Jeremiah 52:21
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.
Original Language Analysis
הָעַמֻּ֣ד
And concerning the pillars
H5982
הָעַמֻּ֣ד
And concerning the pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
1 of 16
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
שְׁמֹנֶ֨ה
was eighteen
H8083
שְׁמֹנֶ֨ה
was eighteen
Strong's:
H8083
Word #:
2 of 16
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה
H6240
עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
3 of 16
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
אַמָּ֖ה
cubits
H520
אַמָּ֖ה
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
4 of 16
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)
הָעַמֻּ֣ד
And concerning the pillars
H5982
הָעַמֻּ֣ד
And concerning the pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
6 of 16
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
הָאֶחָ֔ד
of one
H259
הָאֶחָ֔ד
of one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה
H6240
עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
10 of 16
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
אַמָּ֖ה
cubits
H520
אַמָּ֖ה
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
11 of 16
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)
יְסֻבֶּ֑נּוּ
did compass
H5437
יְסֻבֶּ֑נּוּ
did compass
Strong's:
H5437
Word #:
12 of 16
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
Historical Context
The pillars were crafted by Hiram of Tyre around 960 BC for Solomon's Temple. Their detailed measurements here (paralleling 2 Kings 25:17) emphasize the meticulous destruction of 586 BC, when Babylon systematically dismantled Judah's religious infrastructure.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the names Jachin and Boaz remind you that true strength comes from God's establishment, not human religious structures?
- What 'hollow pillars' might exist in your spiritual life—outward practices lacking inner covenant loyalty?
- How does the precision of this destruction account emphasize God's justice in fulfilling His covenant warnings?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The height of one pillar was eighteen cubits (שְׁמֹנֶה עֶשְׂרֵה אַמָּה)—approximately 27 feet. These bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, stood at Solomon's Temple entrance (1 Kings 7:15-22), symbolizing God's establishment (Jachin: 'He establishes') and strength (Boaz: 'In Him is strength'). Their destruction fulfilled Jeremiah's prophecies of Jerusalem's desolation.
It was hollow (נָבוּב)—cast bronze, not solid. The pillars' hollow nature may symbolize Israel's spiritual emptiness—outward religious form without inward covenant faithfulness. Nebuchadnezzar broke them to carry the bronze to Babylon (v. 17), ending 400 years of Temple worship.