2 Chronicles 3 17

2 Chronicles 3:17 kjv

And he reared up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz.

2 Chronicles 3:17 nkjv

Then he set up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand and the other on the left; he called the name of the one on the right hand Jachin, and the name of the one on the left Boaz.

2 Chronicles 3:17 niv

He erected the pillars in the front of the temple, one to the south and one to the north. The one to the south he named Jakin and the one to the north Boaz.

2 Chronicles 3:17 esv

He set up the pillars in front of the temple, one on the south, the other on the north; that on the south he called Jachin, and that on the north Boaz.

2 Chronicles 3:17 nlt

Then he set up the two pillars at the entrance of the Temple, one to the south of the entrance and the other to the north. He named the one on the south Jakin, and the one on the north Boaz.

2 Chronicles 3 verses

2 Chronicles 3 17 Meaning

2 Chronicles 3:17 describes the placement and naming of two prominent bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, erected by King Solomon at the entrance (porch) of the Temple in Jerusalem. These were not structural but served as powerful theological declarations. The right pillar was named Jachin, meaning "He will establish," referring to God's faithfulness to establish His covenant and the Davidic line. The left pillar was named Boaz, meaning "In Him is strength," affirming God as the ultimate source of power and might. Together, they symbolized God's foundational support and inherent power for the Temple and the nation.

2 Chronicles 3 17 Context

The verse is nestled within the detailed account of Solomon's construction of the first Temple in Jerusalem, specifically describing the features of the Temple's elaborate entrance porch (2 Chr 3:3-17). Following descriptions of the Temple's dimensions, materials, and decorations, these two massive bronze pillars are presented as the culminating architectural and symbolic elements before one enters the sacred space. This positioning, "before the temple," meant they were the first and last things observed upon entering and exiting the house of God, serving as perpetual reminders of God's character and covenant faithfulness to the people. Historically and culturally, grand structures often featured such prominent elements; however, here, the unique naming distinguished them as declarations of Yahweh's attributes, contrasting with common pagan practices of naming elements after deities or earthly rulers. Their presence served as a constant affirmation that the Temple stood and thrived not by human ingenuity alone, but by divine establishment and strength.

2 Chronicles 3 17 Word analysis

• He set up: Refers to Solomon, the key agent in the Temple's construction. This indicates a deliberate act of construction and dedication, reflecting royal authority in the building of God's dwelling place.
• the pillars: (Heb. ‘ammudim). These were colossal bronze castings (approx. 27 feet tall based on 1 Kgs 7:15-16, excluding capitols) but hollow, not structural load-bearers. They were ornamental and symbolic, symbolizing stability, strength, and perhaps God's presence at the entrance of His house.
• before the temple: (Heb. lifne habayit). This precise placement, at the entrance to the porch (‘ulam), highlights their prominence. They were designed to be seen immediately by anyone approaching or departing, making their symbolism unmistakable.
• one on the right hand, and the other on the left: Indicates symmetry. When facing the Temple's main entrance, the right pillar would be to the south, and the left to the north. This balanced placement was aesthetically pleasing and visually powerful.
• called the name of that on the right hand Jachin: The act of "calling a name" (Heb. qara shem) signified more than mere identification; it imbued the object with profound theological meaning, reflecting its purpose, nature, or a divine declaration associated with it. Like places or people in the Bible given names significant to God's dealings.
  • Jachin: (Heb. Yakhin, יָכִין). Derived from the verb kun (כּוּן), meaning "to establish, confirm, make firm, prepare." The name signifies "He (God) will establish." It powerfully linked to God's promise to establish David's throne and dynasty (2 Sam 7:12-16). The Temple itself, as the dwelling place for God's name, was established by divine will and covenant, not human power. It was a constant reminder of God's faithfulness and enduring covenant.
• and the name of that on the left Boaz:
  • Boaz: (Heb. Bo‘az, בֹּעַז). Generally understood as "In him is strength" or "By his strength," derived from ‘oz (עֹז), meaning "strength, might, power." This pillar declared that all power, resilience, and ultimate success for the Temple, the kingship, and Israel depended solely on God. It countered any reliance on human strength, military power, or political alliances, pointing instead to divine omnipotence as the source of security and well-being.
• Pillars' naming: This words-group analysis underscores that the pillars were essentially two gigantic theological pronouncements permanently affixed to the Temple entrance. They were a dual testament to God's foundational attributes: His commitment to establish His covenant and His absolute might as the sole source of true strength. Visitors were constantly reminded that the very existence and security of God's dwelling, His kingdom, and His people derived solely from His divine establishment and power. They implicitly served as a polemic against reliance on human achievements or pagan deities believed to offer strength and stability.

2 Chronicles 3 17 Bonus section

The massive bronze pillars were a significant innovation for the Temple, surpassing common architectural elements. Their names serve as a dual declaration mirroring key themes of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. Their function was not to support the roof structurally, but to symbolize the spiritual foundations upon which the Temple, the Davidic monarchy, and the nation rested. They formed a 'theological threshold,' requiring all who entered to acknowledge God's power and faithfulness. Later, these same impressive pillars would be broken apart and carried off to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar (Jer 52:17-23), ironically demonstrating that while human structures might fail or be destroyed, God's promise to "establish" endures beyond physical forms, pointing towards a spiritual reality and a new covenant in Christ. The detailed craftsmanship for these pillars (described in 1 Kgs 7) underscores the value and intention behind their symbolic presence.

2 Chronicles 3 17 Commentary

2 Chronicles 3:17 distills profound theological truths into architectural form. The two great bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, standing sentinel before the Temple, were more than ornate structures; they were the Temple's first and most prominent theological statement. "Jachin" declared God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, especially concerning the enduring Davidic dynasty and the perpetuation of His divine dwelling place. It signified divine initiative and faithfulness. "Boaz," conversely, asserted God's omnipotent power as the sole basis of the Temple's existence, the kingdom's stability, and Israel's security. It precluded human boasting, emphasizing divine enablement. Together, these pillars acted as a constant sermon in stone, perpetually reminding those entering or leaving God's presence that the worship and prosperity of Israel were entirely contingent upon God's gracious establishment and infinite strength, not human ingenuity or earthly power. They affirmed that true worship stems from a recognition of divine sovereignty and steadfast love.

• Practical usage:
  • When we feel unstable, recall Jachin: God will establish.
  • When we feel weak, recall Boaz: Our strength is found in Him.
  • Before spiritual undertakings, remember that God establishes and strengthens.