1 Kings 7:17 kjv
And nets of checker work, and wreaths of chain work, for the chapiters which were upon the top of the pillars; seven for the one chapiter, and seven for the other chapiter.
1 Kings 7:17 nkjv
He made a lattice network, with wreaths of chainwork, for the capitals which were on top of the pillars: seven chains for one capital and seven for the other capital.
1 Kings 7:17 niv
A network of interwoven chains adorned the capitals on top of the pillars, seven for each capital.
1 Kings 7:17 esv
There were lattices of checker work with wreaths of chain work for the capitals on the tops of the pillars, a lattice for the one capital and a lattice for the other capital.
1 Kings 7:17 nlt
Each capital was decorated with seven sets of latticework and interwoven chains.
1 Kings 7 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Kgs 7:18-20 | ...nets of checker work for the chapiters which were upon the top of the pillars... | Directly continues the description of the pillar ornamentation. |
| 2 Chr 3:15-17 | ...he made two pillars...and he made chapiters to set on the tops... | Parallel account describing the Temple pillars and their capitals. |
| 2 Kgs 25:13, 16-17 | The bronze pillars that were in the house of the LORD...the chapiters that were upon them. | Record of the Babylonian destruction and dismantling of these specific pillars and their parts. |
| Jer 52:17, 20, 22-23 | The bronze pillars that were in the house of the LORD...the two pillars, one sea, and the twelve bronze bulls... | Parallel prophetic account of the Temple's bronze furnishings being plundered. |
| Ex 25:9 | According to all that I show you...the pattern of the tabernacle and of all its furnishings, so you shall make it. | Highlights God's precise divine instructions for sacred structures and their details. |
| Ex 31:3-5 | And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill...in all kinds of craftsmanship. | Emphasizes God granting special abilities for intricate work on His sacred dwelling. |
| 1 Chr 22:14-16 | ...vast quantities of bronze...You are to do the work. | David's extensive provision of materials for the Temple, emphasizing its magnificence. |
| 1 Chr 28:11-19 | All this, the LORD made me understand in writing by His hand upon me, all the work to be done. | The divine origin of the Temple's architectural plan, including specific details. |
| Ez 40:4 | Son of man, look with your eyes...all that I show you concerning the house of the LORD. | Stress on precise divine revelation for the design of the Temple, even to details. |
| Gen 2:2-3 | And on the seventh day God finished His work...He rested on the seventh day. | Symbolism of "seven" signifying completion, perfection, and divine rest. |
| Lev 23:3 | On the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest...you shall do no laborious work. | The sacredness of the seventh day, linking "seven" to holiness and divine decree. |
| Num 28:17-25 | For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread...the feast of unleavened bread. | Ritualistic use of the number seven in sacred feasts and offerings, indicating completeness. |
| Prov 9:1 | Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out her seven pillars. | Symbolic use of seven pillars representing stability, completeness, and wisdom's strong foundation. |
| Rev 1:4 | Grace to you and peace from Him who is...from the seven spirits who are before His throne. | "Seven" representing divine completeness and the full attributes of the Holy Spirit. |
| Rev 4:5 | From the throne came flashes of lightning...seven lamps of fire, which are the seven Spirits of God. | Further depiction of the "seven spirits," emphasizing divine perfection and presence. |
| Rev 5:6 | A Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and seven eyes. | Symbolism of "seven" denoting perfect power and complete knowledge (omniscience) of Christ. |
| 1 Sam 2:8 | ...for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and on them He has set the world. | God as the ultimate upholder and sustainer, akin to foundational pillars. |
| Ps 75:3 | When the earth totters...it is I who keep its pillars steady. | Reiterates God's cosmic role in maintaining stability, metaphorically linked to pillars. |
| Gal 2:9 | And when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace... | Metaphorical use of "pillars" to describe foundational spiritual leaders in the Church. |
| 1 Tim 3:15 | ...the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. | The Church's role in upholding and supporting God's truth, acting as a spiritual pillar. |
| Rev 3:12 | The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God. | Promise of an enduring, steadfast presence in God's eternal dwelling. |
| Ps 29:2 | Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; worship the LORD in holy attire. | Emphasis on beauty and splendor in the worship of God, reflected in His sanctuary's design. |
| Isa 60:13 | To beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of My feet glorious. | God's expressed desire for the glory and aesthetic excellence of His dwelling place. |
| Hag 2:9 | The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. | Focus on the Temple's glory, emphasizing that divine presence and magnificence are paramount. |
1 Kings 7 verses
1 Kings 7 17 Meaning
This verse details specific ornamental features adorning the capitals (chapiters) of the two large bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, for Solomon's Temple. It describes "nets of checker work" (latticework patterns) and "wreaths of chain work" (interwoven chains or festoons) that decorated these capitals. The verse precisely notes that there were "seven" sets of these ornaments for each of the two chapiters, emphasizing a complete and symmetric arrangement.
1 Kings 7 17 Context
First Kings chapter 7 primarily describes the elaborate construction of King Solomon's own palace and the specialized features of the Temple. Following the general architectural description of the Temple in chapter 6, chapter 7 focuses on the skilled craftsmanship involved, particularly the extensive use of bronze work executed by Hiram of Tyre. Verse 17 is part of a detailed description of the two magnificent bronze pillars, named Jachin and Boaz, which stood prominently at the entrance of the Temple. These pillars were not merely structural but bore profound symbolic significance. The precise account of their ornamentation, including the 'nets' and 'wreaths' described in this verse, highlights the meticulous dedication to crafting a dwelling worthy of the Lord, reflecting Solomon's wealth and God's glory.
1 Kings 7 17 Word analysis
- and nets: The Hebrew word is shĕbākîm (שְׁבָכִים), meaning "grating," "latticework," or "network." This implies an intricate, interwoven, and open pattern, likely made of cast bronze. Its presence signifies advanced metallurgical skills and an aesthetic choice that adds complex visual texture rather than a solid surface.
- of checker work: This phrase further describes the shĕbākîm, indicating a crisscross or squared pattern, akin to a net or lattice. It emphasizes a structured and repeated geometric design. This was a sophisticated decorative technique in ancient metalwork.
- and wreaths: The Hebrew word is geḍîlîm (גְּדִלִים), meaning "twisted threads," "braided cords," or "chains." In this context, it refers to ornamental chain-like festoons or braids, likely also made of bronze. These were probably hanging or draped elements, distinct from the fixed latticework, adding fluidity to the design.
- of chain work: This clarifies the nature of the geḍîlîm, specifying that these were interconnected, decorative chains or braided elements. Together, "nets of checker work" and "wreaths of chain work" depict a rich variety of elaborate bronze adornments.
- for the chapiters: The Hebrew word is lĕkŏterōt (לַכֹּתָרֹת), meaning "for the capitals" or "for the crowns." The chapiters were the prominent, often highly decorated, uppermost parts of the pillars upon which the structure rested. Decorating them intricately signified their importance as visual focal points and symbolic crowns of the pillars.
- which were upon the top of the pillars: This phrase provides precise anatomical placement, reiterating that these specific decorations adorned the very summits of Jachin and Boaz, ensuring no ambiguity in their location. It highlights the pillars as complete works of art, capped with elaborate ornamentation.
- seven: The Hebrew word is sheba' (שֶׁבַע). This numerical detail is highly significant in biblical thought. "Seven" commonly represents completeness, perfection, divine order, covenant, and sacredness throughout Scripture. Its deliberate repetition is not merely a quantitative count but a qualitative statement about the sacred perfection and divinely ordained design of these adornments and, by extension, the Temple itself.
- for the one chapiter, and seven for the other chapiter: This repetition underscores the symmetry and precise, uniform application of the symbolic "seven" to both Jachin and Boaz. It reflects meticulous craftsmanship and divine attention to every detail in the construction of God's house, reinforcing the holistic perfection inherent in its design. The twin pillars, each bearing this sacred number of ornamentation, served as powerful visual symbols of the comprehensive nature of God's establishment and strength.
1 Kings 7 17 Bonus section
The detailed description of the ornamentation in this verse, coupled with the preceding and following verses that speak of Hiram's skill (1 Kgs 7:13-14) and the vast amount of bronze used (1 Kgs 7:47), implicitly serves as a testament to the immense wealth and resources King Solomon commanded, all of which were devoted to God's service. Furthermore, some scholars suggest that the elaborate network and chain designs, combined with the overall symbolism of the pillars as "Jachin" (He establishes) and "Boaz" (In Him is strength), may have subtly echoed ancient Near Eastern cosmological beliefs about sacred trees or celestial pillars connecting heaven and earth. By applying such artistry to YHWH's temple, Solomon was affirming God's supremacy over all aspects of creation and worship, even co-opting broader cultural symbols and dedicating them to the unique glory of Israel's God. The "nets" might also symbolize divine protection or separation, akin to a divine "net" that encompasses and safeguards God's presence within the sanctuary.
1 Kings 7 17 Commentary
1 Kings 7:17 offers a glimpse into the exquisite detail and symbolic depth of Solomon's Temple. The description of "nets of checker work" and "wreaths of chain work" on the pillar chapiters illustrates the sophisticated artistic and metallurgical skills employed, demonstrating that the house of God was to be adorned with the finest craftsmanship, befitting His glory. These intricate bronze decorations were not merely aesthetic but conveyed richness, durability, and a dedication to beauty in worship. The specific mention of "seven" of these ornaments for each chapiter carries profound theological weight. In biblical numerology, "seven" denotes completeness, perfection, and divine fullness. This detail subtly communicates that every aspect of the Temple, down to its very ornamentation, was part of a perfect, divinely orchestrated plan. The twin pillars, Jachin ("He will establish") and Boaz ("In Him is strength"), thus presented a unified, powerful message of God's enduring covenant and steadfastness, further accentuated by the comprehensive and perfect symbolism embedded in their decorative crowns. The verse, therefore, moves beyond mere architectural description to impart theological significance, reflecting the awe and reverence due to God's dwelling place.