King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:16 Mean?

1 Kings 7:16 in the King James Version says “And he made two chapiters of molten brass, to set upon the tops of the pillars: the height of the one chapiter was five ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

1 Kings 7:16 · KJV


Context

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.

18

And he made the pillars, and two rows round about upon the one network, to cover the chapiters that were upon the top, with pomegranates: and so did he for the other chapiter.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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
וּשְׁתֵּ֨י1 of 19

two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַכֹּתֶ֥רֶת2 of 19

chapiter

H3805

the capital of a column

עָשָׂ֗ה3 of 19

And he made

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָתֵ֛ת4 of 19

to set

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עַל5 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רָאשֵׁ֥י6 of 19

upon the tops

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הָֽעַמּוּדִ֖ים7 of 19

of the pillars

H5982

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

מֻצַ֣ק8 of 19

of molten

H3332

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

נְחֹ֑שֶׁת9 of 19

brass

H5178

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

וְחָמֵ֣שׁ10 of 19

was five

H2568

five

אַמּ֔וֹת11 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)

קוֹמַ֖ת12 of 19

and the height

H6967

height

הַכֹּתֶ֥רֶת13 of 19

chapiter

H3805

the capital of a column

הָֽאֶחָ֔ת14 of 19

of the one

H259

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

וְחָמֵ֣שׁ15 of 19

was five

H2568

five

אַמּ֔וֹת16 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)

קוֹמַ֖ת17 of 19

and the height

H6967

height

הַכֹּתֶ֥רֶת18 of 19

chapiter

H3805

the capital of a column

הַשֵּׁנִֽית׃19 of 19

of the other

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 7:16 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 7:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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