On the capitals of both pillarsThe capitals refer to the tops of the two bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, which stood at the entrance of Solomon's Temple. These pillars were not only structural but also symbolic, representing strength and stability. The use of capitals in ancient architecture often signified the crowning glory of a structure, and in the context of the temple, they symbolized the divine presence and majesty of God.
just above the rounded projection
The rounded projection likely refers to a bulging or swelling part of the pillar, which was a common feature in ancient Near Eastern architecture. This design element added to the aesthetic beauty and grandeur of the temple, reflecting the opulence and attention to detail in Solomon's construction projects. It also served a practical purpose, providing a base for the decorative elements above.
next to the network
The network, or latticework, was an intricate design that adorned the pillars. This type of decoration was typical in ancient craftsmanship, showcasing the skill and artistry of the workers. The network may have had symbolic meanings, such as representing the interconnectedness of God's creation or the complexity of divine wisdom.
were the two hundred pomegranates
Pomegranates were a common motif in ancient Israelite art and architecture, symbolizing fertility, abundance, and blessing. In the context of the temple, they may have represented the fruitfulness of the land promised to the Israelites or the blessings that flow from a relationship with God. The number two hundred signifies completeness and abundance, emphasizing the lavishness of God's provision.
in rows encircling each capital
The arrangement of the pomegranates in rows encircling the capitals suggests order and symmetry, reflecting the divine order and harmony that the temple was meant to embody. This design choice also highlights the importance of beauty and precision in worship, as the temple was a place where God's presence dwelled among His people.
each capital
The repetition of the design on each capital underscores the uniformity and balance in the temple's construction. It also signifies that both pillars, Jachin and Boaz, were equally important in their symbolic roles, representing the dual aspects of God's covenant with Israel: establishment and strength.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonThe king of Israel who commissioned the building of the temple and his palace, including the intricate details of the pillars.
2.
HiramA skilled craftsman from Tyre, known for his expertise in bronze work, who was responsible for creating the temple furnishings, including the pillars.
3.
Temple of SolomonThe first temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people.
4.
Pillars (Jachin and Boaz)Two bronze pillars at the entrance of Solomon's Temple, representing strength and stability.
5.
PomegranatesDecorative elements on the pillars, symbolizing fruitfulness and abundance.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of PomegranatesThe pomegranates on the pillars symbolize fruitfulness and abundance, reminding believers of the spiritual fruit they are called to bear in their lives (
Galatians 5:22-23).
God's Attention to DetailThe intricate design of the temple, including the pomegranates, reflects God's attention to detail and His desire for beauty and order in worship. Believers are encouraged to honor God with excellence in all they do (
Colossians 3:23).
Strength and Stability in FaithThe pillars, named Jachin and Boaz, symbolize strength and stability. Christians are called to stand firm in their faith, rooted in the truth of God's Word (
Ephesians 6:13-14).
The Role of Art in WorshipThe artistic elements of the temple, such as the pomegranates, highlight the role of creativity and art in worship, encouraging believers to use their gifts to glorify God (
Exodus 35:30-35).
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Kings 7:20?
2.How does 1 Kings 7:20 reflect God's attention to detail in craftsmanship?
3.What can we learn about God's majesty from the temple's intricate design?
4.How does the temple's design in 1 Kings 7:20 connect to Exodus 25:9?
5.How can we apply the principle of excellence in our work from this verse?
6.What does the temple's beauty teach us about worshiping God with our best?
7.What is the significance of the pomegranates in 1 Kings 7:20?
8.How do the capitals in 1 Kings 7:20 reflect ancient Israelite architecture?
9.Why are the pomegranates mentioned in 1 Kings 7:20 important to biblical symbolism?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 7?
11.What foods are mentioned in the Bible?
12.What are the Jachin and Boaz pillars?
13.2 Chronicles 3:15-17 - Is there any credible external confirmation that the pillars Jachin and Boaz actually existed as they are described?
14.How plausible is it that just 232 junior officers could rout a massive Aramean army (1 Kings 20:15-21)?What Does 1 Kings 7:20 Mean
On the capitals of both pillars“Capitals” are the topmost parts that crown the two bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz (1 Kings 7:15; 2 Chron 3:15–17). Their placement highlights how God’s glory and faithfulness are meant to stand over everything in His house.
• The pillars themselves symbolized stability and strength—“He shall be a pillar in the temple of My God” (Revelation 3:12).
• Being “both” pillars underscores unity; no part of God’s dwelling is left without His finishing touch.
Just above the rounded projectionThe “rounded projection” (or “belly”) formed a noticeable bulge beneath the capitals (1 Kings 7:41–42). Stating the exact location teaches that God attends to fine details (Matthew 10:30).
• This precise placement keeps the beauty visible yet supported—reminding us that spiritual adornment rests on sound structure (1 Timothy 3:15).
• It also separates the ornament from the load-bearing portion, echoing how grace flows from strength (Psalm 62:7).
Next to the networkThe “network” was a lattice of bronze chains encircling the capitals (1 Kings 7:17; 2 Chron 4:12). Interwoven strands picture fellowship among God’s people (Ephesians 4:16).
• A network allows light and air through, pointing to transparency and openness in worship (John 4:24).
• Its position “next to” the pomegranates shows how community and fruitfulness belong side by side (Galatians 5:22–23).
Were the two hundred pomegranatesPomegranates, with their many seeds, symbolize abundant life, fruitfulness, and covenant blessing (Numbers 13:23; Songs 4:3). Two hundred of them stress overflowing provision (John 10:10).
• They were cast in one piece with the capitals (1 Kings 7:42), illustrating that fruitfulness is inseparable from God’s design.
• The bright red hue calls to mind atonement through blood (Hebrews 9:22) that makes true fruit possible.
In rows encircling each capitalOrderly “rows” reveal that God’s abundance is not chaotic but arranged with purpose (1 Corinthians 14:40). Encircling every side shows that His blessings surround His people completely (Psalm 125:2).
• No gap existed; every angle displayed the same testimony, urging believers to bear fruit in every season and circumstance (Jeremiah 17:7–8).
• The symmetry of the design mirrors the harmony God intends for His household (Ephesians 2:21–22).
summary1 Kings 7:20 records more than decorative trivia; it proclaims that the Lord crowns His dwelling with unified strength, detailed care, interconnected fellowship, abundant fruitfulness, and orderly beauty. The two hundred pomegranates circling the capitals of Jachin and Boaz invite us to let His life overflow in every area, so that His temple—now expressed in Christ’s church and in individual believers—shines with the same glory, completeness, and grace.
(20)
Over against (or rather, close to)
the belly which was by the network.--The "belly" here (like the "bowls" or "globes" of the chapiters in
1Kings 7:41-42) seems to signify the rounded form of the capital, where it comes down to join the shaft. At this junction the bands of pomegranate ornament ran round the shaft. In this verse it is obvious that there is an omission in the text. It should be, "were two hundred in rows round about the one chapiter, and two hundred in rows round about the other chapiter." Hence the "four hundred" of
1Kings 7:42 and
2Chronicles 4:13.
Verse 20.And the chapiters upon the two pillarshad pomegranates [Instead of the italics, Keil would supply
Hiram made, but it is doubtful whether this is any improvement. We have already heard more than once that he made the chapiters. It is better to supply
projected or
were, as in the preceding verse. This verse is extremely obscure; but its design
appears to be to explain how the bowl of the chapiter projected above its base]
also above [
i.e., above the neck, or lowest cubit, on which was the net and chain work],
over against [
מִלְּעֻמַּת with two prefixes is a rare form]
the belly [or
"bowl" (ver. 41)]
which was by [Heb.
beyond, on the other side of, i.e., as it appeared to a spectator standing below]
the network: and the pomegranates were two hundred in rows [This agrees with the total of four hundred, as given in ver. 42, and in 2 Chronicles, and with the "hundred round about" (
i.e., the number in each row) mentioned in
Jeremiah 52:23. We gather from this latter passage that ninety-six out of the hundred faced the four quarters, for this is apparently the meaning of
רוּחָה,
windwards; see
Ezekiel 42:16-18, not that the pomegranates could be "set in motion by the play of the wind," as Ewald confidently affirms. The remaining four pomegranates, of course, occupied the four corners. The necessary inference from this statement, viz., that this part of the capital was foursquare, seems to have escaped the notice of the commentators]
round about upon the other chapiter. [Some words have evidently dropped out of the Hebrew here, as in ver. 15. The text, no doubt, originally stood "two hundred in rows round about the one chapiter, and two hundred in rows round about upon the other chapiter." There has been no intentional compression that is not the genius of the Semitic languages - but an accidental omission, occasioned by the recurrence of almost identical words.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Onעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe capitalsוְכֹתָרֹ֗ת(wə·ḵō·ṯā·rōṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 3805:The capital of a, columnof bothשְׁנֵי֙(šə·nê)Number - mdc
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)pillars,הָֽעַמּוּדִ֔ים(hā·‘am·mū·ḏîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5982:A column, a stand, platformjustמִלְּעֻמַּ֣ת(mil·lə·‘um·maṯ)Preposition-m, Preposition-l
Strong's 5980:Society, near, beside, along withaboveמִמַּ֙עַל֙(mim·ma·‘al)Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 4605:The upper part, with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the topthe rounded projectionהַבֶּ֔טֶן(hab·be·ṭen)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 990:The belly, the womb, the bosom, body of anythingnext toלְעֵ֣בֶר(lə·‘ê·ḇer)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5676:A region across, on the opposite sidethe network,הַשְּׂבָכָ֑ה(haś·śə·ḇā·ḵāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7639:A net-work, a snare, a ballustrade, a reticulated ornament to a, pillar[were] the two hundredמָאתַ֙יִם֙(mā·ṯa·yim)Number - fd
Strong's 3967:A hundredpomegranatesוְהָרִמּוֹנִ֤ים(wə·hā·rim·mō·w·nîm)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7416:A pomegranate, the tree, the fruitin rowsטֻרִ֣ים(ṭu·rîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2905:A row, a wallencirclingסָבִ֔יב(sā·ḇîḇ)Adverb
Strong's 5439:A circle, neighbour, environs, aroundeach capital.הַכֹּתֶ֥רֶת(hak·kō·ṯe·reṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3805:The capital of a, column
Links
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OT History: 1 Kings 7:20 There were capitals above also (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)