To wit, the two pillars, and the pommels, and the chapiters which were on the top of the two pillars, and the two wreaths to cover the two pommels of the chapiters which were on the top of the pillars;

2 CHRONICLES 4:12KJV
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2 Chronicles 4:12 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 4:12 mean?

2 Chronicles 4:12 lists some of the specific items made for Solomon’s temple: two pillars, the rounded tops (called pommels), the decorative tops (chapiters) on those pillars, and two special wreaths that covered the rounded tops. The verse is describing the detailed craftsmanship and ornamentation used in building the temple.

This verse is part of a longer description where the writer explains to the reader what Huram, a skilled craftsman, made for King Solomon’s temple. It highlights the care and artistry that went into making the temple’s furnishings, especially the two large pillars at the entrance, which were important symbols in the temple’s design.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 4:12

  • pillars (עַמּוּדִים, ‘ammudim): This word means “pillars” or “columns.” In the temple, these were not just structural but also symbolic, marking the entrance and representing strength and stability.
  • pommels (גֻּלֹּת, gullot): This term refers to the rounded tops or “capitals” of the pillars, shaped like spheres or bowls. These were decorative features that made the pillars stand out.
  • chapiters (כֹּתֶרֶת, keteret): This word means “capitals” or “crowns,” the ornate tops of the pillars above the pommels, often richly decorated.
  • wreaths (שְׁבָכָה, shevakhah): This refers to latticework or decorative network, here describing the intricate designs that covered the pommels, adding further beauty and complexity.

Why 2 Chronicles 4:12 matters

  • This verse shows the level of detail and artistry that went into building the temple, emphasizing that it was not just a functional building but a work of beauty and craftsmanship.
  • By listing these items, the writer connects the temple’s construction to earlier instructions given for sacred spaces in Israel’s history, showing continuity and faithfulness to tradition.
  • Understanding these terms helps the reader picture the temple more vividly, appreciating the effort and resources invested in making it a place worthy of worship.

Where else these words appear

“pommels” 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.

“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.
  • 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;

“wreaths” 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.

“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 23:3 And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.