1 Kings 7:41 kjv
The two pillars, and the two bowls of the chapiters that were on the top of the two pillars; and the two networks, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters which were upon the top of the pillars;
1 Kings 7:41 nkjv
the two pillars, the two bowl-shaped capitals that were on top of the two pillars; the two networks covering the two bowl-shaped capitals which were on top of the pillars;
1 Kings 7:41 niv
the two pillars; the two bowl-shaped capitals on top of the pillars; the two sets of network decorating the two bowl-shaped capitals on top of the pillars;
1 Kings 7:41 esv
the two pillars, the two bowls of the capitals that were on the tops of the pillars, and the two latticeworks to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the tops of the pillars;
1 Kings 7:41 nlt
the two pillars;
the two bowl-shaped capitals on top of the pillars;
the two networks of interwoven chains that decorated the capitals;
1 Kings 7 41 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Kgs 7:15 | He cast two bronze pillars, each eighteen cubits high… | Describes the creation of the two pillars. |
| 1 Kgs 7:16 | He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set on top… | Mentions the capitals (chapiters) as the uppermost part. |
| 1 Kgs 7:17 | Then he made a network of interwoven chains… | Details the decorative network for the capitals. |
| 1 Kgs 7:20 | On the capitals were pomegranates… and networks… | Further describes the detailed ornamentation of the chapiters. |
| 2 Chr 3:15 | He made two pillars, thirty-five cubits high… | Parallel account of pillar construction, slightly different dimensions (reconciled contextually). |
| 2 Chr 4:12 | The two pillars with their capitals and the two networks… | Confirms the parallel account in Chronicles for these elements. |
| Jer 52:22-23 | On top of the pillars were bronze capitals… | Description of the pillars and capitals when Babylon destroyed the Temple. |
| Ex 25:9 | According to all that I show you… | God giving specific detailed instructions for tabernacle construction. |
| Ex 26:1 | Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains… | Emphasizes the divine command for intricate and detailed holy craftsmanship. |
| Num 7:89 | Moses entered the tent of meeting to speak with the LORD… | God's dwelling requiring precise design and dedication. |
| Ps 75:3 | When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep its pillars firm. | Symbolism of pillars representing stability and divine upholding. |
| Prov 9:1 | Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out her seven pillars. | Pillars representing wisdom, strength, and foundation. |
| Isa 60:13 | The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, the cypress, the plane, and the pine… | The glory and beauty brought for God's dwelling place. |
| Ezek 40:48 | Then he brought me to the portico of the temple and measured each post… | The visionary temple of Ezekiel with detailed architectural elements. |
| Hag 2:7 | I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. | Emphasis on God's glory filling the house, irrespective of its external grandeur. |
| Zec 4:2-3 | I see a lampstand of solid gold… with two olive trees by it… | Symbolic pillars or representatives standing before the Lord of the whole earth. |
| Zec 4:14 | These are the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth. | Symbolic interpretation linking elements of God's house to spiritual realities. |
| Gal 2:9 | James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars… | Believers serving as spiritual "pillars" in the church. |
| 1 Tim 3:15 | the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. | The church itself metaphorically as a pillar supporting divine truth. |
| Rev 3:12 | The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God… | Promises to the faithful believer of eternal security and position in God's temple. |
| Rev 21:2 | The holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God… | The ultimate heavenly dwelling, reflecting divine perfection and detail. |
| Rev 21:11-23 | Its radiance was like a most rare jewel… its street of pure gold… | Describes the glorious and precious materials of the New Jerusalem. |
1 Kings 7 verses
1 Kings 7 41 Meaning
1 Kings 7:41 describes the specific components that Hiram crafted for the Temple's two grand bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz. It meticulously details the upper decorative elements: the two bowl-shaped chapiters that crowned each pillar, and the two intricate networks of latticework designed to adorn these chapiters. This verse emphasizes the precise and detailed artistry involved in the sacred furnishings, highlighting the lavishness and careful construction of the House of the Lord.
1 Kings 7 41 Context
1 Kings 7:41 is part of a larger section (1 Kings 7:13-51) that meticulously describes the detailed bronze work commissioned by Solomon for the Temple, crafted by Hiram of Tyre. This follows the general account of the Temple's construction (1 Kings 6). The immediate context of verse 41 specifically enumerates the finished items associated with the two massive free-standing bronze pillars named Jachin and Boaz, which stood at the entrance to the Temple. These pillars, their capitals, and the various decorative elements like the bowls and networks, were not load-bearing but rather symbolic and ornamental, emphasizing strength, divine presence, and the beauty dedicated to God's dwelling. Historically, the elaborate and precise nature of this craftsmanship would have distinguished the worship of YHWH from contemporary pagan practices, which often featured cruder, more functional religious objects. The detailed accounting emphasizes the significant resources, skill, and sacredness invested in building the House of the Lord according to divine principles.
1 Kings 7 41 Word analysis
- The two pillars (הָעַמֻּדִים הַשְּׁנַיִם - hā‘ammūḏîm haššənayim): Refers to Jachin ("He will establish") and Boaz ("In him is strength"). These colossal bronze columns stood prominently at the porch of the Temple (1 Kgs 7:21). Their non-structural, symbolic placement emphasized God's sovereignty and establishment, rather than human construction prowess.
- and the two bowls (וְהַגֻּלּוֹת שְׁתַּיִם - wəhaggullōṯ šəttayim): "Bowls" (גֻלּוֹת - gulloth) refers to rounded, cup-like, or spherical ornaments. These were a specific feature atop the capitals of the pillars, distinguishing them from simple capitals.
- of the chapiters (הַכֹּתָרֹת - hakkōṯārōṯ): "Chapiters" (also "capitals") are the decorative crowns or tops of pillars. Hebrew koteret implies a crown or summit. These were distinct, ornate elements designed to complete the aesthetic of the pillars, further contributing to the Temple's grandeur.
- that were on the top (אֲשֶׁר עַל רֹאשׁ - ’ăšer ‘al rō’š): Precisely locating the bowls and chapiters at the very summit, emphasizing their crowning and prominent position.
- of the two pillars (הָעַמֻּדִים הַשְּׁנָיִם - hā‘ammūḏîm haššənāyim): Repetition for clarity and emphasis on which specific elements are being described.
- and the two networks (וְהַשְּׂבָכִים שְׁנָיִם - wəhašśəbāḵîm šənāyim): "Networks" (שְׂבָכִים - sevakhim) are latticework, intricate chain-work, or woven ornamental patterns. These elaborate details adorned the capitals, adding to their decorative complexity.
- to cover (לְכַסֹּת - lekassōṯ): While literally "to cover," here it functions more as "to adorn" or "to envelop," as the networks were integrated into the decorative scheme rather than functionally obscuring or protecting. They enhanced the beauty, suggesting an ornamental drape.
- the two bowls of the chapiters (אֶת שְׁתֵּי גֻלּוֹת הַכֹּתָרֹת - ’eṯ šəttê gullōṯ hakkōṯārōṯ): Again, precise reference to the specific parts being adorned, highlighting the integrated design.
- which were upon the top of the pillars (אֲשֶׁר עַל רֹאשׁ הָעַמֻּדִים - ’ăšer ‘al rō’š hā‘ammūḏîm): Further reinforcement of the location, ensuring clarity regarding the relationship between the networks, bowls, chapiters, and pillars.
Words-group analysis:
- "The two pillars, and the two bowls of the chapiters": This grouping identifies the foundational elements and their principal decorative crowns, establishing the central objects of this description before detailing their specific adornments. It showcases the deliberate layering of the architectural design.
- "networks, to cover the two bowls... upon the top of the pillars": This section details the ornamental function of the networks, specifying they "covered" (adorned) the bowls on the chapiters, themselves located on the pillars' summits. It emphasizes the intricate layers of beauty and symbolic purpose rather than structural necessity. The repetition of "on the top of the pillars" underscores the specific and important placement of these adornments at the most visible and symbolic part of the entrance pillars. The elaborate detailing was designed to convey the majesty and sanctity of the place.
1 Kings 7 41 Bonus section
The repeated emphasis on "two" (pillars, bowls, networks) highlights a recurring dualism in biblical architecture and theology (e.g., two cherubim, two olive trees in Zechariah, two witnesses in Revelation). This duality often symbolizes witness, establishment, or complementary aspects of divine truth and power. The materials and scale described in this chapter, specifically of bronze, were immensely costly and challenging to work with in that era, signifying a level of dedication and national wealth poured into God's service unprecedented at the time. The choice of bronze for these specific items, rather than pure gold, often denotes strength, judgment, or an earthly connection, yet capable of shining with a golden hue when polished.
1 Kings 7 41 Commentary
1 Kings 7:41 provides an inventory of the exquisite craftsmanship of Hiram for Solomon's Temple, specifically detailing the crowning elements of the two great pillars, Jachin and Boaz. This verse, rather than being a mere list, underscores the dedication to God's glory through meticulous design and material richness. The "bowls of the chapiters" and the "networks" speak to an aesthetic that far surpassed functional requirements, emphasizing symbolic beauty and divine honor. These elements contributed to the Temple's role as a dwelling of God's presence, signifying stability (pillars), spiritual nourishment (bowls, often associated with oil or liquid), and the interconnectedness of God's perfect design (networks). The repeated enumeration signifies the attention to detail that paralleled the precise instructions God gave for the Tabernacle. This sacred architecture foreshadows the intricate and perfect design of God's eternal dwelling and the spiritual truths manifested in Christ and His Church.