King James Version
What Does 1 Kings 7:20 Mean?
“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.”
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.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(20) **Over against** (or rather, close to) **the belly which was by the network.**—The “belly” here (like the “bowls” or “globes” of the chapiters in 1Kings 7:41-42) seems to signify the rounded form of the capital, where it comes down to join the shaft. At this junction the bands of pomegranate ornament ran round the shaft. In this verse it is obvious that there is an omission in the text. It should be, “were two hundred in rows round about the one chapiter, and two hundred in rows round about the other chapiter.” Hence the “four hundred” of 1Kings 7:42 and 2Chronicles 4:13.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge