1 Kings 7:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the chapiters {H3805} upon the two {H8147} pillars {H5982} had pomegranates also above {H4605}, over against {H5980} the belly {H990} which was by {H5676} the network {H7639}: and the pomegranates {H7416} were two hundred {H3967} in rows {H2905} round about {H5439} upon the other {H8145} chapiter {H3805}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As for the capitals on the two columns, there were 200 pomegranates in rows around each capital near the molding by the netting.

Berean Standard Bible

On the capitals of both pillars, just above the rounded projection next to the network, were the two hundred pomegranates in rows encircling each capital.

American Standard Version

And there were capitals above also upon the two pillars, close by the belly which was beside the network: and the pomegranates were two hundred, in rows round about upon the other capital.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:20 meticulously details the intricate ornamentation of the two great bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, that stood at the entrance of Solomon's Temple. This verse specifically describes the placement and quantity of the pomegranates on the chapiters (capitals) of these pillars, noting that two hundred pomegranates were arranged in rows around each chapiter, positioned above the "belly" or bulbous part near the decorative network. This precise architectural description underscores the lavish beauty and symbolic richness intended for God's dwelling place, emphasizing divine grandeur, meticulous craftsmanship, and the profound symbolism inherent in every element of the Temple's design.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Kings 7:20 is situated within a lengthy and highly detailed architectural account of Solomon's construction projects, specifically following the completion of the Temple itself (1 Kings 6) and preceding the description of Solomon's own palace. Chapters [1 Kings 7](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Solomon's Palace and Temple Furnishings") focus on the elaborate furnishings and decorative elements of the Temple, particularly the bronze work crafted by Huram-abi. Verses [1 Kings 7:15-22](/1_kings/7-15 "1 Kings 7:15-22 - Description of the Bronze Pillars") provide a meticulous description of the two colossal bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, detailing their dimensions, casting process, and the intricate ornamentation of their capitals. Verse 20 specifically elaborates on the pomegranates, building upon the mention of network and chainwork in [1 Kings 7:17-18](/1_kings/7-17 "1 Kings 7:17-18 - Details of the Pillar Capitals"). This level of detail highlights the immense significance attached to every component of God's house.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem was a monumental undertaking, signifying the establishment of Israel's national and religious identity under Solomon's reign. Temple building in the ancient Near East was often an expression of a king's power and devotion to his deity, and Solomon's Temple, built with the finest materials and skilled labor, was no exception. The use of bronze, a durable and valuable metal, for such prominent features, speaks to its importance. The craftsman, Huram-abi, from Tyre ([1 Kings 7:13-14](/1_kings/7-13 "1 Kings 7:13-14 - Huram-abi, the Master Craftsman")), brought Phoenician metallurgical and artistic expertise, known for its intricate designs and symbolic motifs. Pomegranates, along with lilies, were common decorative elements in ancient Near Eastern art, often symbolizing fertility, abundance, prosperity, and life. Their presence on the Temple pillars would have resonated deeply with a culture that understood such visual metaphors, linking the sacred space to divine blessing and fruitfulness.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed description in 1 Kings 7:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Reign of Solomon and Division of the Kingdom"). Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Grandeur and Majesty** God's dwelling place was designed to reflect. The lavishness and intricate beauty of the Temple, from its foundational stones to its decorative pomegranates, were meant to convey the infinite glory of the God who chose to dwell among His people. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Meticulous Craftsmanship and Excellence in Worship**. The precise count of two hundred pomegranates on each chapiter, along with the detailed description of their placement, emphasizes the extraordinary skill and dedication invested in the Temple's construction. This attention to detail signifies that only the very best was deemed worthy for the Lord's house, setting a standard for devotion and service. Finally, the **Symbolism of Abundance and Life** is prominent. Pomegranates, as noted, were universal symbols of fertility and prosperity, echoing God's covenant promises of blessing and fruitfulness for His people when they walked in obedience, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 8:7-8](/deuteronomy/8-7 "Deuteronomy 8:7-8 - A Land of Abundance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chapiters (Hebrew, _koteret_):** Refers to the ornamental capitals or tops of the pillars. These were not merely functional structural elements but elaborately designed decorative features that crowned the pillars. Their intricate design, as described throughout 1 Kings 7, indicates their significant aesthetic and symbolic role in the overall Temple architecture.
* **Pomegranates (Hebrew, _rimmonim_):** A fruit widely cultivated in the ancient Near East, the pomegranate was a potent symbol of fertility, abundance, prosperity, and life due to its many seeds and juicy pulp. Its inclusion on the Temple pillars, along with lilies, was not merely decorative but deeply symbolic, signifying the blessings and fruitfulness associated with God's presence and covenant.
* **Network (Hebrew, _sevakhah_):** This term describes the latticework or chainwork that formed a decorative pattern on the chapiters, providing a backdrop for the pomegranates and lilies. It suggests an intricate, woven design, further emphasizing the high level of artistry and complex ornamentation applied to these sacred structures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the chapiters upon the two pillars [had pomegranates] also above":** This clause establishes the primary decorative element being described—pomegranates—and their location on the "chapiters," the capitals or tops of the two prominent bronze pillars. It signifies that the ornamentation extended to the very pinnacle of these impressive structures.
* **"over against the belly which [was] by the network":** This specifies the precise placement of the pomegranates in relation to other decorative elements. The "belly" likely refers to a bulbous or rounded part of the capital, and the pomegranates were positioned "over against" or opposite this feature, adjacent to the "network" (latticework) that also adorned the chapiters. This indicates a highly integrated and complex design.
* **"and the pomegranates [were] two hundred in rows round about upon the other chapiter":** This provides a crucial detail regarding the quantity and arrangement. The mention of "two hundred" pomegranates on *each* chapiter (implied by "upon the other chapiter" referring to the second pillar, with the same design) highlights the remarkable symmetry, abundance, and meticulousness of the design. They were arranged "in rows round about," suggesting a uniform, ordered, and visually impactful pattern that encircled the capital.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Detailed Description** as its primary literary device, providing a precise and almost architectural blueprint of the Temple's decorative elements. This meticulous recounting of numbers ("two hundred") and placement ("in rows round about," "over against the belly") serves to impress upon the reader the grandeur, cost, and sacredness of the structure. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is profoundly present through the choice of pomegranates. As discussed, these fruits carry rich connotations of fertility, abundance, and divine blessing in ancient Near Eastern cultures, imbuing the physical structure with deeper theological meaning. The repetition of these motifs across both pillars also suggests **Symmetry** and **Harmony**, reinforcing the idea of a perfectly crafted, divinely ordered space.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 7:20, while seemingly a mere architectural detail, offers profound theological insights. The lavish and precise ornamentation of the Temple's pillars, particularly the abundance of pomegranates, speaks volumes about the nature of the God whom the Temple was built to honor. It reveals a God who delights in beauty, order, and excellence, and who is worthy of the very best that humanity can offer in worship and service. The sheer number of pomegranates, symbols of fruitfulness and life, also points to God's desire for His people to experience abundant life and to be fruitful in their walk with Him, reflecting His character and blessings to the world. The Temple, as God's dwelling, was not just functional but a visible testament to His glory and His covenant promises of prosperity and blessing for His people.

* [Exodus 28:33-34](/exodus/28-33 "Exodus 28:33-34 - Pomegranates on the High Priest's Robe")
* [Song of Solomon 4:13](/song_of_solomon/4-13 "Song of Solomon 4:13 - Pomegranates as a Symbol of Beauty and Fertility")
* [Haggai 2:7-9](/haggai/2-7 "Haggai 2:7-9 - The Future Glory of the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail dedicated to the Temple's decoration, as exemplified in 1 Kings 7:20, serves as a powerful reminder of the value God places on excellence and beauty in worship. It challenges us to consider the quality of our own offerings—not just material possessions, but our time, talents, and the very posture of our hearts. God is not indifferent to the details; indeed, His own creation testifies to His intricate design and care for every minute element. This verse encourages us to pursue excellence in all areas of our lives as an act of worship, recognizing that our work, our relationships, and our character can all be expressions of devotion to a God who is worthy of our very best. Furthermore, the symbolism of the pomegranates—abundance and fruitfulness—invites us to reflect on the spiritual fruit God desires to produce in us through the Holy Spirit, urging us to cultivate lives that bear witness to His life-giving presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to offer your "best" to God, beyond just monetary contributions?**
* **How does God's apparent attention to architectural detail in the Temple speak to His care and concern for the "details" of your own life?**
* **What "fruit" (character, actions, influence) do you believe God is calling you to produce in your life, reflecting His abundance?**
* **How can the pursuit of excellence in your daily tasks become an act of worship and a reflection of God's glory?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the pillars Jachin and Boaz, beyond structural support?**

Answer: The pillars Jachin and Boaz, while massive, were primarily symbolic and ornamental rather than structural. Their names, "Jachin" meaning "He (God) will establish" and "Boaz" meaning "in Him (God) is strength," clearly indicate their theological significance. They stood as powerful declarations at the Temple's entrance, proclaiming God's unwavering commitment to establish His covenant with Israel and His omnipotent strength as the foundation of their nation and faith. Their elaborate decoration, including the pomegranates described in [1 Kings 7:20](/1_kings/7-20 "1 Kings 7:20 - Pomegranates on the Temple Pillars"), further emphasized the grandeur and divine presence associated with the sanctuary, serving as a constant visual reminder of God's faithfulness and power.

**Why were pomegranates chosen as a decorative motif for the Temple pillars?**

Answer: Pomegranates were a highly significant choice for Temple decoration due to their rich symbolism in the ancient Near East and biblical tradition. They were widely recognized symbols of fertility, abundance, prosperity, and life, owing to their numerous seeds and juicy pulp. Their inclusion on the pillars, alongside lilies, conveyed the idea of the Temple as a place of divine blessing and fruitfulness. This symbolism was also present on the high priest's garments ([Exodus 28:33-34](/exodus/28-33 "Exodus 28:33-34 - Pomegranates on the High Priest's Robe")), linking the Temple's design to sacred service and God's life-giving presence. The pomegranates visually communicated God's desire for His people to be fruitful and to experience the abundant life found in His covenant.

**What does the precise number "two hundred" pomegranates signify?**

Answer: The precise count of "two hundred" pomegranates on each chapiter, arranged "in rows round about," signifies several important aspects. Firstly, it underscores the meticulousness and precision of the craftsmanship, highlighting the extraordinary attention to detail given to God's dwelling place. This was not a haphazard decoration but a carefully planned and executed design. Secondly, the sheer number emphasizes abundance and lavishness, reinforcing the theme of divine grandeur and the boundless blessings associated with God's presence. Finally, the uniformity implied by "in rows round about" and the identical number on each pillar speaks to order, symmetry, and perfection, reflecting the character of a God who is sovereign and brings order out of chaos. It implies a complete and full representation of the symbolic meaning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed description of the Temple's pillars and their abundant pomegranate ornamentation in 1 Kings 7:20 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. The Temple itself, with its intricate beauty and the promise of God's dwelling, was a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. He is the true and ultimate Temple, the place where God fully dwells among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Destruction and Resurrection of the Temple")). In Christ, "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of Christ")), making Him the perfect embodiment of God's glory and presence, far surpassing any earthly structure. Furthermore, the pomegranates, symbolizing fruitfulness and life, point to Jesus as the source of all spiritual fruit. He declared, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Jesus, the True Vine")). The abundance of pomegranates on the pillars speaks to the overflowing life and spiritual fruit that flow from Christ to those who are united with Him. The meticulous craftsmanship of the Temple, designed for God's glory, also finds its perfection in Christ, who perfectly fulfills God's will and brings about the ultimate dwelling of God with His people in the New Jerusalem, where "the dwelling place of God is with man" ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, 1 Kings 7:20, in its rich symbolism and detail, directs our gaze to the One who is the very essence of God's established strength, abundant life, and glorious presence among us.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 3:16

And he made chains, [as] in the oracle, and put [them] on the heads of the pillars; and made an hundred pomegranates, and put [them] on the chains.

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.

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;

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.

Jeremiah 52:22

And a chapiter of brass [was] upon it; and the height of one chapiter [was] five cubits, with network and pomegranates upon the chapiters round about, all [of] brass. The second pillar also and the pomegranates [were] like unto these.

Jeremiah 52:23

And there were ninety and six pomegranates on a side; [and] all the pomegranates upon the network [were] an hundred round about.