1 Kings 7:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 7:19 mean?

1 Kings 7:19 describes how the tops of the two pillars at the entrance of Solomon’s temple were decorated with designs that looked like lilies, and these decorative tops were four cubits high. The verse is giving a detail about the ornate craftsmanship used in building the temple’s entrance.

This verse is part of a larger description of the temple’s construction, where the writer is explaining the specific features of the pillars that stood in the porch area. The focus here is on the artistic detail and the size of the “chapiters” (the tops or capitals) that crowned the pillars, showing the care and beauty involved in the temple’s design.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 7:19

• "chapiters" (כֹּתֶרֶת, kōteret): This word refers to the decorative tops or capitals of columns. In ancient architecture, these were often the most ornate part of a pillar, and here they are described as being especially elaborate.
• "lily" (שׁוּשַׁן, shushan): The design is said to be “of lily work,” meaning the capitals were shaped or decorated to resemble lilies, a flower known for its beauty. This detail highlights the artistic skill and the intention to make the temple a place of beauty.
• "four cubits" (אַרְבַּע אַמָּה, arba‘ ammah): A cubit is roughly a foot and a half, so four cubits would be about six feet. This tells us the lily-shaped capitals were quite large and prominent.

Why 1 Kings 7:19 matters

• This verse helps readers picture the grandeur and careful attention to detail in Solomon’s temple, emphasizing that beauty and craftsmanship were valued in places of worship.
• By mentioning the “lily work,” the verse connects the temple’s design to natural forms, which was a common way to express beauty and life in ancient art.
• The specific measurement of four cubits for the capitals shows that these were not minor decorations but significant, visible features, drawing attention to the entrance of the temple.