1 Kings 7 19

1 Kings 7:19 kjv

And the chapiters that were upon the top of the pillars were of lily work in the porch, four cubits.

1 Kings 7:19 nkjv

The capitals which were on top of the pillars in the hall were in the shape of lilies, four cubits.

1 Kings 7:19 niv

The capitals on top of the pillars in the portico were in the shape of lilies, four cubits high.

1 Kings 7:19 esv

Now the capitals that were on the tops of the pillars in the vestibule were of lily-work, four cubits.

1 Kings 7:19 nlt

The capitals on the columns inside the entry room were shaped like water lilies, and they were six feet tall.

1 Kings 7 verses

1 Kings 7 19 Meaning

1 Kings 7:19 describes the elaborate ornamentation of the capitals atop the two great bronze pillars (Jachin and Boaz) at the entrance of Solomon's Temple. Specifically, it notes that the capitals, positioned prominently in the temple porch, featured intricate lily-work decorations, and this particular decorative portion or its significant part extended to a height of four cubits. This detail underscores the beauty, artistry, and precise measurements involved in constructing God's dwelling place.

1 Kings 7 19 Context

1 Kings chapter 7 details the vast and intricate construction of Solomon's palace and, more importantly for this verse, the extensive bronze furnishings and decorative elements for the Temple. After the structural construction (ch. 6), this chapter describes the specialized craftsmanship, particularly that of Huram (or Hiram), a skilled artisan from Tyre. Verses 15-22 specifically focus on the two prominent bronze pillars, Jachin ("He will establish") and Boaz ("In Him is strength"), that stood before the Temple's porch. These pillars, their immense size, and elaborate capitals were a visual and symbolic declaration of God's presence and power. Verse 19 further elaborates on the ornate details of these capitals, emphasizing a specific decorative aspect—the lily-work—and its precise measurement as visible in the critical entrance area, the porch, which served as the grand welcome to the house of God. The precise dimensions and detailed descriptions reflect a divine pattern of order and excellence for God's sanctuary.

1 Kings 7 19 Word analysis

• And the capitals (וְהַכֹּתָרֹ֗ת, vəhakōtārōt): Refers to the ornate crowns or tops of the pillars. The singular, כֹּתֶרֶת (kōteret), signifies a "crown" or "capital." These were not mere structural supports but highly decorative elements designed to adorn and signify the pillars' importance.
• that were upon the tops (אֲשֶׁר֩ עַל־רֹ֙אשׁ, ’ăšer ‘al-rōš): "Rosh" (רֹאשׁ) literally means "head" or "top," indicating that the capitals were positioned directly atop the main shaft of the pillars, functioning as the crowning glory of these immense structures.
• of the pillars (הָֽעַמּוּדִ֑ים, hā‘ammūdîm): Refers to the two bronze columns, Jachin and Boaz. These pillars were monumental, serving not primarily as structural supports for the building itself, but as symbolic and decorative features, signifying the strength and establishment God provided for His people and house.
• were of lily-work (שֽׁוֹשָׁ֣ן, šōšān): This phrase describes the intricate ornamentation shaped like lilies. The "shoshan" (שׁוֹשָׁן) is a beautiful flower, often associated with purity, beauty, and grace in biblical contexts (e.g., Song of Solomon). Its presence on the Temple capitals underscored the purity and beauty befitting God's holy dwelling, distinct from the often grotesque or impure imagery of pagan deities. It symbolized life, freshness, and delicate artistry.
• in the porch (בָּֽאוּלָ֗ם, bā’ûlām): The porch (אֻלָם, ’ûlām) was the grand vestibule or entryway to the main sanctuary. Placing such prominent and beautiful lily-work on the capitals visible in the porch ensured that this artistry and symbolism were among the first impressions for anyone entering the Temple, emphasizing its sacred beauty and divine purpose.
• four cubits (אַרְבַּ֥ע אַמֹּ֖ות, ’arba‘ ‘ammôt): A precise measurement of the height. While 1 Kings 7:16 states the capitals were five cubits high overall, this "four cubits" often refers to the specific height of the highly decorative part, particularly the lily-work and other intricate designs, distinguishing it from a potentially plainer or transitional section of the capital's base. It denotes the significant, visually dominant portion of the capital's ornamentation, prominently featuring the lily motif, within the five-cubit total.

Words-group analysis:

• "And the capitals... lily-work": This highlights the majestic crowning elements of the pillars, decorated with an emblem of purity and beauty. The artistry was not random but specific to what would honor God.
• "upon the tops of the pillars... in the porch": Emphasizes the prominent and visible location of these ornate elements. They were deliberately positioned at the gateway to God's house to display its glory and His dwelling.
• "lily-work in the porch, four cubits": This phrase precisely defines the nature, location, and a key dimension of the significant decorative feature, ensuring that its splendor was front and center at the Temple's entrance. The combination of beauty and specific measurement indicates meticulous divine design and human craftsmanship empowered by God's wisdom.

1 Kings 7 19 Bonus section

The deliberate placement of these elaborately decorated pillars, Jachin and Boaz, with their lily-work capitals at the Temple's porch, carries rich theological symbolism beyond just architectural detail. They served as a constant reminder to all who entered:

• Divine Beauty and Holiness: The use of lilies, pure and exquisite flowers, represented the holiness and undefiled beauty appropriate for the presence of God. This contrasted sharply with the often licentious and vulgar symbols in pagan temples, implicitly offering a polemic against such idolatrous practices by presenting a stark alternative in sacred aesthetics.
• Divine Provision and Steadfastness: The names "Jachin" ("He will establish") and "Boaz" ("In Him is strength"), combined with their ornamental splendor, conveyed that the strength and stability of Israel's worship and very existence were rooted in God's establishing and sustaining power, not in human might or worldly splendor.
• Purpose of Adornment: Unlike modern minimalistic designs, the detailed, opulent adornment of the Temple served to magnify the awe and glory of God. It was a tangible expression of human devotion in response to God's supreme majesty, demonstrating that no effort or cost was too great for His dwelling. The "four cubits" of lily-work ensures this beauty was prominently displayed.

1 Kings 7 19 Commentary

1 Kings 7:19 paints a picture of deliberate beauty and architectural precision applied to the very entrance of Solomon's Temple. The capitals of Jachin and Boaz were not only massive but exquisitely adorned. The specific mention of "lily-work" signifies more than mere aesthetics; it symbolizes purity, natural beauty, and grace—qualities befitting the house of a holy God, distinguishing it from temples of false gods that often bore grotesque or idolatrous imagery. This artistic choice aligns with biblical emphasis on beauty and order in divine worship. The "four cubits" further refines our understanding of these capitals: though they stood five cubits tall, a significant and visually prominent four-cubit section was dedicated to this elaborate, meaningful ornamentation. This level of detail speaks to the sacredness of every aspect of the Temple's construction, undertaken with divine guidance and human skill divinely empowered (as seen in Huram). The porch, as the immediate gateway, demanded the highest expression of this reverence, making these pillars, crowned with lily-work, a testament to God's glory from the first step into His dwelling.