Solomon's reign, underscoring its preeminence among all ancient kingdoms. It encapsulates a zenith of Israel's earthly glory, signifying a period of profound divine blessing and national prosperity under a divinely appointed monarch.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Chronicler masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the extraordinary grandeur of Solomon's throne. Symbolism is profoundly at play, with the lions representing strength, royalty, and justice, and their number twelve symbolizing the unified tribes of Israel under Solomon's comprehensive dominion. The six steps symbolize ascent, elevation, and the sacred nature of approaching the king's authority. The phrase "There was not the like made in any kingdom" functions as hyperbole, an intentional exaggeration used to emphasize the unparalleled nature of the throne and, by extension, the immense wealth of Solomon and the abundant blessing of God upon him. This rich descriptive language paints a vivid mental picture of a throne of unimaginable splendor, meticulously designed to impress and convey the king's absolute authority and divine favor.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The unparalleled grandeur of Solomon's throne, as described in 2 Chronicles 9:19, stands as a powerful testament to God's abundant blessing upon His chosen king and nation during a period of obedience and peace. This earthly glory, however magnificent and awe-inspiring, ultimately points beyond itself to the transcendent and eternal throne of God. While Solomon's reign and his physical throne eventually faded into history, the passage implicitly reminds us that true and lasting authority resides solely with the Almighty. It foreshadows a greater, eternal kingdom and a perfect King whose throne is not made with human hands but endures forever, a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and justice that will never decline. The temporary nature of even the most splendid earthly power contrasts sharply with the immutable sovereignty of God, whose throne is the source of all true authority and wisdom.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed description of Solomon's throne in 2 Chronicles 9:19 invites us to deeply reflect on the nature of true glory, lasting authority, and enduring legacy. While God blessed Solomon with immense earthly splendor as a tangible sign of His favor and a demonstration of His covenant faithfulness, the subsequent narrative of Israel's decline reminds us that even the most impressive human achievements and accumulated material wealth are ultimately transient. For believers today, this passage serves as a powerful and poignant reminder to seek not the fleeting glories of this world, which are subject to decay and loss, but rather the eternal treasures found in God's kingdom. Our ultimate focus should be on building a spiritual legacy that endures through Christ, rooted in wisdom, righteousness, humble service to God, and a fervent pursuit of His will, rather than on accumulating earthly possessions or seeking worldly acclaim and recognition. True and ultimate authority belongs to God alone, and our unwavering allegiance is to His eternal throne, not to any earthly power or temporal kingdom. We are called to live in light of eternity, recognizing that our true King reigns from a throne infinitely more glorious, enduring, and righteous than Solomon's ever could be.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were there twelve lions on Solomon's throne, and what did they symbolize?
Answer: The presence of twelve lions on Solomon's throne was profoundly symbolic, reflecting both universal ancient Near Eastern iconography and specific Israelite theological understanding. Lions were widely recognized emblems of royalty, formidable strength, courage, and justice. Their number, twelve, directly corresponded to the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing Solomon's comprehensive dominion and authority over the entire unified nation. This arrangement conveyed the idea that the king's formidable strength and the kingdom's stability were rooted in the unity and collective power of all the tribes, representing his role as protector and righteous judge over all Israel.
What is the significance of the "six steps" leading up to the throne?
Answer: The six steps leading up to Solomon's throne emphasized the king's elevated status and the sacred, awe-inspiring nature of his position. In ancient cultures, ascending steps to a throne, altar, or sacred space signified a movement towards a place of greater authority, wisdom, or divine presence. Each step contributed to the grandeur and ceremonial importance of approaching the monarch, visually reinforcing the king's exalted position as the supreme ruler and judge, set apart from the common people. While the number six itself doesn't have a specific, universally agreed-upon biblical symbolism in this context beyond indicating a specific number of ascents, it visually reinforced the king's elevated status and the solemnity of his office.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unparalleled splendor of Solomon's throne, with its twelve lions and six steps, serves as a magnificent, albeit imperfect and temporary, foreshadowing of the eternal and infinitely more glorious throne of Jesus Christ. Solomon, in his divinely granted wisdom, immense wealth, and peaceful reign, was a significant type of the coming Messiah. However, his kingdom, like his throne, was ultimately temporary and subject to decline and division. Christ, by contrast, is the true and eternal King, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, whose authority is absolute, universal, and everlasting. Unlike Solomon's throne, which was "not the like made in any kingdom" of this world, Christ's throne is heavenly and divine, the very seat of God's universal dominion (Hebrews 1:8). His reign brings not just earthly peace and prosperity, but eternal salvation, perfect justice, and everlasting righteousness. The "twelve lions" on Solomon's throne symbolized his rule over the twelve tribes of Israel, but Christ's dominion extends over all nations and peoples, gathering a spiritual Israel from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation (Revelation 7:9). The wisdom and righteous judgment that flowed from Solomon's throne find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Christ, who is the wisdom of God incarnate and the righteous judge of all humanity (John 5:27). Thus, Solomon's earthly glory, while undeniably impressive, ultimately points to the far greater, eternal, and spiritual glory of Christ's kingdom, which will never end and will establish perfect peace and justice forever (Luke 1:33).