Definition: And the house, that [is], the temple before it, was forty cubits [long].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 6:17. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious passage! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “And the house, that [is], the temple before it, was forty cubits [long].” “The house” : This refers to the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, which was built by King David. It was a place of worship and a symbol of God’s presence. “[is] the temple before it” : This is key! The verse describes the length of the Temple's foundation – its base or walls. “Forty cubits [long]” : This is where it gets interesting. "Cubit" was a unit of measurement used in ancient times, primarily by the Israelites and later by the Babylonians. A cubit was roughly equal to about 6 inches (about 18 centimeters). So, "forty cubits" means the Temple's foundation was 40 feet long. So, the whole verse essentially says: The Temple’s base or walls were approximately 40 feet long. What does this tell us? This is a significant detail that highlights several things: Monumental Size: It tells us how large and impressive the original Temple was – it was massive . Ancient Measurement System: It shows us that the Babylonians, who conquered Jerusalem, used a system of measurement similar to what we use today. This wasn't just about length; it was a way to quantify space and importance. Why is this important? This verse helps us understand: The Origins of Religious Practices: It shows that the Temple’s foundations were built with a very specific, long-standing tradition rooted in ancient Israelite practices. Historical Context: It provides a glimpse into the religious and architectural landscape of the time. In short, this verse describes the sheer size and importance of the original Temple by stating its foundation was approximately 40 feet long. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you more context about the history of the Temple?