King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:21 Mean?

1 Kings 7:21 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 7:21 · KJV

Strength

Context

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.

23

And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about. from: Heb. from his brim to his brim

Read 1 Kings 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').

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. Temple architecture followed patterns common to ancient Near Eastern sanctuaries, but Israel's temple distinctly lacked any image of Yahweh, emphasizing His transcendence. 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 · 21 words
וַיָּ֙קֶם֙1 of 21

“And he set up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֶת2 of 21
H853

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

הָֽעַמּ֣וּד3 of 21

“pillar”

H5982

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

לְאֻלָ֖ם4 of 21

“in the porch”

H197

a vestibule (as bound to the building)

הַֽהֵיכָ֑ל5 of 21

“of the temple”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

וַיָּ֙קֶם֙6 of 21

“And he set up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֶת7 of 21
H853

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

הָֽעַמּ֣וּד8 of 21

“pillar”

H5982

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

הַיְמָנִ֗י9 of 21

“the right”

H3233

right (i.e., at the right hand)

וַיִּקְרָ֥א10 of 21

“and called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת11 of 21
H853

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

שְׁמ֖וֹ12 of 21

“the ~”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יָכִ֔ין13 of 21

“thereof Jachin”

H3199

jakin, the name of three israelites and of a temple pillar

וַיָּ֙קֶם֙14 of 21

“And he set up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֶת15 of 21
H853

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

הָֽעַמּ֣וּד16 of 21

“pillar”

H5982

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

הַשְּׂמָאלִ֔י17 of 21

“the left”

H8042

situated on the left side

וַיִּקְרָ֥א18 of 21

“and called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת19 of 21
H853

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

שְׁמ֖וֹ20 of 21

“the ~”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בֹּֽעַז׃21 of 21

“thereof Boaz”

H1162

boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple

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 7:21 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 7:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 3:171 Kings 6:3Matthew 16:182 Samuel 7:12Ruth 4:21Revelation 3:12

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