1 Kings 7:18

Authorized King James Version

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And he made the pillars, and two rows round about upon the one network, to cover the chapiters that were upon the top, with pomegranates: and so did he for the other chapiter.

Original Language Analysis

עָשָׂ֔ה And he made H6213
עָשָׂ֔ה And he made
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 1 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽעַמּוּדִ֑ים the pillars H5982
הָֽעַמּוּדִ֑ים the pillars
Strong's: H5982
Word #: 3 of 20
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
וּשְׁנֵי֩ and two H8147
וּשְׁנֵי֩ and two
Strong's: H8147
Word #: 4 of 20
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
טוּרִ֨ים rows H2905
טוּרִ֨ים rows
Strong's: H2905
Word #: 5 of 20
a row; hence, a wall
סָבִ֜יב round about H5439
סָבִ֜יב round about
Strong's: H5439
Word #: 6 of 20
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 7 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַשְּׂבָכָ֣ה network H7639
הַשְּׂבָכָ֣ה network
Strong's: H7639
Word #: 8 of 20
a net-work, i.e., (in hunting) a snare, (in architecture) a ballustrade; also a reticulated ornament to a pillar
הָֽאֶחָ֗ת upon the one H259
הָֽאֶחָ֗ת upon the one
Strong's: H259
Word #: 9 of 20
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
לְכַסּ֤וֹת to cover H3680
לְכַסּ֤וֹת to cover
Strong's: H3680
Word #: 10 of 20
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 11 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לַכֹּתֶ֖רֶת chapiter H3805
לַכֹּתֶ֖רֶת chapiter
Strong's: H3805
Word #: 12 of 20
the capital of a column
אֲשֶׁר֙ H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's: H834
Word #: 13 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 14 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹ֣אשׁ that were upon the top H7218
רֹ֣אשׁ that were upon the top
Strong's: H7218
Word #: 15 of 20
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הָֽרִמֹּנִ֔ים with pomegranates H7416
הָֽרִמֹּנִ֔ים with pomegranates
Strong's: H7416
Word #: 16 of 20
a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)
וְכֵ֣ן H3651
וְכֵ֣ן
Strong's: H3651
Word #: 17 of 20
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
עָשָׂ֔ה And he made H6213
עָשָׂ֔ה And he made
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 18 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לַכֹּתֶ֖רֶת chapiter H3805
לַכֹּתֶ֖רֶת chapiter
Strong's: H3805
Word #: 19 of 20
the capital of a column
הַשֵּׁנִֽית׃ he for the other H8145
הַשֵּׁנִֽית׃ he for the other
Strong's: H8145
Word #: 20 of 20
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

Analysis & Commentary

And he made the pillars, and two rows round about upon the one network, to cover the chapiters that were upon the top, with pomegranates: and so did he for the other chapiter.

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.

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

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