King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:17 Mean?

1 Kings 7:17 in the King James Version says “And nets of checker work, and wreaths of chain work, for the chapiters which were upon the top of the pillars; seven for... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 7:17 · KJV


Context

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.

19

And the chapiters that were upon the top of the pillars were of lily work in the porch, four cubits.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 17 words
שְׂבָכִ֞ים1 of 17

And nets

H7638

a netting (ornament to the capital of a column)

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה2 of 17

work

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

שְׂבָכָ֗ה3 of 17

of checker

H7639

a net-work, i.e., (in hunting) a snare, (in architecture) a ballustrade; also a reticulated ornament to a pillar

גְּדִלִים֙4 of 17

and wreaths

H1434

thread, i.e., a tassel or festoon

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה5 of 17

work

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

שַׁרְשְׁר֔וֹת6 of 17

of chain

H8333

a chain; (architectural) probably a garland

לַכֹּתֶ֥רֶת7 of 17

chapiter

H3805

the capital of a column

אֲשֶׁ֖ר8 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עַל9 of 17
H5921

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

רֹ֣אשׁ10 of 17

which were upon the top

H7218

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

הָֽעַמּוּדִ֑ים11 of 17

of the pillars

H5982

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

וְשִׁבְעָ֖ה12 of 17

and seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

לַכֹּתֶ֥רֶת13 of 17

chapiter

H3805

the capital of a column

הָֽאֶחָ֔ת14 of 17

for the one

H259

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

וְשִׁבְעָ֖ה15 of 17

and seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

לַכֹּתֶ֥רֶת16 of 17

chapiter

H3805

the capital of a column

הַשֵּׁנִֽית׃17 of 17

for 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 7:17 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 7:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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