And translates the common Hebrew conjunction, but since it introduces the discussion of a different building or room, several English versions use the word “also” (Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Century Version). Bible en français courant uses a word indicating that the construction of the building here took place following the one mentioned in verses 2-5. Other versions consider the beginning of a new paragraph to be an adequate representation of this conjunction.

The Hall of Pillars apparently consisted of a colonnade with a covered porch (also called a “portico”) in front of the colonnade. Translations of the Hebrew expression for the Hall of Pillars include “the Colonnade” (New Jerusalem Bible), “the porch of the columned hall” (New American Bible), and “the portico” (Revised English Bible). The exact relationship between the Hall of Pillars and the porch in front is not clear. The purpose for which the Hall of Pillars was built is not known. Archaeologists have not recovered Solomon’s palace, so the exact locations of the Hall of Pillars and “the Hall of Judgment” (verse 7) in relation to the other buildings of the palace are not known. It is possible that people had to pass through the Hall of Pillars in order to enter the Hall of Judgment. Some interpreters think that the Hall of Pillars was located in front of the House of the Forest of Lebanon. Parole de Vie (also Bible en français courant), in fact, makes this interpretation explicit in its translation at the end of verse 6 by saying “This room was placed in front of ‘The Forest of Lebanon.’ ” But this translation says more than the Hebrew text does, and it is not recommended.

Its length was fifty cubits, and its breadth thirty cubits: The size of the Hall of Pillars is stated in cubits. Good News Translation again uses “feet” as the unit of measure. Biblia Dios Habla Hoy says “twenty-two and a half meters long and thirteen and a half meters wide.” Bible en français courant rounds this off as “twenty-five meters long and fifteen meters wide.”

There was a porch in front with pillars, and a canopy before them: The meaning of this part of the verse is not clear. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh has a footnote that states “Meaning of Hebrew uncertain.”

Porch translates the same Hebrew term that is rendered “Hall” at the beginning of this verse and “vestibule” in verse 12. See the comments on this term at 1 Kgs 6.3, where it is rendered “vestibule.”

The Hebrew noun rendered canopy is a technical term of architecture whose exact meaning is uncertain. It is not clear whether the canopy covered the porch or was in front of the porch (New Revised Standard Version). A common language way of speaking of a canopy is to say “covering” (International Children’s Bible). For this reason certain versions speak of “a covered porch” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version) or “an overhanging roof” (New International Version). Another proposal is “cornice” (Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible). Since the meaning is not certain, translators may choose to follow the interpretation already found in an existing translation that is widely used.

A possible model for translating this verse is:

• The Hall of Columns that Solomon made was 25 meters long and 15 meters wide. A porch went all the way across the front of the hall. This porch was covered and the covering was supported by pillars.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .