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.

2 KINGS 25:17KJV
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2 Kings 25:17 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 25:17 mean?

2 Kings 25:17 gives a detailed description of one of the bronze pillars from Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, noting its height, the decorative top (called a chapiter), and the intricate designs like wreaths and pomegranates, all made of bronze. The verse also says the second pillar was made in the same way, emphasizing their matching craftsmanship.

This verse appears as part of the account of the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem, where the treasures and sacred objects of the Temple are being described as they are taken away. The writer is giving specific measurements and details to show the grandeur and artistry of what is being lost, highlighting the significance of these pillars in the Temple’s design.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 25:17

  • עַמּוּד (ʿammud, “pillar”): This word refers to the large, freestanding columns at the entrance of the Temple. Their size and decoration signaled strength and beauty, making their loss especially significant.
  • כֹּתֶרֶת (koteret, “chapiter”): This is the decorative top of the pillar, often richly ornamented. The verse notes its height and that it was made of bronze, showing the attention to detail in the Temple’s construction.
  • רִמּוֹן (rimmon, “pomegranate”): Pomegranates were a common decorative motif in ancient Israel, symbolizing fruitfulness and beauty. Their inclusion in the design highlights the care and symbolism in the Temple’s artwork.
  • נְחֹשֶׁת (nechoshet, “bronze”): The repeated mention of bronze underlines the value and durability of the materials used, as well as the loss when these items were taken.

Why 2 Kings 25:17 matters

  • This verse helps readers visualize the splendor and craftsmanship of Solomon’s Temple, making the destruction by Babylon feel more personal and tragic.
  • The detailed description underscores what was lost, not just in terms of wealth, but also in terms of cultural and religious heritage.
  • By specifying that both pillars were alike, the verse emphasizes the symmetry and intentional design of the Temple, which was important for ancient Israelite worship and identity.

Where else these words appear

“chapiter” 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;

“work” 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.

“pomegranates” Hebrew H7416 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 28:33 And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:
  • 1 Samuel 14:2 And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men;
  • Song of Solomon 6:7 As a piece of a pomegranate are thy temples within thy locks.

“height” Hebrew H6967 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • 1 Kings 6:10 And then he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:13 For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,