2 Kings 25:17

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׁמֹנֶה֩
was eighteen
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
#2
עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#3
אַמּה֒
cubits
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)
#4
וְקוֹמַ֣ת
The height
height
#5
לַֽעַמּ֥וּד
pillar
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
#6
הָֽאֶחָ֗ד
of the one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#7
הַכֹּתֶ֛רֶת
and the chapiter
the capital of a column
#8
עָלָ֥יו׀
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
all of brass
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
#10
וְקוֹמַ֣ת
The height
height
#11
הַכֹּתֶ֛רֶת
and the chapiter
the capital of a column
#12
שָׁלֹ֣שׁ
three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#13
אַמּה֒
cubits
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)
#14
הַשְּׂבָכָֽה׃
and the wreathen work
a net-work, i.e., (in hunting) a snare, (in architecture) a ballustrade; also a reticulated ornament to a pillar
#15
וְרִמֹּנִ֧ים
and pomegranates
a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)
#16
עַֽל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
הַכֹּתֶ֛רֶת
and the chapiter
the capital of a column
#18
סָבִ֖יב
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#19
הַכֹּ֣ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#20
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
all of brass
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
#21
וְכָאֵ֛לֶּה
these or those
#22
לַֽעַמּ֥וּד
pillar
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
#23
הַשֵּׁנִ֖י
and like unto these had the second
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
#24
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#25
הַשְּׂבָכָֽה׃
and the wreathen work
a net-work, i.e., (in hunting) a snare, (in architecture) a ballustrade; also a reticulated ornament to a pillar

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Kings.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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