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1 Kings 6:31

And for the entering of the oracle he made doors of olive tree: the lintel and side posts were a fifth part of the wall.

1 Kings 6:31 · King James Version

Meaning

The verse "And for the entering of the oracle he made doors of olive tree: the lintel and side posts were a fifth part of the wall" describes the construction of the entrance to the inner sanctuary, or oracle, in the temple that King Solomon built. The use of olive wood for the doors is significant, as olive trees were highly valued in the ancient world for their symbolism of peace, prosperity, and abundance. The doors were not only functional but also served as a symbol of the divine presence within the temple. The mention of the lintel and side posts being a fifth part of the wall highlights the precision and attention to detail in the design and construction of the temple. This verse underscores the importance of craftsmanship and reverence for the sacred space, emphasizing the care and thought that went into every aspect of the temple's construction.

Theological Overview

Within this verse from the book of 1 Kings, we find a detailed description of the doors of the oracle in the temple that King Solomon built. The use of olive tree wood for the doors symbolizes peace and abundance, as the olive tree is often associated with these qualities in the Bible. The fact that the lintel and side posts were a fifth part of the wall indicates a precise and proportionate construction, which reflects the importance of order and symmetry in the design of the sacred space. This attention to detail highlights the significance of the oracle as a place of divine communication and revelation. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the meticulous care and reverence that King Solomon demonstrated in the construction of the temple, emphasizing the sacredness of the space and the importance of honoring God through craftsmanship and design.

1 Kings 6:31 in other translations

American Standard Version

And for the entrance of the oracle he made doors of olive-wood: the lintel [and] door-posts were a fifth part [of the wall] .

World English Bible

For the entrance of the oracle he made doors of olive wood: the lintel and door posts were a fifth part of the wall.

Douay-Rheims

And in the entrance of the oracle, he made little doors of olive tree, and posts of five corners,

Geneva Bible (1599)

And in the entring of the oracle he made two doores of oliue tree: and the vpper post and side postes were fiue square.