What Does 1 Kings 7:3 Mean in the King James?

And it was covered with cedar above upon the beams, that lay on forty five pillars, fifteen in a row.

1 Kings 7:3 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

The cedar covering is carried by beams, and the beams by ordered pillars: the finish and the frame belong to one design.

THE MEANING

A covering rests on a support system: cedar above, beams beneath it, pillars beneath the beams. The surface is not separate from what bears it; the verse keeps both in view.

THE ROOT

סָפוּן

sāfûn

GROWS FROM

ספן

To cover or line with boards.

“covered” in this verse is sāfûn. The word points to a fitted architectural covering, not simply something hidden from view. Its root holds together the act of covering and the finished paneling, so the cedar surface belongs to the house’s construction.

ALSO GROWS

sāfan: To cover or line with boards.

סָפַן

The verb names the act of making a covering layer.

sippûn: Ceiling or paneling.

סִפּוּן

This related noun names the architectural covering itself, showing how the root carries both the work and its finished surface.

THE PATTERN

A dwelling takes form through ordered supports and layered surfaces.

So he built the house, and finished it; and covered the house with beams and boards of cedar.

1 Kings 6:9 · KJVThe house’s cedar covering is laid over beams, joining the finished surface to the frame beneath it.

And the greater house he cieled with fir tree, which he overlaid with fine gold, and set thereon palm trees and chains.

2 Chronicles 3:5 · KJVA ceiling receives successive layers of finish, showing the surface as part of the building’s design.

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Ephesians 2:20 · KJVThe image of a house rests on its foundation and cornerstone, making its visible form depend on the support beneath it.

THE THREAD

So he built the house, and finished it; and covered the house with beams and boards of cedar.

1 Kings 6:9 · KJV

The same Hebrew root for “covered” names the cedar paneling of the house here. This verse brings the structure beneath that covering into view: beams supported by pillars.

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