1 Kings 6:35

and coveredthem with gold fitted upon the carved work Here we have a definite statement of what was done, and the same is no doubt meant in 1 Kings 6:32. The first verb is that which has been rendered overlaid all through the narrative. So consistency requires the same rendering here. In 2 Chronicles 3:6 we read that precious stones, as well as gold, were used for adorning the walls.

upon the carved work This is not a word connected with that so frequently used for -carving" in these verses. So the R.V. has given graven work to mark the variation. There is no doubt that the figures on the doors were cut in the wood and in English -graven-work" refers generally to metal. But see Isaiah 45:20; Deuteronomy 7:5, where gravenimages appear to have been of wood, and destructible by burning. The description here given appears to mean that the embossed and carved portions of the woodwork were covered with gold, but not the whole surface of the doors.