Lexical Summary lul: Staircase, winding stair Original Word: לוּל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance winding stair From an unused root meaning to fold back; a spiral step -- winding stair. Compare lula'ah. see HEBREW lula'ah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a shaft or enclosed space with steps or ladder NASB Translation winding stairs (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [לוּל] noun [masculine] shaft or enclosed space (possibly in wall), with steps or ladder, only plural לוּלִים 1 Kings 6:8 (וּבְלוּלִים יַעֲלוּׅ, on meaning see StaZAW iii, 1883, 136 ff. > ᵐ5 ᵑ9 winding-stair, compare Buhl, see Stal. c (Late Hebrew לוּל winding passage or stair, or enclosed space in which is a winding stair, according to LevyNHWB ii. 486, but see Stal.c.; √ dubious; hardly לולו below) לוּלֵא, לוּלֵי see below לוּ. לולו (apparently secondary √ from III. לוה turn, twist, wind, whence following). Topical Lexicon Biblical Context In the description of Solomon’s temple, 1 Kings 6:8 states, “The entrance to the middle floor was on the south side of the temple; a stairway led up to the middle level, and from there to the third”. The word translated “stairway” is לוּל (lûl), its sole appearance in Scripture. The verse falls within the detailed narrative (1 Kings 6; 2 Chronicles 3 – 4) that records how the temple was constructed precisely according to the divine pattern revealed to David (1 Chronicles 28:11–19). Architectural Function The lûl formed a compact, spiraling ascent inside the side–chamber complex that surrounded the Holy Place and Most Holy Place (1 Kings 6:5–6). These side rooms were used for storing sacred vessels, temple revenues, priestly vestments, and grain offerings (cf. 1 Kings 7:51; 2 Chronicles 31:11–12). A winding staircase conserved space, kept the main worship area free from intrusive structures, and enabled priests to move between floors without disturbing public rituals. Archaeological parallels from Phoenician and Syro-Palestinian palaces (tenth–ninth centuries BC) confirm that such staircases were customary in elite architecture yet remain rare enough to highlight the temple’s sophistication. Symbolism of Ascent Though utilitarian, the spiral stairway resonates with a broader biblical motif: ascent toward God. Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120–134) accompanied pilgrims “going up” to Jerusalem; Jacob envisioned “a ladder set up on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven” (Genesis 28:12); priests mounted steps to minister at the altar (Ezekiel 40:26, 31). Each image underscores graduated approach—holiness increases with height. In Solomon’s temple the lûl silently preached that progression: from outer courts, through side chambers, finally above and around the sanctuary nearest the divine presence. The winding path, hidden from ordinary view, suggested that intimacy with God involves purposeful, sometimes unseen, upward movement. Historical and Cultural Background Solomon enlisted Hiram of Tyre (1 Kings 7:13–14) and thousands of skilled laborers to execute intricate masonry and carpentry. Cedar beams were fitted into recesses “so that no iron tool was heard in the temple” (1 Kings 6:7). The lûl, carved into the massive wall or built of timber secured to the structure, illustrates how Israel integrated craftsmanship learned from surrounding nations while dedicating the outcome exclusively to Yahweh. Josephus (Antiquities 8.3.2) attests to internal stairways in Herod’s later temple, showing the persistence of this functional design well into the Second Temple era. Theological Threads 1. Ordered Access: Only priests used the staircase, a reminder that mediated access to God awaited the perfect High Priest (Hebrews 9:6–12). Ministry Applications • Spiritual leaders, like the priests ascending the lûl, must cultivate private disciplines that sustain public ministry. Canonical Echoes and Eschatological Hope While lûl appears only once, Revelation’s vision of the heavenly sanctuary completes the theme of vertical movement. John is summoned, “Come up here” (Revelation 4:1), mirroring the upward call first intimated by Solomon’s hidden stairs. Ultimately, the New Jerusalem descends, uniting heaven and earth (Revelation 21:2), and the need for incremental ascent is resolved in unbroken communion with God. Until then, the spiral staircase of 1 Kings 6:8 invites each generation to ascend in worship, service, and holiness, confident that every upward step rests on the sure foundation laid by the Lord Himself. Forms and Transliterations וּבְלוּלִּ֗ים ובלולים ū·ḇə·lūl·lîm ūḇəlūllîm uvelulLimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 6:8 HEB: הַבַּ֖יִת הַיְמָנִ֑ית וּבְלוּלִּ֗ים יַֽעֲלוּ֙ עַל־ NAS: and they would go up by winding stairs to the middle KJV: and they went up with winding stairs into the middle INT: of the house the right winding go unto 1 Occurrence |
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