2 Chronicles 3 15

2 Chronicles 3:15 kjv

Also he made before the house two pillars of thirty and five cubits high, and the chapiter that was on the top of each of them was five cubits.

2 Chronicles 3:15 nkjv

Also he made in front of the temple two pillars thirty-five cubits high, and the capital that was on the top of each of them was five cubits.

2 Chronicles 3:15 niv

For the front of the temple he made two pillars, which together were thirty-five cubits long, each with a capital five cubits high.

2 Chronicles 3:15 esv

In front of the house he made two pillars thirty-five cubits high, with a capital of five cubits on the top of each.

2 Chronicles 3:15 nlt

For the front of the Temple, he made two pillars that were 27 feet tall, each topped by a capital extending upward another 7 1?2 feet.

2 Chronicles 3 verses

2 Chronicles 3 15 Meaning

This verse describes specific architectural elements of Solomon's Temple, particularly the dimensions of the two prominent bronze pillars standing before the sanctuary's porch. It states that these two pillars, known as Jachin and Boaz, had a combined height for their main shafts of thirty-five cubits, meaning each pillar shaft was seventeen and a half cubits high. Additionally, each pillar was topped with an ornamental capital, or "chapiter," that measured five cubits in height. This detail emphasizes the temple's magnificent design, the meticulous craftsmanship employed, and the symbolic significance imbued into its every part.

2 Chronicles 3 15 Context

The Book of 2 Chronicles focuses heavily on the Temple in Jerusalem and the Davidic monarchy, particularly highlighting God's faithfulness and covenant promises connected to these institutions. Chapter 3 immediately follows the decision to build the Temple and details its initial construction. This verse fits within a larger section (2 Chr 3:1-17) describing the exact dimensions, materials, and features of the various parts of the Temple building. It emphasizes the opulence and sacred nature of the structure dedicated to the worship of YHWH, reinforcing its central role in the national and spiritual life of Israel. The historical context is that of King Solomon's reign, the zenith of Israelite power and prosperity, fulfilling David's desire to build a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the presence of God among His people.

2 Chronicles 3 15 Word analysis

• Also he made: וַיַּעַשׂ (vayya'as) - "and he made/did." This verb emphasizes action and creation, attributing the specific construction directly to Solomon's work. The meticulous detailing implies the careful planning and divine guidance behind the project.
• before the house: לִפְנֵי הַבָּיִת (lifne habbayit) - "in front of the house/temple." These pillars were not structural supports for the building itself but stood free, prominently positioned at the entrance, signifying their symbolic rather than architectural purpose.
• two pillars: שְׁנֵי עַמּוּדִים (shney 'ammudim) - "two columns/pillars." The dual nature of the pillars is consistent. These were monumental bronzes, symbolic rather than load-bearing.
• of thirty and five cubits high: שְׁלֹשִׁים וַחֲמִשָּׁה בָאַמָּה גֹּבַהּ (sheloshim vaḥamishah ba'ammah gobahh) - "thirty and five in cubit height." This is the precise measurement for the pillar shafts.
  • Discrepancy with 1 Kings 7:15: 1 Ki 7:15 states "eighteen cubits high apiece." Scholars commonly reconcile this by understanding 2 Chr 3:15's "thirty and five cubits high" as the combined height of the two pillars' main shafts (17.5 cubits each), which is then rounded up to 18 cubits apiece in 1 Kings. This rounding is common in ancient numerical descriptions and resolves the apparent contradiction. Alternatively, some interpretations suggest the 35 cubits referred to the raw length of the bronze casting for the pillars before being cut to size or incorporated into pedestals. The reconciliation involving combined height then rounded up is generally favored for its linguistic coherence.
• and the chapiter: וְהַכֹּתֶרֶת (ve hakkoteret) - "and the capital/chapiter." This is the ornamental crowning piece of a column, often richly decorated. It indicates artistic and detailed embellishment beyond simple functionality.
• that was on the top of each of them: אֲשֶׁר עַל־רֹאשׁוֹ הַמְשֻׁלָּלֶת (asher 'al-ro'sho hamməšulallēt) - literally "which was upon its head," referring to the capital crowning each pillar individually. This confirms identical capitals for both pillars.
• was five cubits: חָמֵשׁ בָּאַמָּה (chamesh ba'ammah) - "five in cubit." This details the specific height of the capitals.
  • Discrepancy with 1 Kings 7:16: 1 Ki 7:16 mentions "a chapiter of brass, three cubits high" and later refers to five cubits in other descriptions. The discrepancy (3 vs. 5 cubits for chapiter height) is often resolved by understanding that the "five cubits" in 2 Chronicles 3:15 encompasses the entire ornamental complex of the capital, including lattice-work, chains, pomegranates, and perhaps additional decorative layers. 1 Kings may differentiate between the core capital structure (3 cubits) and its extensive decorative overlay.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Also he made before the house two pillars": This phrase introduces the distinct architectural feature and its placement. The act of "making" (יַעַשׂ) highlights the intentional, deliberate construction guided by Solomon. "Before the house" positions these pillars as sentinels or grand entry points, setting them apart from the Temple's structural walls.
• "of thirty and five cubits high": This phrase gives the vertical measurement of the pillar shafts, subject to the scholarly interpretation of "combined height" of both shafts (17.5 cubits each) to harmonize with the Kings account, underscoring meticulous, yet sometimes rounded or total, ancient measurements.
• "and the chapiter that was on the top of each of them was five cubits": This adds the crowning decorative element to each pillar. The repetition of "each of them" emphasizes their identical nature. The height of the capital speaks to the aesthetic and symbolic completeness, adding a distinct ornamental aspect that enhanced their imposing presence.

2 Chronicles 3 15 Bonus section

• Material significance: The pillars were cast from bronze, a highly durable and precious metal in ancient times. This signifies permanence and strength, reflecting the enduring nature of God's covenant promises and His established presence. Bronze was also symbolically connected to judgment and cleansing in the Tabernacle.
• The Names of the Pillars: Although not in this verse, 2 Chr 3:17 names the pillars Jachin and Boaz. Their very names (Yakhin meaning "He will establish" and Boaz meaning "In him is strength" or "by strength") underscore the theological message. They stood as visible reminders that YHWH alone establishes His dwelling, His kingdom, and His people, and provides the strength to uphold them. These names encapsulate the essence of God's covenant faithfulness and omnipotence.
• The Pillars' Appearance: Commentaries, drawing from 1 Kings 7, describe intricate network, chains, and pomegranates adorning the capitals, creating a rich tapestry of symbolism often associated with fruitfulness, blessing, and divine order. This intricate detail further highlights the opulence and sacred significance of the Temple.

2 Chronicles 3 15 Commentary

2 Chronicles 3:15 offers precise, albeit seemingly discrepant with 1 Kings, measurements of the iconic bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, erected at the Temple entrance. The "thirty and five cubits high" for the two pillars' shafts is best understood as their combined height (17.5 cubits each), demonstrating that while God demands faithfulness in detail, scribal accounts can include rounding for ease or specific narrative focus. The five-cubit high capitals, distinct on "each of them," emphasize the symmetric and lavish adornment of God's dwelling place. These pillars, while non-structural to the building, were profoundly symbolic, serving as monumental declarations of God's promise to establish His people ("Jachin" - He will establish) and to provide strength ("Boaz" - In Him is strength) to them and to the Davidic line. Their strategic placement at the entrance conveyed these theological truths to all who approached God's presence, marking the Temple not just as a physical structure but as a testament to divine steadfastness and power. Their grandeur speaks to the ultimate authority and magnificence of the One worshipped within.