And the chapiters that were upon the top of the pillars were of lily work in the porch, four cubits.

1 KINGS 7:19KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“lily” Hebrew H7799 · used in 15 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:22 And upon the top of the pillars was lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished.
  • Psalms 69:1 To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, A Psalm of David. Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
  • Song of Solomon 5:13 His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.

“porch” Hebrew H197 · used in 29 verses

  • 1 Kings 6:3 And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house.
  • 2 Chronicles 15:8 And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD.
  • Ezekiel 40:40 And at the side without, as one goeth up to the entry of the north gate, were two tables; and on the other side, which was at the porch of the gate, were two tables.

“pillars” Hebrew H5982 · used in 84 verses

  • Exodus 13:21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
  • Exodus 39:33 And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the tent, and all his furniture, his taches, his boards, his bars, and his pillars, and his sockets,
  • 2 Kings 25:13 And the pillars of brass that were in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that was in the house of the LORD, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon.