1 Kings 6:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלִפְנֵ֣י
in the forepart
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#2
הַדְּבִ֡יר
And the oracle
the shrine or innermost part of the sanctuary
#3
וְעֶשְׂרִ֤ים
and twenty
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
#4
אַמָּה֙
cubits
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
#5
אֹ֜רֶךְ
in length
length
#6
וְעֶשְׂרִ֤ים
and twenty
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
#7
אַמָּה֙
cubits
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
#8
רֹ֗חַב
in breadth
width (literally or figuratively)
#9
וְעֶשְׂרִ֤ים
and twenty
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
#10
אַמָּה֙
cubits
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
#11
קֽוֹמָת֔וֹ
in the height
height
#12
וַיְצַ֥ף
and so covered
to sheet over (especially with metal)
#13
זָהָ֣ב
gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#14
סָג֑וּר
it with pure
to shut up; figuratively, to surrender
#15
וַיְצַ֥ף
and so covered
to sheet over (especially with metal)
#16
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
the altar
an altar
#17
אָֽרֶז׃
which was of cedar
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Kings.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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