1 Kings 6:35
New International Version
He carved cherubim, palm trees and open flowers on them and overlaid them with gold hammered evenly over the carvings.

New Living Translation
These doors were decorated with carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers—all overlaid evenly with gold.

English Standard Version
On them he carved cherubim and palm trees and open flowers, and he overlaid them with gold evenly applied on the carved work.

Berean Standard Bible
He carved into them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and he overlaid them with gold hammered evenly over the carvings.

Berean Literal Bible
And he carved cherubim and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold applied evenly on the carved work.

King James Bible
And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.

New King James Version
Then he carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers on them, and overlaid them with gold applied evenly on the carved work.

New American Standard Bible
He carved on it cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers; and he overlaid them with gold plated on the carved work.

NASB 1995
He carved on it cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers; and he overlaid them with gold evenly applied on the engraved work.

NASB 1977
And he carved on it cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers; and he overlaid them with gold evenly applied on the engraved work.

Legacy Standard Bible
And he carved on it cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers; and he overlaid them with gold evenly applied on the engraved work.

Amplified Bible
He carved cherubim, palm-shaped decorations, and open flowers on the doors, and overlaid them with gold evenly applied on the carved work.

Berean Annotated Bible
He carved into them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and he overlaid them with gold hammered evenly over the carvings.

Christian Standard Bible
He carved cherubim, palm trees, and flower blossoms on them and overlaid them with gold applied evenly over the carving.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He carved cherubim, palm trees, and flower blossoms on them and overlaid them with gold applied evenly over the carving.

American Standard Version
And he carved thereon cherubim and palm-trees and open flowers; and he overlaid them with gold fitted upon the graven work.

Contemporary English Version
The doors were covered with gold and were decorated with carvings of palm trees, flowers, and winged creatures.

English Revised Version
And he carved thereon cherubim and palm trees and open flowers: and he overlaid them with gold fitted upon the graven work.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
On them he carved angels, palm trees, and flowers. He evenly covered them with gold.

Good News Translation
and decorated with carved figures of winged creatures, palm trees, and flowers, which were evenly covered with gold.

International Standard Version
Solomon also inlaid the doors with cherubim, palm trees, and blooming flowers. He overlaid them with gold that was carefully applied on the engraved work.

NET Bible
He carved cherubs, palm trees, and flowers in bloom and plated them with gold, leveled out over the carvings.

New Heart English Bible
He carved cherubim and palm trees and open flowers; and he overlaid them with gold fitted on the engraved work.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he carved thereon cherubim, and palm trees, and open flowers; and covered them with gold, fitted upon the carved work.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
He carved into them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and he overlaid them with gold hammered evenly over the carvings.

World English Bible
He carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers; and he overlaid them with gold fitted on the engraved work.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he has carved cherubim, and palms, and openings of flowers, and overlaid the carved work with straightened gold.

Berean Literal Bible
And he carved cherubim and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold applied evenly on the carved work.

Young's Literal Translation
And he hath carved cherubs, and palms, and openings of flowers, and overlaid with straightened gold the graved work.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he carved cherubims and palm-trees, and opening flower-buds; and he overlaid with gold made even upon the carving.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he carved cherubims, and palm trees, and carved work standing very much out: and he overlaid all with golden plates in square work by rule.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he carved cherubim, and palm trees, and very prominent engravings. And he covered everything with gold plates, worked to be perfectly square.

New American Bible
and he carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and plated them with gold.

New Revised Standard Version
He carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, overlaying them with gold evenly applied upon the carved work.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he carved on them cherubim and palm trees and open flowers, and covered them with gold overlaid upon the carved work.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he carved Cherubim and ornaments and palm trees and lilies and overlaid them in beautiful gold engraving.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he carved thereon cherubim and palm-trees and open flowers; and he overlaid them with gold fitted upon the graven work.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
being carved with cherubs, and there were palm-trees and open flower-leaves, and it was overlaid with gold gilt upon the engraving.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Doors
34The two doors were made of cypress wood, and each had two folding panels. 35He carved into them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers; and he overlaid them with gold, hammered evenly over the carvings.

Cross References
He carved into them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers,

2 Chronicles 3:5-7
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. / He overlaid its beams, thresholds, walls, and doors with gold, and he carved cherubim on the walls.

Ezekiel 41:18-20
were alternating carved cherubim and palm trees. Each cherub had two faces: / the face of a man was toward the palm tree on one side, and the face of a young lion was toward the palm tree on the other side. They were carved all the way around the temple. / Cherubim and palm trees were carved on the wall of the outer sanctuary from the floor to the space above the entrance.

1 Kings 7:19
And the capitals atop the pillars in the portico were shaped like lilies, four cubits high.
and he overlaid them with gold

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.

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.
hammered evenly over the carvings.

Numbers 8:4
This is how the lampstand was constructed: it was made of hammered gold from its base to its blossoms, fashioned according to the pattern the LORD had shown Moses.

Exodus 25:31-32
Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. / Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other.

Exodus 37:17-18
Then he made the lampstand out of pure hammered gold, all of one piece: its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. / Six branches extended from the sides, three on one side and three on the other.
Exodus 26:31-33
Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. / Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood, overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. / And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

Exodus 36:35-38
Next, he made the veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. / He also made four posts of acacia wood for it and overlaid them with gold, along with gold hooks; and he cast four silver bases for the posts. / For the entrance to the tent, he made a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, …

2 Chronicles 3:14
He made the veil of blue, purple, and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim woven into it.

Exodus 25:18-20
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. / And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat.

Exodus 37:7-9
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. / And the cherubim had wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the mercy seat.

Hebrews 9:5
Above the ark were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.

Revelation 4:6-8
And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back. / The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. / And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”


Treasury of Scripture

And he carved thereon cherubim and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted on the carved work.

Jump to Previous
Applied Carved Carvings Cherubim Cherubs Covered Designs Engraved Fitted Flowers Gold Graved Graven Half-Open Hammered Ones Open Openings Ornamented Overlaid Palm Palms Palm-Trees Plated Straightened Thereon Trees Winged Work
Jump to Next
Applied Carved Carvings Cherubim Cherubs Covered Designs Engraved Fitted Flowers Gold Graved Graven Half-Open Hammered Ones Open Openings Ornamented Overlaid Palm Palms Palm-Trees Plated Straightened Thereon Trees Winged Work
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












He carved into them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers
The carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers on the temple doors reflect the intricate artistry and symbolism in Solomon's Temple. Cherubim are often associated with the presence and holiness of God, as seen in Genesis 3:24 and Exodus 25:18-22, where they guard the way to the Tree of Life and are part of the Ark of the Covenant. Palm trees symbolize victory and peace, as seen in Leviticus 23:40 and Revelation 7:9, where they are used in celebrations and heavenly visions. Open flowers may represent beauty and the flourishing of creation, echoing the Garden of Eden's lushness. These elements together create a visual representation of divine presence and the ideal of paradise restored.

and he overlaid them with gold
The overlaying of gold signifies the temple's opulence and the value placed on worship. Gold is a symbol of purity, divinity, and kingship, often used in the tabernacle and temple furnishings (Exodus 25:11, 1 Kings 6:20-22). This reflects the glory and majesty of God, as well as the wealth and wisdom of Solomon's reign. The use of gold also points to the heavenly city described in Revelation 21:18, where the streets are made of pure gold, indicating the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom.

hammered evenly over the carvings
The technique of hammering gold evenly over the carvings demonstrates the skill and care involved in the temple's construction. This meticulous craftsmanship highlights the importance of offering the best to God, as seen in the detailed instructions for the tabernacle in Exodus 31:1-11. The even overlay ensures that the beauty of the carvings is enhanced, not obscured, symbolizing how God's glory perfects and completes creation. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who fulfills and perfects the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17), bringing God's presence to humanity in a tangible way.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel who was responsible for building the temple in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by wisdom and prosperity.

2. Temple in Jerusalem
The holy place constructed by Solomon as a dwelling place for the Lord, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

3. Cherubim
Angelic beings often associated with the presence of God, symbolizing His majesty and holiness.

4. Palm Trees and Open Flowers
Decorative elements symbolizing beauty, life, and prosperity, often used in the temple's design to reflect the Garden of Eden.

5. Gold Overlay
Represents purity, value, and divine glory, signifying the sacredness of the temple and its furnishings.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Holiness
The use of gold and cherubim in the temple underscores the holiness required in approaching God. As believers, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes.

Symbolism of Creation
The palm trees and flowers remind us of God's original creation and His desire for beauty and order. We are called to reflect God's beauty in our lives and surroundings.

God's Presence
The temple was a physical representation of God's presence among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we should live in a way that honors His indwelling presence.

Continuity of Worship
The design elements of the temple connect to the broader biblical account of worship, from the Tabernacle to the New Jerusalem. Our worship should be consistent with biblical principles and focused on God's glory.

Value of Obedience
Solomon's adherence to God's design for the temple highlights the importance of obedience in our relationship with God. We are called to follow His instructions in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 6:35?

2. How does 1 Kings 6:35 reflect God's attention to detail in worship?

3. What significance do "carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers" hold in biblical symbolism?

4. How can we apply the craftsmanship in 1 Kings 6:35 to our worship today?

5. What other scriptures emphasize the importance of beauty and detail in God's house?

6. How does Solomon's temple construction inspire excellence in our service to God?

7. What is the significance of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers in 1 Kings 6:35?

8. How does 1 Kings 6:35 reflect the artistic culture of ancient Israel?

9. Why were cherubim chosen as a decorative motif in Solomon's temple according to 1 Kings 6:35?

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 biblical descriptions of Solomon's temple differ from contemporary architectural styles?

13. Considering 1 Kings 6:27-28, does the description of massive cherubim overlaid with gold align with known artistic and technological capabilities of the time?

14. Song of Solomon 7:7-8 - Does the imagery of a palm tree and clustered fruit borrow from neighboring fertility cults, raising concerns about syncretism or idolatry?
What Does 1 Kings 6:35 Mean
He carved

• The verse begins by highlighting deliberate craftsmanship. Solomon commissioned gifted artisans (1 Kings 7:13–14) to shape every detail by hand, echoing the Spirit-filled craftsmen of the tabernacle (Exodus 31:3–5).

• This hands-on work underlines that worship space matters; God’s people give their best, not leftovers (Malachi 1:6–8).

1 Kings 6:7 notes that stones were prepared at the quarry so “no hammer or chisel was heard in the temple while it was being built.” The carving, then, represents quiet, ordered devotion—work done thoughtfully for a holy God.


into them cherubim

• Cherubim first appear guarding Eden (Genesis 3:24); later they overshadow the mercy seat on the ark (Exodus 25:18–22).

• Carving them on the doors reminds Israel that entrance to God’s presence requires holiness and atonement.

• When the ark was finally brought in, the wings of larger cherubim “were spread out over the place of the ark” (1 Kings 8:6–7), visually linking door to inner sanctuary and reinforcing the theme of divine guardianship.


palm trees

• Palms symbolize victory, life, and flourishing. “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree” (Psalm 92:12).

• Israel carried palm branches during the Feast of Booths, celebrating God’s sheltering presence (Leviticus 23:40).

Revelation 7:9 pictures redeemed saints holding palms before the throne—victory through the Lamb. Placing palms on the temple doors reminds worshipers that real triumph is found only in faithful covenant life.


and open flowers

• Open flowers suggest freshness, beauty, and continuous life. The golden lampstand of the tabernacle bore “cups shaped like almond blossoms” (Exodus 25:31–34), a pattern now expanded in the temple.

• “The flowers appear on the earth” (Songs 2:12), signaling a new season. Likewise, Isaiah 35:1 imagines the wilderness blossoming when God restores His people.

• Carved blossoms declare that approaching God is not drudgery; it is vibrant and life-giving.


and he overlaid them with gold hammered evenly over the carvings

• Gold represents purity, worth, and divine glory. The ark, table, and lampstand were all “overlaid with pure gold” (Exodus 25:11, 24, 39).

• Covering intricate carvings “evenly” shows that beauty is fully embraced, not hidden. God’s glory does not erase individuality; it perfects and honors it.

Isaiah 60:6 and Revelation 21:18 picture future worship bathed in gold, foreshadowed here as the temple shone with reflected light—an earthly hint of heavenly splendor.


summary

1 Kings 6:35 weaves holiness (cherubim), victory (palms), vitality (flowers), and glory (gold) into the very doors that welcomed worshipers. Each element points to the God who guards, blesses, revives, and glorifies His people—inviting them, and us, to enter with awe and joy.

Verse 35. - And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers [The constant recurrence of the same forms is in itself a proof that they must have been significant], and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work [Heb. made straight upon the engraved work. That is to say, the gold fitted closely to all the uneven and indented surface of the figures. Elsewhere, laminae were simply laid upon the level walls, etc.]

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And he carved [into them]
וְקָלַ֤ע (wə·qā·la‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7049: To sling, hurl forth

cherubim,
כְּרוּבִים֙ (kə·rū·ḇîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3742: Probably an order of angelic beings

palm trees,
וְתִ֣מֹר֔וֹת (wə·ṯi·mō·rō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8561: A palm-like pilaster

and open
וּפְטֻרֵ֖י (ū·p̄ə·ṭu·rê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6358: Opened, a bud

flowers
צִצִּ֑ים (ṣiṣ·ṣîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6731: Glistening, a burnished plate, a flower, a wing

and overlaid them
וְצִפָּ֣ה (wə·ṣip·pāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6823: To lay out, lay over

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

hammered evenly
מְיֻשָּׁ֖ר (mə·yuš·šār)
Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3474: To be straight, even, to be, right, pleasant, prosperous

over
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the carvings.
הַמְּחֻקֶּֽה׃ (ham·mə·ḥuq·qeh)
Article | Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2707: To carve, to delineate, to entrench


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OT History: 1 Kings 6:35 He carved thereon cherubim and palm trees (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 6:34
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