What number verse is 1 Kings 7:21 in the Bible?

1 Kings 7:21 is the 8,956th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 1 Kings 7:21 sits at position 8,956.

Translation

King James Version

And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And he set up ^H6965 the pillars ^H5982 in the porch ^H197 of the temple ^H1964: and he set up ^H6965 the right ^H3233 pillar ^H5982, and called ^H7121 the name ^H8034 thereof Jachin ^H3199: and he set up ^H6965 the left ^H8042 pillar ^H5982, and called ^H7121 the name ^H8034 thereof Boaz ^H1162.

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Complete Jewish Bible

He erected the columns in the hall of the temple; on erecting the right column he gave it the name "Yakhin," and on erecting the left column he named it "Bo'az."

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Berean Standard Bible

Thus he set up the pillars at the portico of the temple. The pillar to the south he named Jachin, and the pillar to the north he named Boaz.

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American Standard Version

And he set up the pillars at the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin; and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.

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World English Bible Messianic

He set up the pillars at the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called its name Jachin; and he set up the left pillar, and called its name Boaz.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And he set vp the pillars in the porche of the Temple. And when hee had set vp the right pillar, he called the name thereof Iachin: and when he had set vp the left pillar, he called the name thereof Boaz.

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Young's Literal Translation

And he raiseth up the pillars for the porch of the temple, and he raiseth up the right pillar, and calleth its name Jachin, and he raiseth up the left pillar, and calleth its name Boaz;

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Kings 7:21 meticulously details the final placement of two monumental bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, at the entrance to the porch of Solomon's Temple. These pillars, named "He will establish" and "In him is strength" respectively, were not primarily structural but served as powerful theological declarations. Their prominent position at the threshold of God's dwelling place in Jerusalem proclaimed God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His inherent omnipotence as the source of all stability and might for His people and His kingdom.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is situated within the expansive account of King Solomon's building projects, specifically following the seven-year construction of the Temple itself, as noted in 1 Kings 6:38. Chapter 7 shifts focus from the main structure to the elaborate furnishings and architectural embellishments, including the king's own palace. The description of the bronze pillars, their dimensions, and their placement in 1 Kings 7:15-22 marks a significant culmination of the external features of the Temple, preparing the reader for the subsequent details of the interior furnishings and the grand dedication ceremony in 1 Kings 8. Their naming and prominent display underscore their symbolic importance as the final, grand statement at the very entrance to the sacred space.
Historical & Cultural Context: The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem under Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) was a monumental undertaking, signifying the zenith of the united monarchy's power and wealth. The Temple served as the spiritual and political center of Israel, embodying God's presence among His people. In the ancient Near East, monumental architecture, particularly temples, often incorporated large, ornate pillars that were more symbolic than structural. The practice of naming significant architectural elements or gates was also common, imbuing them with theological or royal significance. The use of bronze, a durable and valuable metal, for such prominent features further emphasized their importance and the lasting nature of the declarations they embodied. These pillars would have been a constant visual reminder to all who approached the Temple of the foundational truths about the God of Israel.
Key Themes: The placement and naming of Jachin and Boaz contribute significantly to several key themes within 1 Kings. Firstly, they reinforce the theme of Divine Establishment, echoing God's covenant promise to David to establish his kingdom and dynasty forever, as found in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. The Temple itself, as the dwelling place of God, is a tangible sign of this divine establishment. Secondly, the pillars highlight the theme of Divine Strength and Sovereignty. The names declare that God is the ultimate source of power and stability, not human might or political maneuvering. This aligns with the wisdom tradition that emphasizes reliance on God, as seen in Psalm 127:1. Finally, they embody the theme of God's Enduring Presence and Faithfulness, serving as a constant theological declaration at the very threshold of the sacred space, reminding worshippers that their relationship with God is founded on His unwavering character and promises.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Jachin (Hebrew, Yâkîyn', H3199): Derived from the root כּוּן (kûn), meaning "to be firm, to establish," this name signifies "He (or it) will establish." The naming of the right (south) pillar as Jachin served as a powerful declaration of God's active role in establishing His covenant with David, His Temple, and His people, ensuring their stability and permanence. It pointed to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.
Boaz (Hebrew, Bôʻaz', H1162): From an unused root of uncertain meaning, this name is understood to mean "in him is strength" or "by strength." The naming of the left (north) pillar as Boaz declared that the very strength, resilience, and power of the Temple, the nation, and the ability to worship God, originated solely from God Himself. It was a constant reminder that true might resides in the divine.
Pillars (Hebrew, ʻammûwd', H5982): From the root עָמַד ('amad), meaning "to stand," these were columns or upright stands. While monumental in size, their primary function was not structural support for the Temple roof, which was likely supported by the walls. Their immense dimensions and prominent placement at the entrance, along with their evocative names, indicate their primary function was symbolic and theological. They acted as monumental theological statements, serving as a gateway to understanding God's character and His covenant relationship with Israel.

Verse Breakdown

"And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple": This phrase establishes the location of these significant architectural elements. The "porch" (Hebrew: ʼûwlâm) was the entrance hall or vestibule leading into the main sanctuary (the Holy Place). Placing the pillars here meant they were the first and most prominent features encountered by anyone approaching the Temple, making their symbolic message unavoidable and impactful.
"and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin": The "right pillar" traditionally refers to the one on the south side when facing east (the direction the Temple faced), or possibly the right from the perspective of someone entering. The act of "calling the name" (Hebrew: qârâʼ with shêm) was a deliberate theological act, imbuing the physical object with profound spiritual meaning. Jachin, meaning "He will establish," signified God's commitment to His covenant and His people.
"and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz": The "left pillar" would then be on the north side. Like Jachin, its naming was a theological declaration. Boaz, meaning "In him is strength," underscored that the power, stability, and enduring nature of the Temple and Israel's relationship with God were not dependent on human might or political power, but solely on God's inherent omnipotence.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device employed in 1 Kings 7:21 is Symbolism. The two massive bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, are not merely architectural features but profound theological symbols. Their names, "He will establish" and "In him is strength," are a concise declaration of God's character and His relationship with Israel. They symbolize God's covenant faithfulness (He will establish His promises) and His omnipotence (all strength resides in Him). The act of Naming itself is a significant literary and theological device, as it assigns meaning and purpose to the objects, transforming them from mere structures into living declarations of divine truth. Furthermore, the pairing of "right" and "left" could be seen as a form of Merism, representing the totality of the entrance, and by extension, the comprehensive nature of God's establishment and strength that encompasses all aspects of the Temple and the nation.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The twin pillars of Jachin and Boaz stand as enduring theological declarations, proclaiming foundational truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. They assert that the very existence and stability of the Temple, the Davidic dynasty, and indeed, the nation of Israel, are not products of human ingenuity or might, but are divinely established and sustained by God's inherent strength. This serves as a perpetual reminder that God is the faithful covenant-keeper and the ultimate source of all power. For all who entered the sacred space, these pillars would have served as a visual catechism, instructing them in the absolute sovereignty and unwavering reliability of the God they had come to worship. They underscore that true security and flourishing come only through reliance on God's promises and His omnipotence.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The placement and naming of Jachin and Boaz at the Temple's entrance offer profound lessons for believers today. They remind us that our spiritual lives, our ministries, and the very foundation of the Church are not built on human effort, wisdom, or strength, but on the unwavering faithfulness and omnipotence of God. Just as God established His covenant with Israel and provided strength for His Temple, He continues to establish and strengthen His people, His purposes, and His kingdom in the world. We are called to live lives that reflect this truth, recognizing that our ability to stand firm in faith, to overcome challenges, and to bear fruit for His glory comes solely from Him. These pillars beckon us to enter into His presence with a deep sense of humility and trust, knowing that He is the one who establishes and empowers us for every good work, ensuring that what He begins, He will bring to completion.

Questions for Reflection

In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength or resources, rather than God's?
How does the meaning of Jachin ("He will establish") encourage you regarding God's faithfulness to His promises in your life?
How does the meaning of Boaz ("In him is strength") challenge you to depend more fully on God's power in your weaknesses?
What "declarations" of God's character do you want your life to embody as you "enter" into His presence daily?

FAQ

What was the architectural purpose of Jachin and Boaz?

Answer: While impressive in size and made of durable bronze, Jachin and Boaz were not primarily structural supports for the Temple building. Their placement at the entrance to the porch, along with their significant names, indicates that their purpose was overwhelmingly symbolic and theological. They served as monumental declarations of God's character and His covenant with Israel, proclaiming His faithfulness to establish and His inherent strength.

Why were these specific names chosen for the pillars?

Answer: The names Jachin ("He will establish") and Boaz ("In him is strength") were chosen to convey core theological truths about God. Jachin declared God's commitment to establish His covenant with David and His people, ensuring their stability and permanence. Boaz affirmed that all true strength, power, and stability for the Temple and the nation originated solely from God Himself. Together, they formed a powerful statement about God's sovereignty and reliability.

Are these pillars mentioned elsewhere in the Bible?

Answer: Yes, the pillars Jachin and Boaz are also mentioned in 2 Chronicles 3:15-17 with slightly different dimensions, confirming their presence and significance. They are also referenced in Jeremiah 52:17-23 as among the valuable items taken by the Babylonians during the destruction of the Temple, highlighting their importance as part of the Temple's sacred furnishings.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The symbolic declarations embodied by Jachin and Boaz find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the one whom God has eternally established as King, the heir to David's throne, through whom God's kingdom is not merely established but inaugurated and secured forever, as prophesied in Luke 1:32-33. In Christ, "He will establish" becomes a living reality, as God's covenant promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" in Him (2 Corinthians 1:20). Furthermore, Jesus is the very embodiment of "In him is strength." All divine power and authority reside in Him (Matthew 28:18), and it is through His strength that believers are enabled to live, serve, and overcome (Philippians 4:13). As the true Temple (John 2:19-21), Christ is the ultimate dwelling place of God's presence, and believers, as living stones, are built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the cornerstone, established and strengthened by His divine power (Ephesians 2:20-22). Thus, the ancient pillars at the Temple's entrance prophetically pointed to the one who is both the foundation and the strength of God's eternal kingdom.

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Commentary on 1 Kings 7 verses 13–47

13 ¶ And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre.

14 He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.

15 For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about.

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:

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.

18 And he made the pillars, and two rows round about upon the one network, to cover the chapiters that were upon the top, with pomegranates: and so did he for the other chapiter.

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

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.

21 And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.

22 And upon the top of the pillars was lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished.

23 And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.

24 And under the brim of it round about there were knops compassing it, ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about: the knops were cast in two rows, when it was cast.

25 It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.

26 And it was an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths.

27 And he made ten bases of brass; four cubits was the length of one base, and four cubits the breadth thereof, and three cubits the height of it.

28 And the work of the bases was on this manner: they had borders, and the borders were between the ledges:

29 And on the borders that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and cherubims: and upon the ledges there was a base above: and beneath the lions and oxen were certain additions made of thin work.

30 And every base had four brasen wheels, and plates of brass: and the four corners thereof had undersetters: under the laver were undersetters molten, at the side of every addition.

31 And the mouth of it within the chapiter and above was a cubit: but the mouth thereof was round after the work of the base, a cubit and an half: and also upon the mouth of it were gravings with their borders, foursquare, not round.

32 And under the borders were four wheels; and the axletrees of the wheels were joined to the base: and the height of a wheel was a cubit and half a cubit.

33 And the work of the wheels was like the work of a chariot wheel: their axletrees, and their naves, and their felloes, and their spokes, were all molten.

34 And there were four undersetters to the four corners of one base: and the undersetters were of the very base itself.

35 And in the top of the base was there a round compass of half a cubit high: and on the top of the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof were of the same.

36 For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about.

37 After this manner he made the ten bases: all of them had one casting, one measure, and one size.

38 Then made he ten lavers of brass: one laver contained forty baths: and every laver was four cubits: and upon every one of the ten bases one laver.

39 And he put five bases on the right side of the house, and five on the left side of the house: and he set the sea on the right side of the house eastward over against the south.

40 And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basons. So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he made king Solomon for the house of the LORD:

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;

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;

43 And the ten bases, and ten lavers on the bases;

44 And one sea, and twelve oxen under the sea;

45 And the pots, and the shovels, and the basons: and all these vessels, which Hiram made to king Solomon for the house of the LORD, were of bright brass.

46 In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarthan.

47 And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because they were exceeding many: neither was the weight of the brass found out.

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

We have here an account of the brass-work about the temple. There was no iron about the temple, though we find David preparing for the temple iron for things of iron, Ch1 29:2. What those things were we are not told, but some of the things of brass are here described and the rest mentioned.

I. The brasier whom Solomon employed to preside in this part of the work was Hiram, or Huram (Ch2 4:11), who was by his mother's side an Israelite, of the tribe of Naphtali, by his father's side a man of Tyre, Kg1 7:14. If he had the ingenuity of a Tyrian, and the affection of an Israelite to the house of God (the head of a Tyrian and the heart of an Israelite), it was happy that the blood of the two nations mixed in him, for thereby he was qualified for the work to which he was designed. As the tabernacle was built with the wealth of Egypt, so the temple with the wit of Tyre. God will serve himself by the common gifts of the children of men.

II. The brass he made use of was the best he could get. All the brazen vessels were of bright brass (Kg1 7:45), good brass, so the Chaldee, that which was strongest and looked finest. God, who is the best, must be served and honoured with the best.

III. The place where all the brazen vessels were cast was the plain of Jordan, because the ground there was stiff and clayey, fit to make moulds of for the casting of the brass (Kg1 7:46), and Solomon would not have this dirty smoky work done in or near Jerusalem.

IV. The quantity was not accounted for. The vessels were unnumbered (so it may be read, Kg1 7:47, as well as unweighed), because they were exceedingly numerous, and it would have been an endless thing to keep the account of them; neither was the weight of the brass, when it was delivered to the workmen, searched or enquired into; so honest were the workmen, and such great plenty of brass they had, that there was no danger of wanting. We must ascribe it to Solomon's care that he provided so much, not to his carelessness that he kept no account of it.

V. Some particulars of the brass-work are described.

1.Two brazen pillars, which were set up in the porch of the temple (Kg1 7:21), whether under the cover of the porch or in the open air is not certain; it was between the temple and the court of the priests. These pillars were neither to hang gates upon nor to rest any building upon, but purely for ornament and significancy. (1.) What an ornament they were we may gather from the account here given of the curious work that was about them, chequer-work, chain-work, net-work, lily-work, and pomegranates in rows, and all of bright brass, and framed no doubt according to the best rules of proportion, to please the eye. (2.) Their significancy is intimated in the names given them (Kg1 7:21): Jachin - he will establish; and Boaz - in him is strength. Some think they were intended for memorials of the pillar of cloud and fire which led Israel through the wilderness: I rather think them designed for memorandums to the priests and others that came to worship at God's door, [1.] To depend upon God only, and not upon any sufficiency of their own, for strength and establishment in all their religious exercises. When we come to wait upon God, and find our hearts wandering and unfixed, then by faith let us fetch in help from heaven: Jachin - God will fix this roving mind. It is a good thing that the heart be established with grace. We find ourselves weak and unable for holy duties, but this is our encouragement: Boaz - in him is our strength, who works in us both to will and to do. I will go in the strength of the Lord God. Spiritual strength and stability are to be had at the door of God's temple, where we must wait for the gifts of grace in the use of the means of grace. [2.] It was a memorandum to them of the strength and establishment of the temple of God among them. Let them keep close to God and duty, and they should never lose their dignities and privileges, but the grant should be confirmed and perpetuated to them. The gospel church is what God will establish, what he will strengthen, and what the gates of hell can never prevail against. But, with respect to this temple, when it was destroyed particular notice was taken of the destroying of these pillars (Kg2 25:13, Kg2 25:17), which had been the tokens of its establishment, and would have been so if they had not forsaken God.

2.A brazen sea, a very large vessel, above five yards in diameter, and which contained above 500 barrels of water for the priests' use, in washing themselves and the sacrifices, and keeping the courts of the temple clean, Kg1 7:23, etc. It stood raised upon the figures of twelve oxen in brass, so high that either they must have stairs to climb up to it or cocks at the bottom to draw water from it. The Gibeonites, or Nethinim, who were to draw water for the house of God, had the care of filling it. Some think Solomon made the images of oxen to support this great cistern in contempt of the golden calf which Israel had worshipped, that (as bishop Patrick expresses it) the people might see there was nothing worthy of adoration in those figures; they were fitter to make posts of than to make gods of. Yet this prevailed not to prevent Jerusalem's setting up the calves for deities. In the court of the tabernacle there was only a laver of brass provided to wash in, but in the court of the temple a sea of brass, intimating that by the gospel of Christ much fuller preparation is made for our cleansing than was by the law of Moses. That had a laver, this has a sea, a fountain opened, Zac 13:1.

3.Ten bases, or stands, or settles, of brass, on which were put ten lavers, to be filled with water for the service of the temple, because there would not be room at the molten sea for all that had occasion to wash there. The bases on which the lavers were fixed are very largely described here, Kg1 7:27, etc. They were curiously adorned and set upon wheels, that the lavers might be removed as there was occasion; but ordinarily they stood in two rows, five on one side of the court and five on the other, Kg1 7:39. Each laver contained forty baths, that is, about ten barrels, Kg1 7:38. Those must be very clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Spiritual priests and spiritual sacrifices must be washed in the laver of Christ's blood and of regeneration. We must wash often, for we daily contract pollution, must cleanse our hands and purify our hearts. Plentiful provision is made for our cleansing; so that if we have our lot for ever among the unclean it will be our own fault.

4.Besides these, there was a vast number of brass pots made to boil the flesh of the peace-offerings in, which the priests and offerers were to feast upon before the Lord (see Sa1 2:14); also shovels, wherewith they took out the ashes of the altar. Some think the word signifies flesh-hooks, with which they took meat out of the pot. The basins also were made of brass, to receive the blood of the sacrifices. These are put for all the utensils of the brazen altar, Exo 38:3. While they were about it they made abundance of them, that they might have a good stock by them when those that were first in use wore out and went to decay. Thus Solomon, having wherewithal to do so, provided for posterity.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 13–47. Public domain.

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Ishodad of MervAD 850

BOOKS OF SESSIONS 1 KINGS 7:21

[The Scripture] calls the [pillar] on the south “Jachin,” indicating through it the humility of the priesthood; while the one on the north, called “Boaz,” signifies the power of kingship. It is possible that in Hebrew the two pillars indicate the two powers. The capitals at their top symbolize the power that is due to priests and kings and the weights of government, which are imposed on them. The sculptures, the lily work and the garlands of flowers signify the brightness and dignity of priesthood and kingship.

Richard ChallonerAD 1781

Booz: That is, in its strength. By recording these names in holy writ, the spirit of God would have us understand the invincible firmness and strength of the pillars on which the true temple of God, which is the church, is established.

Richard ChallonerAD 1781

Jachin: That is, firmly established.-- Ibid.

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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Cross-References

2 Chronicles 3:17
And he reared up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz.
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.
Isaiah 9:7
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
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.
Galatians 2:9
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
Ruth 4:21
And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,
Ezekiel 40:48
And he brought me to the porch of the house, and measured each post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side: and the breadth of the gate was three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side.