And nets of checker work, and wreaths of chain work, for the chapiters which were upon the top of the pillars; seven for the one chapiter, and seven for the other chapiter.

1 KINGS 7:17KJV
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1 Kings 7:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 7:17 mean?

1 Kings 7:17 describes how decorative nets of checker work and wreaths made of chain work were crafted for the tops (capitals) of two pillars in Solomon’s temple, with seven of these decorations for each pillar. The verse details the ornate design elements that adorned the pillars, emphasizing the care and artistry involved in building the temple.

This verse is part of a longer description of the temple’s construction, where the writer explains the specific features made for the temple’s entrance. The craftsman Hiram is making these items for King Solomon, and the focus here is on the intricate metalwork that crowned the two large bronze pillars at the temple’s front. The details show the importance placed on beauty and craftsmanship in the temple’s design.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 7:17

  • "nets" (שְׂבָכָה, sevakhah): This word means a net or lattice, suggesting a woven or interlaced pattern. It highlights that the decorations were not solid but had an open, airy design, adding both beauty and lightness to the capitals.
  • "checker" (שְׂבָכָה, sevakhah): The same word as "nets," here emphasizing the checkerboard or mesh-like appearance of the work.
  • "wreaths" (גִּלְּיָה, gilyah): This word refers to a twisted or braided form, like a garland or wreath. It shows that the decorations included twisted chains, adding a sense of movement and complexity.
  • "chain" (שַׁרְשְׁרוֹת, sharsharot): This word means chains, reinforcing that the decorations were made to look like linked or braided chains, not just flat patterns.

Why 1 Kings 7:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the temple’s pillars were not plain but richly decorated, showing the value placed on beauty and skilled craftsmanship in Israel’s worship space.
  • The specific mention of “seven” for each capital suggests intentional design and symmetry, which might be missed if one only reads a summary of the temple’s construction.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by highlighting Hiram’s expertise and the extraordinary detail that went into making the temple a unique and sacred place.

Where else these words appear

“wreaths” Hebrew H1434 · used in 2 verses

  • Deuteronomy 22:12 Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself.

“chain” Hebrew H8333 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 28:14 And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches.
  • Exodus 39:15 And they made upon the breastplate chains at the ends, of wreathen work of pure gold.
  • 2 Chronicles 3:5 And the greater house he cieled with fir tree, which he overlaid with fine gold, and set thereon palm trees and chains.

“checker” Hebrew H7639 · used in 12 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:18 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.
  • 1 Kings 7:42 And four hundred pomegranates for the two networks, even two rows of pomegranates for one network, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters that were upon the pillars;
  • 2 Chronicles 4:13 And four hundred pomegranates on the two wreaths; two rows of pomegranates on each wreath, to cover the two pommels of the chapiters which were upon the pillars.

“chapiters” Hebrew H3805 · used in 12 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:16 And he made two chapiters of molten brass, to set upon the tops of the pillars: the height of the one chapiter was five cubits, and the height of the other chapiter was five cubits:
  • 1 Kings 7:20 And the chapiters upon the two pillars had pomegranates also above, over against the belly which was by the network: and the pomegranates were two hundred in rows round about upon the other chapiter.
  • 2 Kings 25:17 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.