King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 52:22 Mean?

Jeremiah 52:22 in the King James Version says “And a chapiter of brass was upon it; and the height of one chapiter was five cubits, with network and pomegranates upon ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 52 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And a chapiter of brass was upon it; and the height of one chapiter was five cubits, with network and pomegranates upon the chapiters round about, all of brass. The second pillar also and the pomegranates were like unto these.”

Jeremiah 52:22 · KJV

Context

20

The two pillars, one sea, and twelve brasen bulls that were under the bases, which king Solomon had made in the house of the LORD: the brass of all these vessels was without weight. the brass: Heb. their brass

21

And concerning the pillars, the height of one pillar was eighteen cubits; and a fillet of twelve cubits did compass it; and the thickness thereof was four fingers: it was hollow. fillet: Heb. thread

22

And a chapiter of brass was upon it; and the height of one chapiter was five cubits, with network and pomegranates upon the chapiters round about, all of brass. The second pillar also and the pomegranates were like unto these.

23

And there were ninety and six pomegranates on a side; and all the pomegranates upon the network were an hundred round about.

24

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

Read Jeremiah 52 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A chapiter of brass (כֹּתֶרֶת נְחֹשֶׁת)—the ornate capital atop each pillar, five cubits (7.5 feet) high. The network and pomegranates (שְׂבָכָה וְרִמּוֹנִים) decorated the capitals with intricate latticework and 200 bronze pomegranates (v. 23). Pomegranates symbolized fruitfulness and were woven into the high priest's robe hem (Exodus 28:33-34).

The symmetry—The second pillar also...were like unto these—emphasizes the Temple's ordered beauty, now systematically destroyed. What took years to craft was demolished in days, illustrating how quickly divine judgment falls when covenant is broken.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The pomegranate was a sacred symbol in ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, representing life, fertility, and divine blessing. Their presence on Temple pillars connected Israel's worship to God as the source of all fruitfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the destruction of these beautiful, fruitful symbols teach about the consequences of spiritual barrenness?
  2. How does the contrast between the pillars' creation (taking years) and destruction (taking days) speak to the fragility of blessing without obedience?
  3. In what ways can you cultivate genuine spiritual fruitfulness rather than mere decorative religion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
הַכּוֹתֶ֛רֶת1 of 19

“And a chapiter”

H3805

the capital of a column

עָלָ֜יו2 of 19
H5921

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

נְחֹ֑שֶׁת3 of 19

“all of brass”

H5178

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

וְקוֹמַ֨ת4 of 19

“was upon it and the height”

H6967

height

הַכּוֹתֶ֛רֶת5 of 19

“And a chapiter”

H3805

the capital of a column

הָאַחַת֮6 of 19

“of one”

H259

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

חָמֵ֣שׁ7 of 19

“was five”

H2568

five

אַמּוֹת֒8 of 19

“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)

וּשְׂבָכָ֨ה9 of 19

“with network”

H7639

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

וְרִמּוֹנִֽים׃10 of 19

“also and the pomegranates”

H7416

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

עַֽל11 of 19
H5921

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

הַכּוֹתֶ֛רֶת12 of 19

“And a chapiter”

H3805

the capital of a column

סָבִ֖יב13 of 19

“round about”

H5439

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

הַכֹּ֣ל14 of 19
H3605

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

נְחֹ֑שֶׁת15 of 19

“all of brass”

H5178

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

וְכָאֵ֛לֶּה16 of 19
H428

these or those

לַֽעַמּ֥וּד17 of 19

“pillar”

H5982

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

הַשֵּׁנִ֖י18 of 19

“The second”

H8145

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

וְרִמּוֹנִֽים׃19 of 19

“also and the pomegranates”

H7416

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 52:22 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 Jeremiah 52:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 4:12-132 Chronicles 3:152 Kings 25:171 Kings 7:16-17Exodus 28:14-22Exodus 28:25

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