King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 25:17 Mean?

2 Kings 25:17 in the King James Version says “The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and the chapiter upon it was brass: and the height of the chapiter thr...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and the chapiter upon it was brass: and the height of the chapiter three cubits; and the wreathen work, and pomegranates upon the chapiter round about, all of brass: and like unto these had the second pillar with wreathen work.”

2 Kings 25:17 · KJV

Context

15

And the firepans, and the bowls, and such things as were of gold, in gold, and of silver, in silver, the captain of the guard took away.

16

The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the LORD; the brass of all these vessels was without weight. one: Heb. the one sea

17

The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and the chapiter upon it was brass: and the height of the chapiter three cubits; and the wreathen work, and pomegranates upon the chapiter round about, all of brass: and like unto these had the second pillar with wreathen work.

18

And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door: door: Heb. threshold

19

And out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war, and five men of them that were in the king's presence, which were found in the city, and the principal scribe of the host, which mustered the people of the land, and threescore men of the people of the land that were found in the city: officer: or, eunuch were in: Heb. saw the king's face principal: or, scribe of the captain of the host

Read 2 Kings 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and the chapiter upon it was brass: and the height of the chapiter three cubits; and the wreathen work, and pomegranates upon the chapiter round about, all of brass: and like unto these had the second pillar with wreathen work.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic warnings and demonstrate that God's patience with covenant violation is not infinite.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 25 takes place during the final collapse of Judah and Babylonian exile, early 6th century BCE, 605-586 BCE. The chapter's theme (Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction) reflects the historical reality of the final collapse of Judah, destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and exile to Babylon as covenant curses are fully realized. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 25 regarding covenant curses fulfilled completely?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
שְׁמֹנֶה֩1 of 25

“was eighteen”

H8083

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה2 of 25
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

אַמּה֒3 of 25

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

וְקוֹמַ֣ת4 of 25

“The height”

H6967

height

לַֽעַמּ֥וּד5 of 25

“pillar”

H5982

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

הָֽאֶחָ֗ד6 of 25

“of the one”

H259

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

הַכֹּתֶ֛רֶת7 of 25

“and the chapiter”

H3805

the capital of a column

עָלָ֥יו׀8 of 25
H5921

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

נְחֹ֑שֶׁת9 of 25

“all of brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

וְקוֹמַ֣ת10 of 25

“The height”

H6967

height

הַכֹּתֶ֛רֶת11 of 25

“and the chapiter”

H3805

the capital of a column

שָׁלֹ֣שׁ12 of 25

“three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

אַמּה֒13 of 25

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

הַשְּׂבָכָֽה׃14 of 25

“and the wreathen work”

H7639

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

וְרִמֹּנִ֧ים15 of 25

“and pomegranates”

H7416

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

עַֽל16 of 25
H5921

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

הַכֹּתֶ֛רֶת17 of 25

“and the chapiter”

H3805

the capital of a column

סָבִ֖יב18 of 25

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

הַכֹּ֣ל19 of 25
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נְחֹ֑שֶׁת20 of 25

“all of brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

וְכָאֵ֛לֶּה21 of 25
H428

these or those

לַֽעַמּ֥וּד22 of 25

“pillar”

H5982

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

הַשֵּׁנִ֖י23 of 25

“and like unto these had the second”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

עַל24 of 25
H5921

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

הַשְּׂבָכָֽה׃25 of 25

“and the wreathen work”

H7639

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

2 Kings 25:17 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 Kings 25:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 7:15-22Jeremiah 52:21-23

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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