2 Chronicles 4 13

2 Chronicles 4:13 kjv

And four hundred pomegranates on the two wreaths; two rows of pomegranates on each wreath, to cover the two pommels of the chapiters which were upon the pillars.

2 Chronicles 4:13 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 the pillars);

2 Chronicles 4:13 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);

2 Chronicles 4:13 esv

and the 400 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.

2 Chronicles 4:13 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);

2 Chronicles 4 verses

2 Chronicles 4 13 Meaning

2 Chronicles 4:13 concisely details the ornate craftsmanship of the bronze furnishings within Solomon's Temple, specifically describing the majestic 'Sea' supported by twelve bronze oxen and the decorative pomegranates. These pomegranates were intricately woven into a network that adorned the bowl-shaped capitals crowning the two prominent bronze pillars, symbolizing the richness and detailed perfection invested in the Lord's dwelling place.

2 Chronicles 4 13 Context

2 Chronicles 4 forms a vital part of the detailed account of Solomon's construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. This chapter specifically describes the extensive bronze furnishings and vessels crafted for the temple, including the colossal "bronze Sea," the ten lavers for priestly washings, the accompanying wheeled stands, and various utensils. Verse 13 specifically consolidates ornamental features related both to the support of the Sea and the decoration of the two monumental pillars, Jachin and Boaz (mentioned in 2 Chronicles 3:15-17). Historically, Solomon's Temple, built around the 10th century BC, was designed to be the central worship site for the unified nation of Israel, signifying God's permanent presence among His people. Its grandeur and precise details were a testament to King Solomon's immense wealth, wisdom, and devotion to the Lord. Culturally, the use of motifs like oxen and pomegranates was common in ancient Near Eastern art, often imbued with pagan associations; however, within the monotheistic context of the Temple of Yahweh, these symbols were purified and repurposed to represent strength, stability, life, fertility, and divine blessings under God's sovereignty. The meticulously crafted design emphasized the holiness and unique nature of the true God's dwelling place, distinctly separating it from pagan idolatrous shrines.

2 Chronicles 4 13 Word analysis

• and the twelve oxen underneath;

  • Twelve (שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר - shənaim ‘asar): This precise number immediately brings to mind the twelve tribes of Israel (Ex 24:4). The oxen, supporting the foundational basin for purity, thus symbolize the entire unified nation supporting and being supported by the worship and purity centered at the Temple.
  • Oxen (בָּקָר - baqar): Cast from bronze, these oxen represent strength, stability, and enduring support. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, oxen were symbols of power and productivity. Here, they symbolize the sturdy foundation and diligent service required for God's house and people. Their typical orientation, three facing each of the four cardinal directions, conveyed completeness and God's sovereignty over all creation (1 Ki 7:25).

• and two rows of pomegranates on the network,

  • Two rows (שְׁתַּיִם שׁוּרוֹת - shtayim shuroth): Signifies deliberate design, order, and visual symmetry, adding to the magnificence and beauty.
  • Pomegranates (רִמּוֹנִים - rimmonim): A fruit abundantly blessed in the Promised Land (Deu 8:8), widely recognized as a symbol of fertility, abundance, life, and prosperity. In Temple decoration and priestly vestments (Ex 28:33), pomegranates represented the fruitfulness of God's blessing on His people and the vibrancy of spiritual life emanating from His presence.
  • Network (שְׂבָכָה - sᵊḇāḵāh): Refers to intricate lattice-work or chain-work of cast bronze. This highly decorative element showcases sophisticated metalworking skill and contributed significantly to the visual splendor, forming a protective yet ornamental casing for the pomegranates. As clarified by 1 Kings 7:42, this network specifically refers to the decorative work on the capitals of the two main pillars.

• to cover the two bowls of the capitals on the top: the sea.

  • To cover (לְכַפּוֹת - ləḵapôṯ): Not in the sense of obscuring, but of adorning or enclosing. The pomegranates and network provided a beautiful overlay, accentuating the design of the capitals.
  • Two bowls (שְׁתַּיִם קַצְּבֹת - shtayim qatzəḇoṯ) of the capitals (כֹּתְרוֹת - kōṯᵊrôṯ): These are the distinct, rounded, bowl-shaped crowns atop the two massive bronze pillars (Jachin and Boaz) that flanked the Temple's entrance (2 Ch 3:15-17). Their elaborate design, including lily work (1 Ki 7:19), demonstrated extraordinary artistic detail and grandeur.
  • on the top (‘al rosh): Clearly indicates the uppermost position of these bowls and their pomegranates on the pillars.
  • the sea (הַיָּם - hayam): The inclusion of "the sea" at the end of this phrase is unique to 2 Chronicles 4:13 compared to parallel accounts (e.g., 1 Ki 7:42, where the description of the pomegranates explicitly relates only to the pillars). This phrasing likely represents a summary style typical of the Chronicler, consolidating different ornate bronze elements created by Huram. It implicitly gathers together all the main bronze pieces being described, the great basin ("the Sea") and the ornamented pillars, underscoring that all these elements were part of the unified, magnificent bronze work within God's Temple.

2 Chronicles 4 13 Bonus section

• Artistic Mastery: The detailed descriptions of the bronze work throughout 2 Chronicles 4, including the complex lattice and the precise number of pomegranates (400 overall, 1 Kings 7:42; 96 for specific arrangements, Jeremiah 52:23), underscore the incredible skill of Huram-abi and his craftsmen. This highlights the dedication of the finest resources and talent to God's service.
• The Temple as a Model: The meticulousness of the Temple's construction, down to every ornament, signifies that God is a God of order and perfection. This earthly sanctuary was a shadow, pointing towards the more perfect heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 8-9) and ultimately to Christ, who is the true fulfillment of all its symbolic elements.
• Textual Variance Significance: The slightly different phrasing between 2 Chronicles 4:13 and its parallel in 1 Kings 7:42, especially regarding "the sea" at the end, is often understood as the Chronicler's stylistic choice to summarize or provide a comprehensive list of the great bronze items fashioned by Huram, rather than a strict sequential or piece-by-piece enumeration as in Kings. This indicates the Chronicler's focus on theological overview and grand spiritual impressions for his post-exilic audience.

2 Chronicles 4 13 Commentary

2 Chronicles 4:13 paints a concise yet profound picture of the rich detail and deep symbolism woven into Solomon's Temple. The massive "Sea," a basin for the ritual cleansing of the priests, stood firmly upon twelve bronze oxen, powerfully signifying both the support from all twelve tribes of Israel and the robust foundation of purity upon which God's presence among His people rested. This immense reservoir of water served a practical need but also carried the deep theological weight of purification necessary for drawing near to a holy God. Simultaneously, the verse extends to the ornamental grandeur of the Temple's two grand pillars. Their prominent bowl-shaped capitals were intricately adorned with two rows of pomegranates, set within artistic networks of bronze. These pomegranates, a potent ancient symbol, resonated within the Temple as signs of life, fertility, divine blessing, and the flourishing abundance that springs from God's covenant with His people. Every bronze piece, from its utilitarian function to its decorative flourishes, declared the magnificence, order, and fruitfulness of the Almighty, teaching lessons of divine provision and the necessity of purity in His holy dwelling. It underscores that even the details matter to God and contribute to His glory.