There were window frames in three rows: The precise meaning of the Hebrew noun translated window frames is uncertain. Window frames renders the same Hebrew noun translated “frames” in 1 Kgs 6.4. Anchor Bible translates this noun “splayed (windows),” that is, windows that were slanted/beveled outward (see 1 Kgs 6.4).

Window opposite window in three tiers: The meaning of the Hebrew noun rendered window is also uncertain. It is not the same as the Hebrew noun translated “window” in 1 Kgs 6.4. It occurs only here and in the next verse in the Old Testament and seems to mean “opening for light.” The Hebrew noun rendered tiers here and in the next verse is often translated “occurrences.” The exact design is not clear from this brief statement, but apparently the windows on opposite sides of the building faced each other, possibly in three tiers or levels. Anchor Bible says simply “facing each other, three times.” In an attempt to translate the idea of being opposite, New American Bible speaks of the windows being “in strict alignment.”

In order to distinguish the window frames from the “windows,” some languages will speak of openings in the wall and the “things” that cover those openings.

An alternative model for this verse is:

• On the two walls facing each other there were openings in the wall and these were on three different levels.

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 .