King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 3:17 Mean?

2 Chronicles 3:17 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Chronicles 3:17 · KJV


Context

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 17 words
וַיָּ֤קֶם1 of 17

And he reared up

H6965

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

אֶת2 of 17
H853

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

הָֽעַמּוּדִים֙3 of 17

the pillars

H5982

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

עַל4 of 17
H5921

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

פְּנֵ֣י5 of 17

before

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

הַֽהֵיכָ֔ל6 of 17

the temple

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

וְאֶחָ֣ד7 of 17

and the other

H259

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

מִיָּמִ֖ין8 of 17

on the right hand

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

וְאֶחָ֣ד9 of 17

and the other

H259

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

מֵֽהַשְּׂמֹ֑אול10 of 17

of that on the left

H8042

situated on the left side

וַיִּקְרָ֤א11 of 17

and called

H7121

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

וְשֵׁ֥ם12 of 17

and the name

H8034

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

הַיְמָינִי֙13 of 17
H3227

right

יָכִ֔ין14 of 17

Jachin

H3199

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

וְשֵׁ֥ם15 of 17

and the name

H8034

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

הַשְּׂמָאלִ֖י16 of 17

on the left

H8040

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

בֹּֽעַז׃17 of 17

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 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 3:17 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 3:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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