1 Kings Chapter 7 · Verse 15
For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֛צַר
For he cast
H6696
וַיָּ֛צַר
For he cast
Strong's:
H6696
Word #:
1 of 19
to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽעַמּ֥וּד
apiece
H5982
הָֽעַמּ֥וּד
apiece
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
4 of 19
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
of brass
H5178
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
of brass
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
5 of 19
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
שְׁמֹנֶ֨ה
of eighteen
H8083
שְׁמֹנֶ֨ה
of eighteen
Strong's:
H8083
Word #:
6 of 19
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
עֶשְׂרֵ֜ה
H6240
עֶשְׂרֵ֜ה
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
7 of 19
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
אַמָּ֔ה
cubits
H520
אַמָּ֔ה
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
8 of 19
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)
הָֽעַמּ֥וּד
apiece
H5982
הָֽעַמּ֥וּד
apiece
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
10 of 19
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
הָֽאֶחָ֔ד
H259
עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה
H6240
עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
14 of 19
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
אַמָּ֔ה
cubits
H520
אַמָּ֔ה
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
15 of 19
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)
יָסֹ֖ב
did compass
H5437
יָסֹ֖ב
did compass
Strong's:
H5437
Word #:
16 of 19
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Jeremiah 52:21And 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.1 Kings 7:21And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of temple furnishings and solomon's palace, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.