2 Chronicles 9:19
New International Version
Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like it had ever been made for any other kingdom.

New Living Translation
There were also twelve other lions, one standing on each end of the six steps. No other throne in all the world could be compared with it!

English Standard Version
while twelve lions stood there, one on each end of a step on the six steps. Nothing like it was ever made for any kingdom.

Berean Standard Bible
Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom.

King James Bible
And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom.

New King James Version
Twelve lions stood there, one on each side of the six steps; nothing like this had been made for any other kingdom.

New American Standard Bible
Twelve lions were standing there on the six steps on the one side and on the other; nothing like it was made for any other kingdom.

NASB 1995
Twelve lions were standing there on the six steps on the one side and on the other; nothing like it was made for any other kingdom.

NASB 1977
And twelve lions were standing there on the six steps on the one side and on the other; nothing like it was made for any other kingdom.

Legacy Standard Bible
Twelve lions were also standing there on the six steps on the one side and on the other; nothing like it was made for any other kingdom.

Amplified Bible
Also, twelve lions were standing there, one on each side of the six steps. Nothing like it had ever been made for any [other] kingdom.

Christian Standard Bible
Twelve lions were standing there on the six steps, one at each end. Nothing like it had ever been made in any other kingdom.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Twelve lions were standing there on the six steps, one at each end. Nothing like it had ever been made in any other kingdom.

American Standard Version
And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom.

Contemporary English Version
and there were two lion statues on each of the six steps leading up to the throne. No other throne in the world was like Solomon's.

English Revised Version
And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Twelve lions stood on six steps, one on each side. Nothing like this had been made for any other kingdom.

Good News Translation
Twelve figures of lions were on the steps, one at either end of each step. No throne like this had ever existed in any other kingdom.

International Standard Version
Twelve lions were placed on both sides of the six steps leading to the throne, and nothing comparable was made for any other kingdom.

Majority Standard Bible
Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom.

NET Bible
There were twelve statues of lions on the six steps, one lion at each end of each step. There was nothing like it in any other kingdom.

New Heart English Bible
Twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other on the six steps: there was nothing like it made in any kingdom.

Webster's Bible Translation
And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom.

World English Bible
Twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other on the six steps. There was nothing like it made in any other kingdom.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and twelve lions are standing there on the six steps on this [side] and on that [side]: it has not been made so for any kingdom.

Young's Literal Translation
and twelve lions are standing there on the six steps on this side, and on that: it hath not been made so for any kingdom.

Smith's Literal Translation
And twelve lions standing there upon the six steps, from hence and from thence. There was not made thus to any kingdom.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Moreover twelve other little lions standing upon the steps on both sides: there was not such a throne in any kingdom.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Moreover, there were twelve additional little lions standing upon the six steps on both sides. There was no similar throne in all the kingdoms.

New American Bible
and twelve other lions standing there on the steps, two to a step. Nothing like this was made in any other kingdom.

New Revised Standard Version
while twelve lions were standing, one on each end of a step on the six steps. The like of it was never made in any kingdom.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And twelve lions stood there, on the one side and on the other side upon the six steps. There was not the like ever made in any kingdom.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And twelve lionesses stood there above the six steps at one side and at the other, and there was nothing made like it in all kingdoms.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps; there was not the like made in any kingdom.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and twelve lions standing there on the six steps on each side. There was not the like in any other kingdom.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Wealth and Splendor
18The throne had six steps, and a footstool of gold was attached to it. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest. 19Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom. 20All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon.…

Cross References
1 Kings 10:19-20
The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest. / Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom.

Revelation 5:5
Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

Revelation 4:4
Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and on these thrones sat twenty-four elders dressed in white, with golden crowns on their heads.

1 Kings 6:23-28
In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim, each ten cubits high, out of olive wood. / One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long, and the other wing was five cubits long as well. So the full wingspan was ten cubits. / The second cherub also measured ten cubits; both cherubim had the same size and shape, ...

Ezekiel 1:10
The form of their faces was that of a man, and each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, the face of an ox on the left side, and also the face of an eagle.

Ezekiel 10:14
Each of the cherubim had four faces: the first face was that of a cherub, the second that of a man, the third that of a lion, and the fourth that of an eagle.

Isaiah 6:2
Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.

Matthew 19:28
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Luke 22:30
so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Revelation 3:21
To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

1 Kings 7:29
and on the panels between the uprights were lions, oxen, and cherubim. On the uprights was a pedestal above, and below the lions and oxen were wreaths of beveled work.

1 Kings 7:36
He engraved cherubim, lions, and palm trees on the surfaces of the supports and panels, wherever each had space, with wreaths all around.

1 Kings 10:18
Additionally, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold.

1 Kings 10:12
The king made the almug wood into steps for the house of the LORD and for the king’s palace, and into lyres and harps for the singers. Never before had such almug wood been brought in, nor has such been seen again to this day.)

2 Chronicles 5:8
For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and overshadowed the ark and its poles.


Treasury of Scripture

And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other on the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom.

twelve lions

Matthew 19:28
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Revelation 21:12
And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

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Either End Kingdom Lions Placed Side Six Standing Step Steps Stood Twelve
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Either End Kingdom Lions Placed Side Six Standing Step Steps Stood Twelve
2 Chronicles 9
1. The queen of sheba admires the wisdom of Solomon
13. Solomon's revenue in gold
15. His targets and shields
17. The throne of ivory
20. His vessels
23. His presents
25. His chariots and horse
26. His tributes
29. His reign and death














Twelve lions
The number twelve often symbolizes completeness or divine authority in the Bible, as seen in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. Lions, in biblical symbolism, represent strength, majesty, and courage. The presence of twelve lions on the steps leading to Solomon's throne underscores the divine authority and the majestic power of his reign. In the ancient Near East, lions were also seen as protectors, suggesting that Solomon's kingdom was under divine protection.

stood on the six steps
The six steps leading to the throne signify a structured ascent to a place of authority and judgment. In biblical numerology, the number six can represent human effort or imperfection, as it falls short of the divine number seven. The steps may symbolize the human journey towards divine wisdom and governance, with the lions as guardians of this sacred ascent.

one at either end of each step
This phrase emphasizes balance and symmetry, reflecting the order and harmony of Solomon's kingdom. The placement of the lions at each end of the steps suggests a comprehensive protection and a balanced approach to justice and governance. It also highlights the meticulous attention to detail in Solomon's court, reflecting the wisdom for which he was renowned.

Nothing like this had ever been made
This statement underscores the unparalleled nature of Solomon's reign and the splendor of his kingdom. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon, granting him wisdom and wealth beyond any other king. Historically, this grandeur would have been a testament to the surrounding nations of Israel's unique relationship with God and the blessings that come from obedience to His commandments.

for any kingdom
This phrase highlights the exceptional status of Solomon's kingdom in the ancient world. It serves as a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience leads to blessings that set God's people apart. The unparalleled nature of Solomon's throne room serves as a physical manifestation of God's favor and the fulfillment of His promises to David and his descendants.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Twelve
וּשְׁנֵ֧ים (ū·šə·nêm)
Conjunctive waw | Number - md
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

lions
אֲרָי֗וֹת (’ă·rā·yō·wṯ)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 738: A lion

stood
עֹמְדִ֥ים (‘ō·mə·ḏîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

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

the six
שֵׁ֥שׁ (šêš)
Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8337: Six (a cardinal number)

steps,
הַֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת (ham·ma·‘ă·lō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4609: Elevation, the act, the condition, a climactic progression

one at either end
מִזֶּ֣ה (miz·zeh)
Preposition-m | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

of each [step].
וּמִזֶּ֑ה (ū·miz·zeh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

Nothing
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

like [this]
כֵ֖ן (ḵên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

had ever been made
נַעֲשָׂ֥ה (na·‘ă·śāh)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

for any
לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

kingdom.
מַמְלָכָֽה׃ (mam·lā·ḵāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4467: Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 9:19 Twelve lions stood there on the one (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 9:18
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