King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:20 Mean?

1 Kings 7:20 in the King James Version says “And the chapiters upon the two pillars had pomegranates also above, over against the belly which was by the network: and...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 7:20 · KJV

Context

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.

21

And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz. Jachin: that is, He shall establish Boaz: that is, In it is strength

22

And upon the top of the pillars was lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished.

Read 1 Kings 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 18 words
הַכֹּתֶ֥רֶת1 of 18

“And the chapiters”

H3805

the capital of a column

עַל2 of 18
H5921

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

שְׁנֵי֙3 of 18

“upon the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הָֽעַמּוּדִ֔ים4 of 18

“pillars”

H5982

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

גַּם5 of 18
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

מִמַּ֙עַל֙6 of 18

“had pomegranates also above”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

מִלְּעֻמַּ֣ת7 of 18

“over against”

H5980

conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

הַבֶּ֔טֶן8 of 18

“the belly”

H990

the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

אֲשֶׁ֖ר9 of 18
H834

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

לְעֵ֣בֶר10 of 18

“which was by”

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

שְּׂבָכָ֑ה11 of 18

“the network”

H7639

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

וְהָֽרִמּוֹנִ֤ים12 of 18

“and the pomegranates”

H7416

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

מָאתַ֙יִם֙13 of 18

“were two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

טֻרִ֣ים14 of 18

“in rows”

H2905

a row; hence, a wall

סָבִ֔יב15 of 18

“round about”

H5439

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

עַ֖ל16 of 18
H5921

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

הַכֹּתֶ֥רֶת17 of 18

“And the chapiters”

H3805

the capital of a column

הַשֵּׁנִֽית׃18 of 18

“upon 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 7:20 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 7:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 4:132 Chronicles 3:161 Kings 7:42Jeremiah 52:22-232 Kings 25:17

Test Your Knowledge

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