1 Kings Chapter 7 · Verse 1
But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֵּיתֽוֹ׃
all his house
H1004
בֵּיתֽוֹ׃
all his house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
2 of 11
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
thirteen
H7969
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
thirteen
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
5 of 11
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
H6240
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
6 of 11
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
וַיְכַ֖ל
and he finished
H3615
וַיְכַ֖ל
and he finished
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
8 of 11
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
1 Kings 9:10And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, when Solomon had built the two houses, the house of the LORD, and the king's house,2 Chronicles 8:1And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, wherein Solomon had built the house of the LORD, and his own house,Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of temple furnishings and solomon's palace, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.