King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:42 Mean?

1 Kings 7:42 in the King James Version says “And four hundred pomegranates for the two networks, even two rows of pomegranates for one network, to cover the two bowl...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And four hundred pomegranates for the two networks, even two rows of pomegranates for one network, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters that were upon the pillars; upon: Heb. upon the face of the pillars”

1 Kings 7:42 · King James Version

Context

40

And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basons. So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he made king Solomon for the house of the LORD: And Hiram: Heb. And Hirom

41

The two pillars, and the two bowls of the chapiters that were on the top of the two pillars; and the two networks, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters which were upon the top of the pillars;

42

And four hundred pomegranates for the two networks, even two rows of pomegranates for one network, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters that were upon the pillars; upon: Heb. upon the face of the pillars

43

And the ten bases, and ten lavers on the bases;

44

And one sea, and twelve oxen under the sea;

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And four hundred pomegranates for the two networks, even two rows of pomegranates for one network, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters that were upon the pillars;

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְאֶת1 of 20
H853

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

רִמֹּנִים֙2 of 20

“of pomegranates”

H7416

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

אַרְבַּ֥ע3 of 20

“And four”

H702

four

מֵא֖וֹת4 of 20

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שְׁתֵּי֙5 of 20

“even two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

לַשְּׂבָכָ֣ה6 of 20

“network”

H7639

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

שְׁתֵּי֙7 of 20

“even two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

טוּרִ֤ים8 of 20

“rows”

H2905

a row; hence, a wall

רִמֹּנִים֙9 of 20

“of pomegranates”

H7416

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

לַשְּׂבָכָ֣ה10 of 20

“network”

H7639

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

הָֽאֶחָ֔ת11 of 20

“for one”

H259

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

לְכַסּ֗וֹת12 of 20

“to cover”

H3680

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

אֶת13 of 20
H853

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

שְׁתֵּי֙14 of 20

“even two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

גֻּלּ֣וֹת15 of 20

“bowls”

H1543

a fountain, bowl or globe (all as round)

הַכֹּֽתָרֹ֔ת16 of 20

“of the chapiters”

H3805

the capital of a column

אֲשֶׁ֖ר17 of 20
H834

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

עַל18 of 20
H5921

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

פְּנֵ֥י19 of 20

“that were upon”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָֽעַמּוּדִֽים׃20 of 20

“the pillars”

H5982

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

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 7:42 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 7:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 7:20

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