Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical architecture, capitals are the decorative tops of columns, often intricately designed and serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. They are mentioned in several instances throughout the Bible, particularly in the context of the construction of significant structures such as the Temple of Solomon.
Solomon's Temple:The most detailed biblical description of capitals is found in the account of Solomon's Temple. In
1 Kings 7:15-22, the construction of two bronze pillars named Jachin and Boaz is described. These pillars stood at the entrance of the Temple and were adorned with capitals. The Berean Standard Bible states: "He cast two bronze capitals to set on top of the pillars; each capital was five cubits high" (
1 Kings 7:16). The capitals were decorated with a network of interwoven chains and pomegranates, symbolizing abundance and beauty.
Symbolism and Design:The design of capitals often carried symbolic meaning. The use of pomegranates, as mentioned in
1 Kings 7:18, is significant. Pomegranates were a symbol of fertility and prosperity in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The intricate designs of the capitals reflected the glory and majesty of God’s dwelling place on earth, emphasizing the importance of the Temple as a center of worship and divine presence.
Other Biblical References:Capitals are also mentioned in the context of other structures. In
2 Chronicles 4:12-13, the description of the Temple's furnishings includes the capitals: "the two pillars, the two bowl-shaped capitals on top of the pillars, the two sets of network covering the two bowl-shaped capitals on top of the pillars." This passage reiterates the detailed craftsmanship and the importance of these architectural elements.
Cultural and Historical Context:In the ancient Near East, capitals were not unique to Israelite architecture. They were a common feature in the grand structures of surrounding cultures, such as the Egyptians and the Phoenicians. The Israelites, under Solomon's reign, employed skilled artisans, including Hiram from Tyre, to construct the Temple, indicating a blend of cultural influences in the design of the capitals.
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, the capitals of the Temple pillars can be seen as a representation of the beauty and order of God’s creation. The attention to detail and the use of precious materials in their construction reflect the reverence and honor due to God. The capitals, as part of the Temple, served as a reminder of the covenant between God and Israel, symbolizing stability and strength in the faith community.
Conclusion:While the Bible does not provide exhaustive details on every architectural element, the references to capitals highlight their significance in biblical history and theology. They serve as a testament to the artistry and devotion involved in creating a sacred space for worship and the presence of God.
Strong's Hebrew
3805. kothereth -- capital (of a pillar)... 3804, 3805. kothereth. 3806 . capital (of a pillar). Transliteration: kothereth
Phonetic Spelling: (ko-theh'-reth) Short Definition:
capitals.
...3730. kaphtor -- capital, knob, bulb
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition capital, knob, bulb NASB Word Usage
bulb (10), bulbs (6),capitals (1), tops of her pillars (1)....
Library
The Characters of Herod and Augustus were as Far Apart as their...
... CHAPTER 12 The characters of Herod and Augustus were as far apart as their
capitals.? The characters of Herod and Augustus were...
Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in theCapitals of...
... THE PREPARATION FOR THE GOSPEL: THE JEWISH WORLD IN THE DAYS OF CHRIST CHAPTER V.
ALEXANDRIA AND ROME - THE JEWISH COMMUNITIES IN THECAPITALS OF WESTERN...
Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
... majestic brasen pillars, called Jachin and Boaz, They were stately in height, the
shaft of each measuring 27 feet, a base of 12 feet, and twocapitals of 13 1...
The Revolt of Babylon.
... his dominions. It was a vast and a very magnificent and wealthy city; and
Cyrus made it, for a time, one of hiscapitals. When Cyrus...
And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
... II Kings 24 and 25. 9. Map of Divided Kingdoms. Draw map, showing the two kingdoms
and theircapitals, also the regions of Assyria and Babylon....
Stations of the China Inland Mission
... [5]Capitals of Provinces in capital letters; of Prefectures in smallcapitals;
and of Counties in romans; Market Towns in italics....
The Motive that Led Men to Adopt Darwinism.
... in the department of living organisms, has ever been appealed to by those who desire
to prove that the world is not SELF-EVOLVED (capitals mine), but the work...
The New Testament Text and Its History.
... Originally it had at the end of particular sections a small empty space of the breadth
of a letter or half a letter, but no ornamentalcapitals, marks of...
Christian Stewardship.
... But how shall those possessing largecapitals best employ them as stewards of God?
I speak not of the hoarding of the miser; that would be a waste of breath....
Early Mentions of Christianity in Britain. --King Lucius. --Origin...
... for Britain, that York was one of the two cities at one of which it must have taken
place, Treves being the other; for those were the twocapitals and seats of...
Thesaurus
Capitals (21 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Capitals (21 Occurrences).
... He overlaid their
capitals and
their fillets with gold, and their five sockets were of brass.
...Network (19 Occurrences)
... 25:17 2 Chronicles 4:13 (also in the plural, 4:12, 13), for "wreathen work" and
"wreath" in the King James Version (of the adornment of thecapitals of the...
Networks (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:41 the two pillars, and the two bowls of thecapitals that were on the
top of the pillars; and the two networks to cover the two bowls of the...
Globes (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:41 two pillars, and the globes of thecapitals that were on the top of
the pillars, two; and the two networks, to cover the two globes of the...
Decorating (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:41 the two pillars, and the two bowls of thecapitals that were on the
top of the pillars; and the two networks to cover the two bowls of the...
Bowl-shaped (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:20 There werecapitals above also on the two pillars, close by the belly
which was beside the network: and the pomegranates were two hundred, in rows...
Net-work (11 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:18 And he made the pillars, and two rows around upon the one net-work,
to cover thecapitals that were upon the top, with pomegranates: and so he did...
Fillets (11 Occurrences)
... Exodus 36:38 and the five pillars of it with their hooks. He overlaid theircapitals
and their fillets with gold, and their five sockets were of brass....
Rows (29 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:18 So he made the pillars; and there were two rows around on the one network,
to cover thecapitals that were on the top of the pillars: and so did...
Bowls (47 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:41 the two pillars, and the two bowls of thecapitals that were on the
top of the pillars; and the two networks to cover the two bowls of the...
Resources
What are Jachin and Boaz? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of pomegranates in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different names of God, and what do they mean? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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