1 Kings Chapter 10 · Verse 20
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.
Original Language Analysis
עָשָׂ֣ר
H6240
עָשָׂ֣ר
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
2 of 15
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
עֹֽמְדִ֥ים
stood
H5975
עֹֽמְדִ֥ים
stood
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
4 of 15
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
שָׁ֛ם
H8033
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שֵׁ֥שׁ
there on the one side and on the other upon the six
H8337
שֵׁ֥שׁ
there on the one side and on the other upon the six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
7 of 15
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
הַֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת
steps
H4609
הַֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת
steps
Strong's:
H4609
Word #:
8 of 15
elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o
מִזֶּ֣ה
H2088
וּמִזֶּ֑ה
H2088
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נַעֲשָׂ֥ה
made
H6213
נַעֲשָׂ֥ה
made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
12 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כֵ֖ן
there was not the like
H3651
כֵ֖ן
there was not the like
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
Cross References
Genesis 49:9Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?Numbers 24:9He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.
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 did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
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.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
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.