King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:18 Mean?

1 Kings 7:18 in the King James Version says “And he made the pillars, and two rows round about upon the one network, to cover the chapiters that were upon the top, w...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 7:18 · KJV

Context

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.

20

And the chapiters upon the two pillars had pomegranates also above, over against the belly which was by the network: and the pomegranates were two hundred in rows round about upon the other chapiter.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 20 words
עָשָׂ֔ה1 of 20

“And he made”

H6213

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

אֶת2 of 20
H853

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

הָֽעַמּוּדִ֑ים3 of 20

“the pillars”

H5982

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

וּשְׁנֵי֩4 of 20

“and two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

טוּרִ֨ים5 of 20

“rows”

H2905

a row; hence, a wall

סָבִ֜יב6 of 20

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

עַל7 of 20
H5921

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

הַשְּׂבָכָ֣ה8 of 20

“network”

H7639

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

הָֽאֶחָ֗ת9 of 20

“upon the one”

H259

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

לְכַסּ֤וֹת10 of 20

“to cover”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

אֶת11 of 20
H853

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

לַכֹּתֶ֖רֶת12 of 20

“chapiter”

H3805

the capital of a column

אֲשֶׁר֙13 of 20
H834

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

עַל14 of 20
H5921

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

רֹ֣אשׁ15 of 20

“that were upon the top”

H7218

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

הָֽרִמֹּנִ֔ים16 of 20

“with pomegranates”

H7416

a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)

וְכֵ֣ן17 of 20
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

עָשָׂ֔ה18 of 20

“And he made”

H6213

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

לַכֹּתֶ֖רֶת19 of 20

“chapiter”

H3805

the capital of a column

הַשֵּׁנִֽית׃20 of 20

“he 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 7:18 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 7:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 39:15-18Exodus 28:24-25Exodus 28:14Exodus 28:222 Kings 25:17

Test Your Knowledge

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