1 Kings 7:42 kjv
And four hundred pomegranates for the two networks, even two rows of pomegranates for one network, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters that were upon the pillars;
1 Kings 7:42 nkjv
four hundred pomegranates for the two networks (two rows of pomegranates for each network, to cover the two bowl-shaped capitals that were on top of the pillars);
1 Kings 7:42 niv
the four hundred pomegranates for the two sets of network (two rows of pomegranates for each network decorating the bowl-shaped capitals on top of the pillars);
1 Kings 7:42 esv
and the four hundred pomegranates for the two latticeworks, two rows of pomegranates for each latticework, to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the pillars;
1 Kings 7:42 nlt
the 400 pomegranates that hung from the chains on the capitals (two rows of pomegranates for each of the chain networks that decorated the capitals on top of the pillars);
1 Kings 7 42 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Ki 7:15 | He cast two pillars of bronze... | Introduction to Jachin and Boaz |
| 1 Ki 7:20 | The capitals on the two pillars had pomegranates on the network all around... | Describes the pomegranates on capitals (general) |
| 2 Chr 3:16 | He also made four hundred pomegranates... | Parallel account confirming pomegranates |
| Ex 28:33-34 | bells of gold, and pomegranates... on the hem of the robe all around... | Pomegranates on High Priest's garment |
| Ex 39:24-26 | On the hems of the robe they made pomegranates of blue, purple... | Confirmation of pomegranates on high priest's robe |
| Deut 8:8 | a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates... | Pomegranates as a symbol of the promised land |
| Num 13:23 | They came to the Valley of Eshcol and cut down from there a branch... with pomegranates and figs. | Pomegranates from the promised land |
| S of Sol 4:3 | Your temples are like halves of a pomegranate... | Pomegranates as a symbol of beauty |
| S of Sol 6:7 | Your temples are like halves of a pomegranate... | Beauty likened to pomegranates |
| S of Sol 6:11 | to see whether the vines had budded, whether the pomegranates were in bloom. | Symbol of growth and fruitfulness |
| S of Sol 7:12 | Let us go out early to the vineyards... let us see whether the pomegranates have flowered. | Symbol of new beginnings and bloom |
| Joel 1:12 | The vine has dried up; the fig tree droops... the pomegranate also. | Pomegranates associated with lament/curse |
| Ez 47:12 | fruit trees of all kinds on both sides of the river... their fruit for food, and their leaves for healing. | Abundance and healing (related to fruitfulness) |
| Ps 92:14 | They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green... | Image of fruitfulness in God's people |
| Gal 5:22-23 | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace... | Spiritual fruitfulness |
| Jn 15:5 | I am the vine; you are the branches... bear much fruit. | Bearing spiritual fruit in Christ |
| Eph 2:21 | In him the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple... | Believers as living temple, built up |
| 1 Cor 3:16 | Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? | Believers as God's spiritual temple |
| Rev 22:2 | on either side of the river, was the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit... | Abundance in the new heaven and earth (ultimate fulfillment) |
1 Kings 7 verses
1 Kings 7 42 Meaning
1 Kings 7:42 meticulously describes the ornate detailing of Solomon's Temple, specifically the four hundred pomegranates arranged in two rows on each of the two bronze capitals crowning the massive pillars, Jachin and Boaz. This verse emphasizes the precise craftsmanship and rich symbolism integrated into God's dwelling place. It speaks to the beauty, fruitfulness, and divine order envisioned for the sacred structure, illustrating the glory and majesty of the God whom the Temple served.
1 Kings 7 42 Context
Chapter 7 of 1 Kings provides a detailed account of Solomon's extensive building projects, primarily focusing on the construction of the Temple for the Lord, as well as his own palace and other governmental structures. This particular verse falls within the section describing the intricate and elaborate furnishings and adornments of the Temple (1 Kings 7:13-51), following the account of the two immense bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz (1 Kings 7:15-22). The preceding verses describe the casting of these pillars, their dimensions, and the general design of their capitals, including the networks and lilies. Verse 42 then provides the precise quantity and arrangement of the pomegranates, emphasizing the painstaking detail and luxurious materials used to fulfill the divine mandate for God's earthly dwelling. Historically, the Temple was the central place of worship, embodying God's presence among His people and serving as a tangible representation of His glory.
1 Kings 7 42 Word Analysis
- four hundred pomegranates (מֵאוֹת רִמֹּנִים - me'ot rimmonim):
- rimmonim: Pomegranates are rich in symbolism. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, they signified fertility, life, prosperity, and royalty due to their many seeds and rich red color. In biblical context, pomegranates represent abundance, blessings, and the fruitfulness of the land of Israel (Deut 8:8). Their inclusion on the Temple pillars echoes their use on the high priest's ephod (Ex 28:33-34), connecting the Temple's design to divinely prescribed sacred adornment from the Tabernacle. The number 400 is a substantial quantity, highlighting the lavishness and opulence dedicated to God's house, emphasizing meticulous attention to every detail of divine instruction or inspired design.
- for the two lattices (לִשְׂבָכוֹת - li'sevakhoth):
- sebakhoth: This refers to intricate network or latticework, likely a finely cast bronze filigree that covered the capitals. This design suggests beauty, intricacy, and an enclosed yet open aesthetic. It speaks to divine beauty and complexity, indicating that no effort or detail was spared in making God’s dwelling magnificent.
- two rows of pomegranates for each lattice: This repetition highlights symmetry, order, and completion. The pairing signifies duality or completeness. The "rows" emphasize orderly arrangement rather than scattered placement, indicating divine design and meticulous organization.
- to cover the two bowls of the capitals (לְכַפּוֹת אֶת־שְׁתֵּי הַגֻּלֹּת - lekhappoth eth-sh'tei hagulloth):
- gulloth: Refers to bowls or globes, indicating the rounded or hemispherical shape of the upper part of the capitals, upon which the intricate lattice-work and pomegranates were set. This reinforces the structural and aesthetic function of the pomegranates as an ornamental cover, adding to the grandeur of the pillars.
- that were on the tops of the pillars (אֲשֶׁר עַל־רָאשֵׁי הָעַמֻּדִים - asher al-rashei ha'ammudim):
- ammudim: Refers specifically to the two colossal bronze pillars, Jachin ("He will establish") and Boaz ("In strength"). These pillars stood at the entrance of the Temple, representing stability, divine establishment, and strength. The pomegranates atop them thus symbolize the fruitfulness and blessings associated with God's established presence and power. The phrase emphasizes the high placement, drawing the eye upwards to the richly adorned entrance of the sanctuary.
1 Kings 7 42 Bonus Section
The sheer scale of the Temple's adornment, exemplified by 1 Kings 7:42, required immense resources and skilled artisans, demonstrating Israel's wealth under Solomon and the national commitment to honoring God. The use of bronze, a durable and valuable metal, underscores the permanence and lasting significance of the Temple's construction. This level of detail in Scripture is not arbitrary; it signifies God's own delight in order, beauty, and excellence. It subtly highlights that genuine worship extends beyond mere ritual to an appreciation for all that is excellent and carefully crafted in devotion to the Lord. The specific numerical count (four hundred, two rows) indicates divine inspiration even in the decorative aspects, suggesting that everything about God's presence, from the grand structure to the smallest embellishment, carries intentionality and meaning.
1 Kings 7 42 Commentary
1 Kings 7:42 provides an exceptionally detailed glimpse into the architectural splendor and symbolic depth of Solomon's Temple. Beyond mere decoration, the four hundred pomegranates served as potent visual symbols. Their abundant seeds signified life, fertility, and the flourishing of God's people under His blessing, reflecting the covenant promises made to Israel. Their arrangement in precise rows on the lattices atop the grand pillars (Jachin and Boaz, representing divine establishment and strength) underscored the order, beauty, and lavishness befitting a dwelling place for the Almighty. This meticulous design spoke to the Israelites of God’s meticulous nature, His abundant provision, and His desire for holiness and beauty in worship. The continuity of the pomegranate motif from the Tabernacle's High Priestly garments further solidified its sacred significance, portraying a cohesive divine blueprint across generations. This physical Temple, adorned in such splendor, prefigured the ultimate "Temple"—Jesus Christ—who established God's presence among humanity, and eventually, the body of believers who are God's spiritual dwelling place (Eph 2:19-22; 1 Cor 3:16). The beauty and fruitfulness expressed here point to the glory and abundance that characterize life in God's presence.