Jeremiah 52:22
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.
Original Language Analysis
עָלָ֜יו
H5921
עָלָ֜יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
all of brass
H5178
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
all of brass
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
3 of 19
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
הָאַחַת֮
of one
H259
הָאַחַת֮
of one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
אַמּוֹת֒
cubits
H520
אַמּוֹת֒
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)
וּשְׂבָכָ֨ה
with network
H7639
וּשְׂבָכָ֨ה
with network
Strong's:
H7639
Word #:
9 of 19
a net-work, i.e., (in hunting) a snare, (in architecture) a ballustrade; also a reticulated ornament to a pillar
וְרִמּוֹנִֽים׃
also and the pomegranates
H7416
וְרִמּוֹנִֽים׃
also and the pomegranates
Strong's:
H7416
Word #:
10 of 19
a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
סָבִ֖יב
round about
H5439
סָבִ֖יב
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
13 of 19
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
הַכֹּ֣ל
H3605
הַכֹּ֣ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
all of brass
H5178
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
all of brass
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
15 of 19
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
לַֽעַמּ֥וּד
pillar
H5982
לַֽעַמּ֥וּד
pillar
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
17 of 19
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
Historical Context
The pomegranate was a sacred symbol in ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, representing life, fertility, and divine blessing. Their presence on Temple pillars connected Israel's worship to God as the source of all fruitfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the destruction of these beautiful, fruitful symbols teach about the consequences of spiritual barrenness?
- How does the contrast between the pillars' creation (taking years) and destruction (taking days) speak to the fragility of blessing without obedience?
- In what ways can you cultivate genuine spiritual fruitfulness rather than mere decorative religion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A chapiter of brass (כֹּתֶרֶת נְחֹשֶׁת)—the ornate capital atop each pillar, five cubits (7.5 feet) high. The network and pomegranates (שְׂבָכָה וְרִמּוֹנִים) decorated the capitals with intricate latticework and 200 bronze pomegranates (v. 23). Pomegranates symbolized fruitfulness and were woven into the high priest's robe hem (Exodus 28:33-34).
The symmetry—The second pillar also...were like unto these—emphasizes the Temple's ordered beauty, now systematically destroyed. What took years to craft was demolished in days, illustrating how quickly divine judgment falls when covenant is broken.