King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:15 Mean?

1 Kings 7:15 in the King James Version says “For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece : and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of the... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece : and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about. cast: Heb. fashioned

1 Kings 7:15 · KJV


Context

13

And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre.

14

He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work. a widow's: Heb. the son of a widow woman

15

For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece : and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about. cast: Heb. fashioned

16

And he made two chapiters of molten brass, to set upon the tops of the pillars: the height of the one chapiter was five cubits, and the height of the other chapiter was five cubits:

17

And nets of checker work, and wreaths of chain work, for the chapiters which were upon the top of the pillars; seven for the one chapiter, and seven for the other chapiter.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of temple furnishings and solomon's palace, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
  2. What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיָּ֛צַר1 of 19

For he cast

H6696

to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)

אֶת2 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁתֵּים3 of 19

of twelve

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הָֽעַמּ֥וּד4 of 19

apiece

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

נְחֹ֑שֶׁת5 of 19

of brass

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

שְׁמֹנֶ֨ה6 of 19

of eighteen

H8083

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

עֶשְׂרֵ֜ה7 of 19
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

אַמָּ֔ה8 of 19

cubits

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

קוֹמַת֙9 of 19

high

H6967

height

הָֽעַמּ֥וּד10 of 19

apiece

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

הָֽאֶחָ֔ד11 of 19
H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וְחוּט֙12 of 19

and a line

H2339

a string; by implication, a measuring tape

שְׁתֵּים13 of 19

of twelve

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה14 of 19
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

אַמָּ֔ה15 of 19

cubits

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

יָסֹ֖ב16 of 19

did compass

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֶת17 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽעַמּ֥וּד18 of 19

apiece

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

הַשֵּׁנִֽי׃19 of 19

either

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 7:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 7:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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