1 Kings 7:22 kjv
And upon the top of the pillars was lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished.
1 Kings 7:22 nkjv
The tops of the pillars were in the shape of lilies. So the work of the pillars was finished.
1 Kings 7:22 niv
The capitals on top were in the shape of lilies. And so the work on the pillars was completed.
1 Kings 7:22 esv
And on the tops of the pillars was lily-work. Thus the work of the pillars was finished.
1 Kings 7:22 nlt
The capitals on the pillars were shaped like water lilies. And so the work on the pillars was finished.
1 Kings 7 22 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Kgs 6:28 | So he overlaid the cherubim with gold. | Gold overlay on temple elements. |
| 1 Kgs 7:15-21 | For he cast two pillars of brass...And he set up the pillars before the porch of the temple... | Describes the casting and placement of pillars. |
| 2 Chr 3:15-17 | He made also before the house two pillars...and set the pillars before the temple... | Parallel account of pillar construction. |
| Exod 26:30 | And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee in the mount. | Divine blueprint for sacred structures. |
| Exod 36:38 | And the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold: but their five sockets were of brass. | Pillars with ornamented capitals in Tabernacle. |
| Isa 4:5-6 | And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion...a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night... | Glory upon dwelling place, protective beauty. |
| Song 2:1-2 | I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. | Lily as symbol of beauty and purity. |
| Hos 14:5 | I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. | Lily as symbol of flourishing and growth. |
| Matt 6:28-29 | And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow...Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. | Lily's inherent beauty, divine craftsmanship. |
| Gen 28:18 | And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. | Pillar as a monument, marker for sacred place. |
| Job 26:11 | The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof. | Pillars as cosmic supports (metaphorical). |
| Rev 3:12 | Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out... | Believers as spiritual pillars in God's temple. |
| Gal 2:9 | And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship... | Spiritual leaders as "pillars." |
| Psa 29:2 | Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. | Emphasizes beauty in divine worship/sanctuary. |
| Psa 96:9 | O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. | The Lord's holiness is associated with beauty. |
| Psa 19:1 | The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. | God's glory seen in intricate creation. |
| 1 Cor 3:16-17 | Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. | The church/believers as spiritual temples. |
| Eph 2:19-22 | ...built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone...In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. | Believers as a spiritual building for God. |
| Phil 1:6 | Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: | God finishes what He begins (divine completion). |
| Heb 10:1 | For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices...make the comers thereunto perfect. | Temple features are a shadow of greater reality. |
| Heb 9:11 | But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands... | Reference to a "more perfect" spiritual temple. |
1 Kings 7 verses
1 Kings 7 22 Meaning
1 Kings 7:22 details the ornamental design of the capitals of the two great bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, located at the entrance to the Temple of the Lord. It specifically mentions "lily work" as the finishing touch upon their tops, signifying the completion and beautiful ornamentation of these significant architectural features within Solomon's magnificent Temple. This design likely symbolizes purity, beauty, and flourishing, integral to the presence of God.
1 Kings 7 22 Context
1 Kings chapter 7 continues the detailed description of Solomon's construction projects, specifically focusing on the royal palace and the various components of the Temple of the Lord. Verses 13-47 elaborate on the magnificent bronze work commissioned by Solomon and crafted by Huram (or Hiram), a skilled artisan from Tyre. This includes the two colossal bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz (1 Kgs 7:15-22), which stood at the temple porch, distinct from the temple structure itself but essential to its grand facade. Verse 22 specifically concludes the description of these pillars, emphasizing the final artistic touch—the "lily work" on their capitals, symbolizing their aesthetic and symbolic completion. The historical context reveals Solomon's commitment to building a glorious dwelling for God, mirroring the splendor of the Creator and showcasing Israel's prosperity and advanced craftsmanship under divine blessing. This meticulous description highlights the significant resources and artistic skill invested, guided by divine wisdom for God's holy dwelling place.
1 Kings 7 22 Word analysis
And upon: Hebrew: וְעַל (wə·‘al) - "And upon" or "and on." A common conjunctive preposition indicating position or placement. It connects the "lily work" directly to the specified location, emphasizing the placement on the apex of the structures.
the top: Hebrew: רֹאשׁ (ro'sh) - head, top, chief, summit. Here, it denotes the highest point or capital of the pillars. The "head" metaphor suggests completion and prominence, much like the "head of a king" or "head of a corner stone."
of the pillars: Hebrew: הָעַמּוּדִים (hā·‘ammūḏîm) - the pillars, the columns. From עַמּוּד (‘ammûd), meaning a support, stand, column. These are the specific, well-known Jachin and Boaz. Their massive size and placement conveyed strength, stability, and enduring support for God's house, even if they were more ornamental/symbolic than structurally essential to the building's roof.
was lily work: Hebrew: מַעֲשֵׂה שׁוּשָׁן (ma‘aśēh šûšān) - work of a lily, lily-work, lily design.
- lily: Hebrew: שׁוּשָׁן (šûšān) - lily. This flower in the ancient Near East was often associated with beauty, purity, fruitfulness, and freshness. Its use in the temple décor speaks of the beauty of God's dwelling and the pure nature of His presence. It also reflects a creation motif within the temple design, bringing elements of natural beauty into the sacred space.
- work: Hebrew: מַעֲשֶׂה (ma‘aśēh) - work, deed, product, fabrication. Denotes something made or crafted, implying careful execution and artistry. The choice of natural floral motifs suggests God's appreciation for beauty in His creation, subtly distinguishing it from pagan idol representations.
so was: Hebrew: וְכֵן (wə·khen) - and thus, and so. This particle affirms the state described, confirming the finished appearance or nature of the "work." It introduces the conclusion of the description for the pillars.
the work: Hebrew: מַעֲשֵׂה (ma‘aśēh) - work, craftsmanship. This repetition emphasizes the entirety of the craftsmanship applied to the pillars, not just the lily-work. It speaks of the full process from casting to ornamentation.
of the pillars: Hebrew: הָעַמּוּדִים (hā·‘ammūḏîm) - of the pillars. Reiteration for clarity, ensuring the entire completed project refers to these specific pillars.
finished: Hebrew: כָּלָה (kālāh) - to complete, finish, bring to an end, perfect. This powerful verb signifies culmination, fulfillment, and perfection of the undertaking. It implies that every detail was attended to, meeting the highest standard of craftsmanship for the House of the Lord.
Words-group Analysis:
- "upon the top of the pillars was lily work": This phrase precisely locates and describes the intricate floral design, indicating an elaborate capital for Jachin and Boaz. The lily work transforms functional pillars into symbols of aesthetic perfection and perhaps natural theological truth—God’s creation and purity. This contrasts with common pagan imagery, emphasizing a distinct Hebrew aesthetic derived from natural elements.
- "so was the work of the pillars finished": This closing statement serves as an emphatic declaration of completion and quality. It summarizes the painstaking effort involved and confirms that the pillars, in their entirety, reached their intended design and state. This theme of completion in sacred structures mirrors God’s complete work in creation and salvation.
1 Kings 7 22 Bonus section
The lily motif (šûšān) could also allude to the shoshannim or shushannim-eduth titles found in several Psalms (e.g., Psa 45, 60, 69, 80). While the precise meaning of these titles is debated (likely referring to a tune, instrument, or the subject matter), a common interpretation links them to a lily-shaped instrument or a song of praise (beauty) and witness. This connection could subtly imply the pillars, though inanimate, contributing to the "witness" and "praise" emanating from God's House. The prominence of naturalistic forms (pomegranates, chains, nets, lilies) in the Temple decorations, rather than grotesque figures, highlights a focus on ordered beauty reflecting the Creator, establishing a theological contrast with the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations who often incorporated mythical beasts and hybrid creatures in their religious art. This emphasized the distinction between the true God, whose beauty is reflected in nature, and the false gods, whose representations were often distortions.
1 Kings 7 22 Commentary
1 Kings 7:22 offers a final detail concerning the massive bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, installed at the entrance of Solomon's Temple. The "lily work" adorning their capitals signifies the exquisite artistry and attention to detail invested in every part of God's sanctuary. This floral motif is not merely decorative; the lily symbolizes purity, beauty, and flourishing throughout scripture, connecting the Temple to themes of divine care and life. The description of this final touch implies that the temple was a microcosm of creation's beauty, infused with sacred significance. The verse concludes with the affirmation that the "work of the pillars was finished," underscoring the completeness and perfection demanded for God's dwelling place. This speaks to the meticulousness of divinely inspired craftsmanship and the high standard for anything dedicated to the Lord. It subtly contrasts with the raw power often celebrated in surrounding cultures; here, beauty and perfection are paramount. The meticulous detail emphasizes the value and sanctity of the place where God’s presence would dwell, built to honor Him in both grandeur and fine detail.