The portico at the front of the main hall of the templeThe portico, or porch, served as an entrance to the temple, symbolizing the transition from the secular to the sacred. In ancient Near Eastern architecture, such structures were common, providing a grand entrance to significant buildings. The temple's portico reflects the importance of the temple as the dwelling place of God among His people. This entrance can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the "door" (
John 10:9) through which believers enter into the presence of God.
was twenty cubits long
A cubit is generally considered to be about 18 inches, making the portico approximately 30 feet long. This measurement indicates the grandeur and scale of Solomon's Temple, emphasizing its importance and the resources dedicated to its construction. The number twenty in biblical numerology can symbolize a period of waiting or completeness, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promise to David regarding the temple (2 Samuel 7:12-13).
extending across the width of the temple
The portico's extension across the entire width of the temple signifies its role as an integral part of the structure, not merely an addition. This design choice highlights the unity and completeness of the temple, mirroring the unity of God's covenant with Israel. The temple itself is a foreshadowing of the body of Christ, the true temple (John 2:19-21).
and projecting out ten cubits in front of the temple
The projection of ten cubits, or about 15 feet, indicates the portico's prominence and its function as a welcoming space. The number ten often represents completeness or divine order in the Bible, as seen in the Ten Commandments. This projection can symbolize the outreach of God's presence to His people, inviting them into worship and relationship. The temple, as a whole, prefigures the ultimate reconciliation between God and humanity through Jesus Christ, who extends His grace to all.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonThe king of Israel who was responsible for building the temple. His reign is marked by wisdom and prosperity, and the construction of the temple is one of his most significant achievements.
2.
The TempleAlso known as Solomon's Temple, it was the first temple built for the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem. It served as the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites.
3.
The PorticoThis is the porch or entrance hall of the temple, measuring twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide. It served as a transitional space between the outside world and the sacred interior of the temple.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Sacred SpacesThe detailed description of the temple's portico underscores the significance of creating spaces dedicated to worship and encountering God. As believers, we should value and respect our places of worship, ensuring they are conducive to reverence and reflection.
Symbolism of the PorticoThe portico serves as a threshold between the secular and the sacred. In our lives, we should recognize and honor the boundaries between our daily activities and our time with God, ensuring we dedicate time and space for spiritual growth.
God's Presence Among His PeopleThe temple, including its portico, symbolizes God's desire to dwell among His people. This foreshadows the New Testament teaching that believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of living lives that reflect God's holiness.
Attention to Detail in WorshipThe precise measurements and design of the temple's portico remind us that God values order and intentionality in worship. Our worship practices should be thoughtful and intentional, reflecting our reverence for God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Kings 6:3?
2.How does 1 Kings 6:3 emphasize the importance of precise temple measurements?
3.What does Solomon's temple porch reveal about God's desire for worship spaces?
4.How does 1 Kings 6:3 connect to Exodus 25:9 on tabernacle design?
5.How can we apply the temple's detailed construction to our church buildings today?
6.What does the temple's porch teach about preparing our hearts for worship?
7.What is the significance of the temple's dimensions in 1 Kings 6:3 for biblical architecture?
8.How does 1 Kings 6:3 reflect Solomon's priorities in building the temple?
9.What does the temple's design in 1 Kings 6:3 reveal about ancient Israelite worship practices?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 6?
11.How does the severe condemnation of these idolatries in Ezekiel 8 align or conflict with other biblical accounts of tolerating foreign gods?
12.How do the specific measurements in Ezekiel 41 (particularly verses 1-5) align with any known historical or archaeological temple structure?
13.(Song of Solomon 6:8) How can sixty queens and eighty concubines align with Solomon's reputed 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3)?
14.How can one reconcile the temple-building timeline in 1 Kings 5:5 with different dates given in other biblical passages?What Does 1 Kings 6:3 Mean
The portico at the front of the main hall of the temple1 Kings 6:3: “The portico at the front of the main hall of the temple…”
• The “portico” (porch) is the welcoming threshold between the outer courts and the inner sanctuary, marking the point where worshippers move from everyday space into a place designated for meeting with God.
• Similar transitional spaces appear in2 Chronicles 3:4 andEzekiel 40:48–49, underscoring a consistent pattern: God invites His people in, yet sets a clear boundary that highlights His holiness.
• By highlighting the portico first, Scripture shows the importance of prepared approach—much likePsalm 100:4 calls us to “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.”
was twenty cubits long1 Kings 6:3 continues: “…was twenty cubits long…”
• A cubit is roughly 18 inches, so twenty cubits equal about 30 feet. This is the same length as the inner sanctuary itself (1 Kings 6:20), indicating intentional symmetry.
• Such deliberate measurement reflects God’s precision (Exodus 25:9;Hebrews 8:5) and assures us that He cares about exact obedience, not guesswork.
• The length allows space for corporate gathering and anthem—reinforcing the communal dimension of worship seen later in2 Chronicles 5:12–14 when musicians filled the temple area.
extending across the width of the temple“…extending across the width of the temple…”
• The portico spans the full width—also about 20 cubits (1 Kings 6:2)—so no part of the façade lacks the welcoming structure.
• This full coverage points to the all-embracing invitation of God (Isaiah 56:7;Revelation 22:17). While entrance is singular and specific (John 10:9), it is wide enough for every tribe and tongue who will come.
• Architecturally, this width provides balance and stability, illustrating how God’s house is both beautiful and secure (Psalm 27:4–5).
and projecting out ten cubits in front of the temple“…and projecting out ten cubits in front of the temple.”
• Ten cubits (about 15 feet) of outward extension create both shelter and prominence:
– Shelter: Worshippers stepping from the sun-drenched courtyard find shade, mirroring how God offers refreshment to those who draw near (Psalm 91:1).
– Prominence: The projection makes the entry unmistakable, echoing Jesus’ call inMatthew 11:28—He does not hide the way in.
• The porch’s outward thrust also symbolizes movement: God’s dwelling reaches toward His people, even as He calls them into deeper fellowship (James 4:8).
summaryEvery detail of1 Kings 6:3 is purposeful. The portico invites worshippers, mirrors God’s holiness and hospitality, spans the temple’s full width to signify complete welcome, and projects outward to shelter and beckon. The precise dimensions show God’s desire for ordered, obedient worship, while the structure itself preaches the message later fulfilled in Christ: access to God is provided, protected, and plainly offered to all who will enter.
(3)
The porchwas thirty feet wide and fifteen feet deep. The height is not here given; but in the present text of
2Chronicles 3:4 (followed by some MSS. of the LXX., and by Josephus) it is made 120 cubits, or 180 feet. This height is hardly in accordance with anything else known on ancient architecture. It is, however, not at all unlike the western tower of a Gothic church.
Verse 3. -
And the porch [
אוּלָם, forepart, projection (
Vorhalle, Gesenius). The porch was not a colonnade - that is called a "porch of
pillars" (
1 Kings 7:6), but was formed By simply prolonging the side walls, and possibly the roof (see below). Bahr holds that it had only side walls and cieling (sic), and was entirely open in front; and the fact that no mention is made of any door or opening, though the doors of the other parts of the edifies are all referred to (vers. 8, 31, 33), certainly favours this view, as also does the position of the pillars of
1 Kings 7:21]
before the temple of the house [The house, or main building (ver. 2), had two parts.
(1) "The temple of the house" (הֵיכָל = "spacious," hence "magnificent building," "palace," as inProverbs 30:28;Daniel 1:4. Gesen., Thes. 1:375). The same word is used of the tabernacle (1 Samuel 1:9), of the royal palace (1 Kings 21:1;2 Kings 20:18;Psalm 45:8, 15), and of heaven (2 Samuel 22:7, etc.) This was theναὸςpar excellence, and is called "the great house," because of its superior size and height, in2 Chronicles 3:5.
(2)The oracle (דְּבִיר) see on ver. 5. The two bore a rough resemblance to the nave and chancel of a Gothic church],twenty cubits was the length thereof according to the breadth of the house [The porch,i.e., extended across the entire front, or east end of the temple]and ten cubits was the breadth [i.e., depth]thereof before the house. [The height of the porch, of which no mention is made here, is stated in2 Chronicles 3:4 as 120 cubits (say 180 feet), but there is surely some mistake in the figures. For
(1) This is "unlike anything we know of in ancient architecture" (Fergusson). . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The porticoוְהָאוּלָ֗ם(wə·hā·’ū·lām)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 197:A vestibuleatעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe frontפְּנֵי֙(pə·nê)Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The faceof the main hallהֵיכַ֣ל(hê·ḵal)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1964:A large public building, palace, templeof the templeהַבַּ֔יִת(hab·ba·yiṯ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004:A house[was] twentyעֶשְׂרִ֣ים(‘eś·rîm)Number - common plural
Strong's 6242:Twenty, twentiethcubitsאַמָּה֙(’am·māh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 520:A mother, a cubit, a door-baselong,אָרְכּ֔וֹ(’ā·rə·kōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 753:Lengthextending acrossעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe widthרֹ֣חַב(rō·ḥaḇ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7341:Breadth, widthof the templeהַבָּ֑יִת(hab·bā·yiṯ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004:A houseand projecting outרָחְבּ֖וֹ(rā·ḥə·bōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7341:Breadth, widthtenעֶ֧שֶׂר(‘e·śer)Number - feminine singular
Strong's 6235:Tencubitsבָּאַמָּ֛ה(bā·’am·māh)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 520:A mother, a cubit, a door-baseinעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstfrontפְּנֵ֥י(pə·nê)Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The faceof the temple.הַבָּֽיִת׃(hab·bā·yiṯ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004:A house
Links
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OT History: 1 Kings 6:3 The porch before the temple (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)