1 Kings 6:1

The Building of the Temple

6:1 In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites left Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, during the month Ziv 1  (the second month), he began building the Lord’s temple.

1 Kings 6:37-38

6:37 In the month Ziv 2  of the fourth year of Solomon’s reign 3  the foundation was laid for the Lord’s temple. 6:38 In the eleventh year, in the month Bul 4  (the eighth month) the temple was completed in accordance with all its specifications and blueprints. It took seven years to build. 5 

1 sn During the month Ziv. This would be April-May, 966 b.c. by modern reckoning.

2 sn In the month Ziv. This would be April-May, 966 b.c. by modern reckoning.

3 tn The words “of Solomon’s reign” are added for clarification. See v. 1.

4 sn In the month Bul. This would be October-November 959 b.c. in modern reckoning.

5 tn Heb “he built it in seven years.”