1 Kings 6:22
New International Version
So he overlaid the whole interior with gold. He also overlaid with gold the altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary.

New Living Translation
So he finished overlaying the entire Temple with gold, including the altar that belonged to the Most Holy Place.

English Standard Version
And he overlaid the whole house with gold, until all the house was finished. Also the whole altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary he overlaid with gold.

Berean Standard Bible
So he overlaid with gold the whole interior of the temple, until everything was completely finished. He also overlaid with gold the entire altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary.

King James Bible
And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with gold.

New King James Version
The whole temple he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the temple; also he overlaid with gold the entire altar that was by the inner sanctuary.

New American Standard Bible
He overlaid the entire house with gold, until all the house was finished. Also the entire altar which was by the inner sanctuary he overlaid with gold.

NASB 1995
He overlaid the whole house with gold, until all the house was finished. Also the whole altar which was by the inner sanctuary he overlaid with gold.

NASB 1977
And he overlaid the whole house with gold, until all the house was finished. Also the whole altar which was by the inner sanctuary he overlaid with gold.

Legacy Standard Bible
So he overlaid the whole house with gold, until all the house was finished. Also the whole altar which was by the inner sanctuary he overlaid with gold.

Amplified Bible
Then he overlaid the entire house with gold, until the whole house was finished. He also overlaid the entire [incense] altar which was by the Holy of Holies with gold.

Christian Standard Bible
So he added the gold overlay to the entire temple until everything was completely finished, including the entire altar that belongs to the inner sanctuary.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So he added the gold overlay to the entire temple until everything was completely finished, including the entire altar that belongs to the inner sanctuary.

American Standard Version
And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until all the house was finished: also the whole altar that belonged to the oracle he overlaid with gold.

English Revised Version
And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until all the house was finished: also the whole altar that belonged to the oracle he overlaid with gold.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He covered the entire inside of the temple with gold. He also covered the entire altar in the inner room with gold.

Good News Translation
The whole interior of the Temple was covered with gold, as well as the altar in the Most Holy Place.

International Standard Version
He finished the Temple by overlaying it entirely with gold, including overlaying with gold the whole altar that was by the inner sanctuary.

NET Bible
He plated the entire inside of the temple with gold, as well as the altar inside the inner sanctuary.

New Heart English Bible
The whole house he overlaid with gold, until all the house was finished: also the whole altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary he overlaid with gold.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with gold.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
So he overlaid with gold the whole interior of the temple, until everything was completely finished. He also overlaid with gold the entire altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary.

World English Bible
He overlaid the whole house with gold, until all the house was finished. He also overlaid the whole altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary with gold.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he has overlaid the whole of the house with gold, until the completion of all the house; and the whole of the altar that the oracle has, he has overlaid with gold.

Young's Literal Translation
And the whole of the house he hath overlaid with gold, till the completion of all the house; and the whole of the altar that the oracle hath, he hath overlaid with gold.

Smith's Literal Translation
And all the house he overlaid with gold even till he completed all the house: and all the altar which was to the oracle he overlaid with gold.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And there was nothing in the temple that was not covered with gold: the whole altar of the oracle he covered also with gold.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And there was nothing in the temple that was not covered with gold. Moreover, the entire altar of the oracle he overlaid with gold.

New American Bible
He covered the whole house with gold, until the whole house was done, and the whole altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary he covered with gold.

New Revised Standard Version
Next he overlaid the whole house with gold, in order that the whole house might be perfect; even the whole altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary he overlaid with gold.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until all the house was finished; also the whole altar that was in the sanctuary he overlaid with gold.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the entire house he covered with gold until he had finished the entire house and all the altar of the Holy Place in a layer of gold.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until all the house was finished; also the whole altar that belonged to the Sanctuary he overlaid with gold.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he covered the whole house with gold, till he had finished gilding the whole house.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Temple's Interior
21So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he extended gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, which was overlaid with gold. 22 So he overlaid with gold the whole interior of the temple, until everything was completely finished. He also overlaid with gold the entire altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary.

Cross References
Exodus 25:11
Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it.

Exodus 37:2
He overlaid it with pure gold, both inside and out, and made a gold molding around it.

2 Chronicles 3:4-10
The portico at the front, extending across the width of the temple, was twenty cubits long and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold. / He paneled the main room with cypress, which he overlaid with fine gold and decorated with palm trees and chains. / He adorned the temple with precious stones for beauty, and its gold was from Parvaim. ...

2 Chronicles 4:19-22
Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of God: the golden altar; the tables on which was placed the Bread of the Presence; / the lampstands of pure gold and their lamps, to burn in front of the inner sanctuary as prescribed; / the flowers, lamps, and tongs of gold—of purest gold; ...

Hebrews 9:4
containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.

Exodus 30:3
Overlay with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns, and make a molding of gold around it.

2 Chronicles 3:8
Then he made the Most Holy Place; its length corresponded to the width of the temple—twenty cubits long and twenty cubits wide. And he overlaid the inside with six hundred talents of fine gold.

2 Chronicles 3:7
He overlaid its beams, thresholds, walls, and doors with gold, and he carved cherubim on the walls.

2 Chronicles 4:20-22
the lampstands of pure gold and their lamps, to burn in front of the inner sanctuary as prescribed; / the flowers, lamps, and tongs of gold—of purest gold; / the wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, ladles, and censers of pure gold; and the gold doors of the temple: the inner doors to the Most Holy Place as well as the doors of the main hall.

Exodus 25:24
Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it.

Exodus 37:11
He overlaid it with pure gold and made a gold molding around it.

1 Kings 7:48-50
Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of the LORD: the golden altar; the golden table on which was placed the Bread of the Presence; / the lampstands of pure gold in front of the inner sanctuary, five on the right side and five on the left; the gold flowers, lamps, and tongs; / the pure gold basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, ladles, and censers; and the gold hinges for the doors of the inner temple (that is, the Most Holy Place) as well as for the doors of the main hall of the temple.

2 Chronicles 5:1
So all the work that Solomon had performed for the house of the LORD was completed. Then Solomon brought in the items his father David had dedicated—the silver, the gold, and all the furnishings—and he placed them in the treasuries of the house of God.

Exodus 25:17-21
And you are to construct a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. / Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, / one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. ...

Exodus 37:6-9
He constructed a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. / He made two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, / one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with gold.

also

1 Kings 6:20
And the oracle in the forepart was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and so covered the altar which was of cedar.

Exodus 30:1,3,5,6
And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it…

2 Chronicles 3:7
He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubims on the walls.

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Altar Belonged Completely Covered Entirely Finished Gold House Inmost Inner Interior Oracle Overlaid Plates Sanctuary Whole
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Altar Belonged Completely Covered Entirely Finished Gold House Inmost Inner Interior Oracle Overlaid Plates Sanctuary Whole
1 Kings 6
1. The building of Solomon's temple
5. The chambers thereof
11. God's promise unto it
15. The ceiling and adorning of it
23. The cherubim
31. The doors
36. The court
37. The time of building it














So he overlaid with gold the whole interior of the temple
The overlaying of gold in the temple signifies the immense value and holiness attributed to the dwelling place of God. Gold, a symbol of purity and divinity, was used extensively in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:11) and now in Solomon's temple, indicating continuity in worship practices. The use of gold also reflects the wealth and prosperity of Solomon's reign, as well as the importance of the temple as a central place of worship for Israel. This act of overlaying with gold can be seen as a foreshadowing of the heavenly Jerusalem described in Revelation 21:18, where the city is made of pure gold.

until everything was completely finished
The completion of the temple marks a significant moment in Israel's history, fulfilling the promise made to David that his son would build a house for the Lord (2 Samuel 7:13). The meticulous attention to detail and the completion of the temple underscore the importance of obedience and dedication in worship. This completion can also be seen as a type of Christ, who declared on the cross, "It is finished" (John 19:30), signifying the completion of His work of redemption.

He also overlaid with gold the entire altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary
The altar in the inner sanctuary, also known as the Holy of Holies, was the most sacred part of the temple, where the presence of God dwelt. Overlaying the altar with gold emphasizes its sanctity and the reverence required in approaching God. This altar is connected to the Day of Atonement rituals (Leviticus 16), where the high priest would make atonement for the sins of the people. In the New Testament, this altar and its rituals are seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, as He entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all (Hebrews 9:11-12).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel who was responsible for building the temple. His reign is marked by wisdom and wealth, and he is the son of King David.

2. The Temple
The holy place in Jerusalem where the Israelites worshiped God. It was a central place of worship and sacrifice, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

3. The Inner Sanctuary (Holy of Holies)
The most sacred part of the temple, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. It was a place of divine presence and was only entered by the high priest once a year.

4. The Altar
Specifically, the altar of incense within the inner sanctuary, which was used for burning incense as a symbol of prayers ascending to God.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the temple was built, serving as the political and spiritual center of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Significance of Gold
Gold in the temple symbolizes the purity, holiness, and glory of God. It reminds us of the value and worthiness of God’s presence in our lives.

The Inner Sanctuary as a Symbol of God's Presence
The Holy of Holies represents the intimate presence of God. As believers, we are called to cultivate a personal and intimate relationship with God, recognizing that through Christ, we have direct access to Him.

The Altar and Prayer
The altar of incense symbolizes the prayers of the saints. We are encouraged to maintain a life of prayer, understanding that our prayers are precious and rise before God like incense.

The Temple as a Foreshadowing of Christ
The temple and its elements foreshadow the coming of Christ, who is the ultimate High Priest and the true temple. Our faith is built on the foundation of Christ’s sacrifice and His ongoing intercession for us.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 6:22?

2. How does 1 Kings 6:22 reflect God's desire for holiness in worship?

3. What does the use of gold in the temple signify about God's majesty?

4. How can we ensure our worship spaces honor God like Solomon's temple?

5. Connect 1 Kings 6:22 to New Testament teachings on the temple of God.

6. How can we apply the principle of excellence in our service to God?

7. How does 1 Kings 6:22 reflect the importance of the temple in ancient Israelite worship?

8. What does the extensive use of gold in 1 Kings 6:22 symbolize about God's holiness?

9. How does 1 Kings 6:22 demonstrate Solomon's dedication to God's commandments?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 6?

11. How can Ezekiel 41's instructions be reconciled with the different layout presented for Solomon's Temple in 1 Kings 6?

12. Why do the measurements in Ezekiel 42 seem to conflict with earlier temple designs described in 1 Kings 6?

13. Why do biblical descriptions of Solomon’s temple differ from contemporary architectural styles?

14. Given the temple's grandeur in 1 Kings 6:2-10, how do we reconcile this with the relatively modest archaeological evidence of Solomon's era?
What Does 1 Kings 6:22 Mean
So he overlaid with gold

“​So he overlaid with gold” (1 Kings 6:22a).

– Solomon literally applied sheets of pure gold, an act reflecting obedience to the pattern first shown for the tabernacle (Exodus 25:11–13).

– Gold, the most precious metal, speaks of God’s unmatched worth and glory; the psalmist later declares, “The LORD is high above all nations; His glory is above the heavens” (Psalm 113:4).

– The text stresses that honor for God is not symbolic only—tangible resources are invested because He is tangibly worthy (cf. 2 Samuel 24:24).


the whole interior of the temple

“…the whole interior of the temple…” (v. 22b).

– Nothing inside was left untouched. Every wall, ceiling beam, and panel gleamed. 2 Chronicles 3:4–8 confirms the same total coverage.

– The comprehensiveness points to God’s desire for every corner of life to reflect His holiness (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15-16).

– By recording this detail, Scripture shows that partial devotion is insufficient; the dwelling place of God must shine completely.


until everything was completely finished

“…until everything was completely finished.” (v. 22c).

– The author underscores completion. The work did not stop halfway (cf. Luke 14:28-30, the tower illustration).

– Finishing what God assigns echoes His own character: “The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me” (Psalm 138:8).

– This line invites personal reflection: if Solomon would not rest until the project was done, how much more should believers pursue wholehearted obedience (Philippians 1:6).


He also overlaid with gold the entire altar

“He also overlaid with gold the entire altar…” (v. 22d).

– The altar of incense (Exodus 30:1-6) stood before the Most Holy Place. Covering it in gold unifies the furniture with the surrounding sanctuary (Hebrews 9:3-4).

– Incense symbolizes prayer rising to God (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3-4). Gold-covered prayer furniture illustrates that communion with God is both precious and purified.

– By noting the altar separately, Scripture highlights that worship itself must match God’s splendor.


that belonged to the inner sanctuary

“…that belonged to the inner sanctuary.” (v. 22e).

– The inner sanctuary—the Most Holy Place—housed the ark, God’s earthly throne (Exodus 25:22).

– Only the high priest entered once a year (Leviticus 16:2,34), yet its design affects every worshiper because it reveals God’s nature.

– The golden overlay around and within the inner sanctuary anticipates the ultimate dwelling of God with His people where everything is “pure gold, like clear glass” (Revelation 21:18-21).


summary

1 Kings 6:22 records that Solomon spared no expense, coating every surface and the incense altar itself with gold until the work was utterly complete. The literal lavishness teaches that God’s presence demands the finest, that devotion must reach every part of life, and that worship, prayer, and obedience are treasures to be offered without reserve.

(22) The whole altar that was by (or belonged to) the oracle.--This is the altar of incense, which, although it stood (see Exodus 30:6; Exodus 40:26) before the veil, and therefore in the Holy place, was considered to belong in idea rather to the Holy of Holies; since the offering of incense on it signified the approach by worship to the unseen presence of God, symbolised in the darkness and silence of the inner shrine; and the taking of the censer from it was a condition for the actual entrance into the Holy of Holies on the great Day of Atonement. Hence in Exodus 40:5 the altar is said to be "set before the ark of the testimony," and here to "belong to the oracle." Probably this is the explanation of the well-known passage in the Epistle to the Hebrews (1Kings 9:4), where the Holiest place is said to have "had the altar of incense" (wrongly rendered "censer" in our Authorised Version).

Verse 22. - And the whole house he overlaid with gold [This no mere repetition, more Hebraico, as Bahr and Keil would have us think. Something additional must surely be referred to, and 2 Chronicles 3:4 warrants us in understanding this statement to include the porch, the interior of which was gilded. Because the porch is elsewhere (ver. 3) distinguished from the "house," it does not follow that it can never be comprehended under that term] until he had finished all the house: also [Heb. and]. the altar that was by [Heb. to. See on ver. 20] the oracle he overlaid with gold.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So he overlaid
צִפָּ֥ה (ṣip·pāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6823: To lay out, lay over

with gold
זָהָ֖ב (zā·hāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

the whole interior
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

of the temple,
הַבַּ֛יִת (hab·ba·yiṯ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

until
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

everything
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

was completely finished.
תֹּ֣ם (tōm)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8552: To be complete or finished

He also overlaid
צִפָּ֥ה (ṣip·pāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6823: To lay out, lay over

with gold
זָהָֽב׃ (zā·hāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

the entire
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

altar
הַמִּזְבֵּ֥חַ (ham·miz·bê·aḥ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4196: An altar

that belonged to
אֲ‍ֽשֶׁר־ (’ăšer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the inner sanctuary.
לַדְּבִ֖יר (lad·də·ḇîr)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1687: Perhaps (a place of) speaking (the innermost room of Solomon's temple)


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OT History: 1 Kings 6:22 The whole house he overlaid with gold (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 6:21
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