1 Kings 7 21

1 Kings 7:21 kjv

And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.

1 Kings 7:21 nkjv

Then he set up the pillars by the vestibule of the temple; he set up the pillar on the right and called its name Jachin, and he set up the pillar on the left and called its name Boaz.

1 Kings 7:21 niv

He erected the pillars at the portico of the temple. The pillar to the south he named Jakin and the one to the north Boaz.

1 Kings 7:21 esv

He set up the pillars at the vestibule of the temple. He set up the pillar on the south and called its name Jachin, and he set up the pillar on the north and called its name Boaz.

1 Kings 7:21 nlt

Huram set the pillars at the entrance of the Temple, one toward the south and one toward the north. He named the one on the south Jakin, and the one on the north Boaz.

1 Kings 7 verses

1 Kings 7 21 Meaning

The verse describes the final placement and naming of two grand bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, erected by Solomon in the porch of the Temple. It specifies that Jachin was placed on the right (south) side and Boaz on the left (north) side when entering the Temple. The names themselves carried deep theological significance, acting as profound declarations of God's character and purpose for the Temple and His covenant with Israel.

1 Kings 7 21 Context

1 Kings chapter 7 extensively details the construction projects undertaken by King Solomon, focusing first on his own magnificent palace (spanning thirteen years) and then, more importantly, the glorious Temple of the Lord (spanning seven years). This verse falls within the meticulous description of the Temple's construction and furnishings. Specifically, verses 13-47 provide an intricate account of the bronze work, supervised by Huram (or Hiram), a skilled artisan from Tyre. The two monumental bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, described in our verse, were among the most prominent and symbolic elements crafted for the Temple's exterior. Their creation, naming, and placement emphasize the profound significance attributed to every part of God's dwelling, establishing a physical space infused with theological declarations, contrasting with the often human-centric grand structures of other ancient Near Eastern monarchs.

1 Kings 7 21 Word analysis

• And he set up: This phrase signifies the deliberate, intentional act of completion and dedication. The Hebrew verb implies establishing or raising. It emphasizes Solomon's role in fulfilling God's command for a house of worship, but it also points to God's hand in empowering and guiding the work.
• the pillars: (Hebrew: ammudim, עַמּוּדִים). These were not just functional structural supports but massive, ornamental bronze castings of immense size, detailed in 1 Kings 7:15-17. They were elaborately decorated, suggesting their primary role was symbolic and theological rather than load-bearing for the roof. In the ancient Near East, pillars could represent stability, divine presence, or a declaration.
• in the porch: (Hebrew: 'ulam, אוּלָם). This was the vestibule or entrance hall leading into the Holy Place of the Temple. Placing the pillars here meant they were at the threshold, the very gateway through which all would enter, making them a visual and theological declaration to anyone approaching God's dwelling. This location heightened their symbolic impact.
• of the temple: Refers to the sacred house built for the Lord, representing God's dwelling place among His people. The Temple was the central point of Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God.
• and he set up the right pillar: Refers to the pillar on the southern side as one faced the Temple from the east. The right side (yamin, יָמִין) traditionally symbolizes strength, favor, and importance in ancient cultures, often associated with the hand of power or blessing.
• and called the name thereof Jachin: (Hebrew: yakhin, יָכִין). This name translates to "He will establish" or "May He establish." The implied subject is God, specifically YHWH. This declared God's faithfulness and covenant commitment to establish His presence in the Temple, His Davidic king, and His people Israel securely and permanently. It was a statement of divine promise and hope.
• and he set up the left pillar: Refers to the pillar on the northern side, completing the pair at the entrance. The left side (semol, שְׂמֹאול) complemented the right, creating a balanced and imposing entrance.
• and called the name thereof Boaz: (Hebrew: bo'az, בֹּעַז). This name translates to "In Him (or it) is strength," "By strength," or "Through Him is strength." Like Jachin, the implied subject of strength is God. This name declared that the enduring power, stability, and might associated with the Temple, the kingship, and Israel, originated solely from God. It proclaimed divine enablement and might.

Words-group analysis:

• "And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple": This phrase highlights the completion of a major architectural feat at a crucial theological location. The pillars, standing guard at the Temple's entrance, signify divine permanence and the sacred boundary.
• "and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz": The dual action and dual naming create a symmetrical yet profound proclamation. The act of "calling the name" was a formal, intentional declaration of their significance. Together, "Jachin" and "Boaz" formed a powerful, concise statement to all who entered: "He (God) will establish by strength" or "In Him (God) is establishment/strength." This pairing underscored God's sovereign initiative and omnipotence in relation to His dwelling and His covenant.

1 Kings 7 21 Bonus section

• The exact dimensions of the pillars (1 Kgs 7:15-16, 2 Chr 3:15) indicate they were monumental, suggesting they were intended to be visually overwhelming and awe-inspiring, reinforcing the majesty of the God whose house they guarded. The difference in height reported in Kings (18 cubits each) and Chronicles (35 cubits together) is often reconciled by interpreting one as the shaft length and the other including the capital and perhaps base.
• Naming architectural features, especially gates or pillars, was common in the ancient Near East, often intended to provide protection or make a statement about the patron or deity. However, Solomon's naming choice, focusing entirely on God's character and actions, highlights a distinctive Israelite theological focus compared to surrounding cultures.
• These pillars may have also served a polemical purpose, silently yet powerfully declaring the unique nature of YHWH as the true God. Unlike the often anthropomorphic or localized deities of surrounding nations whose temples relied on human defenses or magical practices, these pillars unequivocally attributed establishment and strength to YHWH alone, an omnipresent and omnipotent God.

1 Kings 7 21 Commentary

1 Kings 7:21 is a pivotal verse that concludes the description of the twin bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, transforming them from mere architectural features into profound theological declarations. Positioned conspicuously at the porch of the Temple, these colossal pillars, though debated whether load-bearing or solely ceremonial, proclaimed a clear message about God's identity and interaction with His people. "Jachin" ("He will establish") spoke of God's unswerving covenant faithfulness, promising permanence to the Temple, the Davidic dynasty, and His people's presence. "Boaz" ("In Him is strength") asserted that this establishment and any stability came not from human power or ingenuity (despite the immense skill involved in their construction), but solely from God's intrinsic might. Together, these names encapsulated the very purpose of the Temple as a divinely established and empowered dwelling for God, serving as a constant visible reminder that Israel's true foundation and strength lay solely in the Lord YHWH, echoing God's promises of an everlasting kingdom.