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;

1 KINGS 7:42KJV
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1 Kings 7:42 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 7:42 mean?

1 Kings 7:42 describes how four hundred decorative pomegranates were made to adorn two intricate latticework networks, with each network having two rows of pomegranates. These decorated the two bowls at the tops of the pillars in Solomon’s temple. The verse details the ornate craftsmanship used in the temple’s construction.

This verse is part of a larger passage where the building and decoration of Solomon’s temple are described in detail. The writer is listing the specific items made by skilled craftsmen, focusing here on the pomegranates and their arrangement on the pillars. The attention to detail shows the care and artistry that went into making the temple a beautiful and impressive place of worship.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 7:42

  • רִמּוֹן (rimmon, H7416) — "pomegranate": This word refers to the fruit-shaped ornaments, which were a common decorative element in ancient architecture and symbolized abundance or beauty.
  • שְׁבָכָה (shevakhah, H7639) — "network": This means a lattice or net-like structure, suggesting the pomegranates were attached to an openwork design, adding texture and intricacy to the pillars.
  • גֻּלָּה (gullah, H1543) — "bowl": This word describes the rounded top parts of the pillars, which the networks and pomegranates covered, highlighting the layered and ornate design.

Why 1 Kings 7:42 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the level of detail and artistry involved in building Solomon’s temple, showing that even small decorative elements were carefully planned and executed.
  • The mention of specific numbers and arrangements (like four hundred pomegranates in two rows) emphasizes the orderliness and intentional design of the temple, not just its grandeur.
  • Understanding these details connects the reader to the broader narrative of the temple’s construction, highlighting its significance as a central place of worship and national identity for ancient Israel.

Where else these words appear

“bowls” Hebrew H1543 · used in 8 verses

  • Joshua 15:19 Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.
  • 1 Kings 7:41 The two pillars, and the two bowls of the chapiters that were on the top of the two pillars; and the two networks, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters which were upon the top of 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.

“networks” Hebrew H7639 · used in 12 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:17 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 7:41 The two pillars, and the two bowls of the chapiters that were on the top of the two pillars; and the two networks, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters which were upon the top of 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 7:19 And the chapiters that were upon the top of the pillars were of lily work in the porch, four cubits.
  • 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.

“rows” Hebrew H2905 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 28:17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.
  • Exodus 39:12 And the third row, a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.
  • 1 Kings 7:12 And the great court round about was with three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams, both for the inner court of the house of the LORD, and for the porch of the house.