King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 3:16 Mean?

2 Chronicles 3:16 in the King James Version says “And he made chains, as in the oracle, and put them on the heads of the pillars; and made an hundred pomegranates, and pu...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he made chains, as in the oracle, and put them on the heads of the pillars; and made an hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains.”

2 Chronicles 3:16 · KJV

Context

14

And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubims thereon. wrought: Heb. caused to ascend

15

Also he made before the house two pillars of thirty and five cubits high, and the chapiter that was on the top of each of them was five cubits. high: Heb. long

16

And he made chains, as in the oracle, and put them on the heads of the pillars; and made an hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains.

17

And he reared up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz. Jachin: that is, He shall establish Boaz: that is, In it is strength

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he made chains, as in the oracle, and put them on the heads of the pillars; and made an hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Building according to divine pattern on consecrated ground. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Temple Construction Begins point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ1 of 12

“And he made”

H6213

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

בַּֽשַּׁרְשְׁרֽוֹת׃2 of 12

“chains”

H8333

a chain; (architectural) probably a garland

בַּדְּבִ֔יר3 of 12

“as in the oracle”

H1687

the shrine or innermost part of the sanctuary

וַיִּתֵּ֖ן4 of 12

“and put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עַל5 of 12
H5921

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

רֹ֣אשׁ6 of 12

“them on the heads”

H7218

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

הָֽעַמֻּדִ֑ים7 of 12

“of the pillars”

H5982

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

וַיַּ֤עַשׂ8 of 12

“And he made”

H6213

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

רִמּוֹנִים֙9 of 12

“pomegranates”

H7416

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

מֵאָ֔ה10 of 12

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וַיִּתֵּ֖ן11 of 12

“and put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בַּֽשַּׁרְשְׁרֽוֹת׃12 of 12

“chains”

H8333

a chain; (architectural) probably a garland

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 3:16 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 2 Chronicles 3:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 7:201 Kings 6:21

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