Acts 7:47

But Solomon built him an house.

But {G1161} Solomon {G4672} built {G3618} him {G846} an house {G3624}.

and Shlomo did build him a house.

But it was Solomon who built the house for Him.

But Solomon built him a house.

Acts 7:47 is a concise statement within Stephen's lengthy defense before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts the history of Israel from Abraham to the construction of the Temple.

Context

This verse is part of Stephen's powerful and comprehensive historical address, which ultimately leads to his martyrdom. Stephen is tracing God's interaction with Israel, highlighting that God's presence was not confined to a physical structure. He mentions the Tabernacle of Witness, which accompanied the Israelites through the wilderness, emphasizing that God's dwelling was mobile and adaptable. The verse "But Solomon built him an house" marks the transition from the portable Tabernacle to the permanent Temple in Jerusalem. This building project was a significant event in Israelite history, fulfilling the desire of King David to build a dwelling for God, a task later entrusted to his son, Solomon (see 1 Kings 6:1 and 2 Chronicles 3:1).

Key Themes

  • The Temple's Construction: This verse directly references the monumental undertaking by King Solomon to construct the First Temple in Jerusalem, a central edifice for Israelite worship and national identity.
  • Human Agency in God's Plan: While God is sovereign, He often uses human hands and efforts to accomplish His purposes. Solomon's building of the Temple is an example of human dedication and resources being consecrated to God's service.
  • Preparation for a Greater Truth: Stephen includes this historical fact not as an endorsement of the Temple's ultimate significance, but as a setup for his crucial point in the very next verse (Acts 7:48), where he declares that "the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands." This highlights God's omnipresence and transcendence over any physical structure.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "built him an house" uses "house" (Greek: oikos) in the sense of a physical dwelling or temple. While simple, the significance lies in the contrast Stephen is building. The "house" built by Solomon was grand and magnificent, but it was still a human construction, a point that becomes critical to Stephen's argument against those who believed God was confined to this earthly temple. The emphasis is on the *human* agency ("Solomon built") versus the divine, uncontainable nature of God.

Practical Application

Acts 7:47, in its broader context, reminds us that while physical places of worship can be important for community and reverence, God is not limited by them. Our focus should be on a spiritual relationship with Him, recognizing that He dwells not in buildings, but in the hearts of believers and throughout His creation. It also encourages us to use our gifts and resources to serve God, just as Solomon used his kingdom's wealth and skill to build a place of worship, even while understanding that God transcends any such structure.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Kings 8:20

    And the LORD hath performed his word that he spake, and I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.

  • 2 Samuel 7:13

    He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

  • 1 Kings 6:37

    In the fourth year was the foundation of the house of the LORD laid, in the month Zif:

  • 1 Kings 6:38

    And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which [is] the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So was he seven years in building it.

  • 1 Chronicles 17:1

    ¶ Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD [remaineth] under curtains.

  • 2 Chronicles 3:1

    ¶ Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where [the LORD] appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

  • 2 Chronicles 2:1

    ¶ And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.

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