King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 52:23 Mean?
“And there were ninety and six pomegranates on a side; and all the pomegranates upon the network were an hundred round about.”
Jeremiah 52:23 · KJV
Context
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
25
He took also out of the city an eunuch, which had the charge of the men of war; and seven men of them that were near the king's person, which were found in the city; and the principal scribe of the host, who mustered the people of the land; and threescore men of the people of the land, that were found in the midst of the city. were near: Heb. saw the face of the king principal: or, scribe of the captain of the host
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryNinety and six pomegranates on a side—96 visible from any direction, with an hundred round about total, suggesting four were at the corners or hidden. This precise enumeration in the midst of catastrophe shows Scripture's historical reliability and God's sovereignty over every detail, even in judgment.
The number 100 often symbolizes completeness in Scripture. The complete destruction of these complete decorations underscores the totality of God's judgment. Yet the meticulous recording suggests these details mattered to God—even in wrath, He remembers His house.
The number 100 often symbolizes completeness in Scripture. The complete destruction of these complete decorations underscores the totality of God's judgment. Yet the meticulous recording suggests these details mattered to God—even in wrath, He remembers His house.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The discrepancy between 96 visible and 100 total pomegranates has been explained by architectural scholars as corner pomegranates positioned at 90-degree angles, visible from neither cardinal direction. This detail confirms eyewitness testimony in Scripture's historical accounts.
Reflection Questions
- What does God's attention to detail—even counting pomegranates during judgment—reveal about His character?
- How does the completeness of the Temple's destruction (all 100 pomegranates destroyed) mirror the completeness of Judah's covenant unfaithfulness?
- In what ways does God's sovereignty extend to the smallest details of your life, even in seasons of discipline?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 11 wordsוַיִּֽהְיוּ֙1 of 11
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הָרִמּוֹנִ֥ים2 of 11
“and all the pomegranates”
H7416a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)
וְשִׁשָּׁ֖ה4 of 11
“and six”
H8337six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
ר֑וּחָה5 of 11
“on a side”
H7307wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
כָּל6 of 11
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָרִמּוֹנִ֥ים7 of 11
“and all the pomegranates”
H7416a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)
עַל9 of 11
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַשְּׂבָכָ֖ה10 of 11
“upon the network”
H7639a net-work, i.e., (in hunting) a snare, (in architecture) a ballustrade; also a reticulated ornament to a pillar
סָבִֽיב׃11 of 11
“round about”
H5439(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
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 52:23 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 52:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge