2 Chronicles 3:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he reared up {H6965} the pillars {H5982} before {H6440} the temple {H1964}, one {H259} on the right hand {H3225}, and the other {H259} on the left {H8040}; and called {H7121} the name {H8034} of that on the right hand {H3233}{H3227} Jachin {H3199}, and the name {H8034} of that on the left {H8042} Boaz {H1162}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He erected the columns in front of the temple, one on the right and the other on the left; the one on the right he called Yakhin, and the one on the left he called Bo'az.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he set up the pillars in front of the temple, one on the south and one on the north. The pillar on the south he named Jachin, and the pillar on the north he named Boaz.

American Standard Version

And he set 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse in 2 Chronicles 3:17 culminates the description of the Temple's exterior, detailing the erection and naming of the two colossal bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, positioned prominently before the sacred edifice. Far from mere architectural supports, these magnificent columns, fashioned by Hiram of Tyre, served as profound symbolic declarations, proclaiming divine attributes and covenantal truths to all who approached the dwelling place of God in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Chronicles 3:17 marks the conclusion of the detailed account of Solomon's construction of the Temple, specifically focusing on its exterior features. The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 3:1-16) meticulously describe the dimensions, materials, and internal furnishings of the sanctuary, including the Holy of Holies, the cherubim, and the veil. This verse, therefore, serves as the final touch on the grand entrance, providing a symbolic gateway to the sacred space. It parallels the account found in [1 Kings 7:15-22](/1_kings/7-15-22 "1 Kings 7:15-22 - Description of the Bronze Pillars"), offering a consistent historical and architectural record of these unique elements. The Chronicler's emphasis here, as throughout the book, is on the glory and proper worship within the Temple, underscoring the significance of every detail and highlighting God's faithfulness in enabling the completion of His dwelling place.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the First Temple during Solomon's reign (c. 960 BCE) was a monumental undertaking, signifying a new era for Israel as a settled nation with a central place of worship. Prior to this, the Ark of the Covenant resided in a portable tabernacle. The Temple's permanence underscored God's commitment to His people and His chosen city, Jerusalem. The use of Hiram of Tyre, a skilled Phoenician craftsman, highlights the international collaboration and advanced metallurgical techniques of the era. In the ancient Near East, monumental pillars often stood at the entrances of temples or palaces, not primarily for structural support, but as symbolic markers, often bearing inscriptions or names that conveyed the patron's power, divine favor, or the building's purpose. The naming of these pillars, Jachin and Boaz, would have immediately communicated profound theological truths to those familiar with Hebrew word meanings.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **God's dwelling among His people**, as the Temple was the tangible symbol of His presence. Secondly, the names Jachin and Boaz underscore themes of **divine faithfulness and covenantal establishment**. "Jachin" points directly to God's unwavering promise to [establish David's throne and kingdom forever](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David"), as detailed in the Davidic Covenant. "Boaz" highlights **God's strength and sustaining power**, reminding Israel that their security and prosperity derived not from human might but from divine might. Together, these pillars served as a constant visual sermon on God's commitment to His promises and His omnipotence, providing assurance to the worshippers entering the sacred space and reinforcing the idea that the Temple itself was a testament to God's enduring power and presence, echoing the themes found throughout [the dedication of the Temple](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jachin (Hebrew, _Yâkîyn'_):** Placed on the right (south) side of the Temple entrance, this name means "He shall establish" or "He will establish." This directly points to the unwavering faithfulness of God in fulfilling His covenant promises, particularly His promise to King David to establish his dynasty and kingdom forever ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). It signifies divine permanence and the secure foundation God provides for His people and His dwelling place.
* **Boaz (Hebrew, _Bôʻaz'_):** Placed on the left (north) side, this name means "In it is strength" or "By strength." While the Strong's definition for the name itself refers to an ancestor of David, its common theological interpretation, derived from the root meaning, signifies that the Temple, and indeed Israel's very existence and security, depended entirely on God's inherent power and might. It served as a powerful reminder that divine strength, not human ingenuity or military prowess, sustained their nation and their worship.
* **reared up (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** This verb describes the act of erecting the pillars. It conveys more than just physical placement; it implies setting something up firmly, establishing it, or causing it to stand. In this context, it emphasizes the deliberate and permanent nature of the pillars' installation, signifying their lasting symbolic importance at the Temple's entrance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he reared up the pillars before the temple":** This clause describes the final act of erecting the two massive bronze columns. The verb "reared up" (from `H6965 qûwm`) implies not just physical placement but also a sense of permanence and significance, indicating a deliberate act of establishment. Crucially, they stood "before the temple," meaning at the entrance or porch, not within the main structure. This indicates their symbolic, rather than structural, purpose, serving as monumental sentinels guarding the sacred space.
* **"one on the right hand, and the other on the left":** This specifies the precise positioning of the pillars. When facing the Temple from the east (the direction of approach), the "right hand" would correspond to the south side, and the "left hand" to the north side. This symmetrical placement emphasized their dual yet complementary symbolic roles at the threshold of God's presence, marking the entryway with a balanced declaration.
* **"and called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz":** The act of naming was profoundly significant in ancient cultures, imbuing an object or person with identity and purpose. By naming these pillars, Solomon, under divine inspiration, transformed them from mere architectural features into active theological statements. The names, "He shall establish" and "In it is strength," functioned as a combined declaration, a "visual sermon" to all who entered, proclaiming that God would establish His dwelling and His people by His own inherent strength.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Chronicles 3:17 is **Symbolism**. The two monumental pillars, Jachin and Boaz, are not merely decorative but serve as powerful symbols of God's character and covenantal relationship with Israel. Their very names embody profound theological truths. Furthermore, the verse employs **Etymological Significance**, as the meaning of the Hebrew names Jachin ("He shall establish") and Boaz ("In it is strength") is central to their symbolic function, conveying a combined message of divine faithfulness and omnipotence. The positioning of "one on the right hand, and the other on the left" can be seen as a form of **Merism**, encompassing the entire entrance and signifying the totality of God's attributes (establishment and strength) guarding and defining access to His presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The naming of Jachin and Boaz at the entrance of Solomon's Temple served as a perpetual theological declaration to all who approached God's house. Together, their names ("He shall establish" and "In it is strength") articulated a foundational truth about God's character and His covenant with Israel: God Himself is the one who establishes His purposes, His people, and His dwelling place, and He does so by His own inherent, unshakeable strength. This was a powerful reminder that Israel's security, the permanence of the Davidic dynasty, and the very existence of the Temple were not dependent on human might or political stability, but solely on the faithful power of Yahweh. It instilled confidence in God's enduring presence and His commitment to His promises, providing assurance to the worshipper and a deterrent to any who might challenge His authority, emphasizing that true stability comes from God alone.

* [1 Kings 7:21](/1_kings/7-21 "Naming of the Pillars")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 89:2-4](/psalms/89-2-4 "God's Faithfulness and Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The enduring symbolism of Jachin and Boaz offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. Just as these pillars stood as a constant declaration of God's faithfulness and strength at the threshold of His dwelling, so too are we called to live lives that reflect these divine attributes. God continues to establish His purposes in the world, often through the lives of His people, and He provides the strength necessary to stand firm in faith amidst life's challenges. The combined message "He will establish by strength" reminds us that our spiritual stability and effectiveness do not come from our own abilities or resources, but from our reliance on God's unfailing power and His commitment to His promises. We are to be "spiritual pillars" in our communities, embodying the truth and stability found only in Him, demonstrating His faithfulness and strength to a watching world, and serving as a testament to God's active presence and power in our lives and through His Church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meaning of Jachin ("He shall establish") encourage you in areas of uncertainty or transition in your life, knowing that God is the ultimate establisher?**
* **In what specific ways do you tend to rely on your own strength rather than God's strength ("Boaz") when facing difficulties, and how can you shift your dependence?**
* **Considering the pillars stood at the entrance to the Temple, how does the combined message of "He will establish by strength" prepare or challenge you as you "enter" into God's presence through worship or engage in His service?**

### FAQ
**Were Jachin and Boaz structural components of the Temple?**

Answer: No, Jachin and Boaz were not structural supports for the Temple building itself. Both the biblical descriptions (here and in [1 Kings 7](/1_kings/7 "Solomon's Palace and Temple Furnishings")) and archaeological understanding of ancient Near Eastern temple architecture indicate that such monumental pillars at the entrance were primarily symbolic and decorative. They stood freely before the porch, serving as powerful visual declarations rather than load-bearing elements. Their immense size and elaborate bronze craftsmanship highlighted their significance as theological statements about God's character and covenant, marking the sacred threshold.

**Why were these specific names, Jachin and Boaz, chosen for the pillars?**

Answer: The names Jachin ("He shall establish") and Boaz ("In it is strength" or "By strength") were chosen for their profound theological significance. They functioned as a combined declaration, a "visual sermon" to all who entered the Temple. Jachin pointed to God's unwavering faithfulness in establishing His covenant with David and His dwelling place among His people, confirming His promises. Boaz emphasized that this establishment, and indeed Israel's very existence and security, depended entirely on God's inherent power and might. Together, they proclaimed that God would establish His purposes and His people by His own divine strength, serving as a constant reminder of God's enduring presence, His promises, and His omnipotence, providing comfort and assurance to the worshippers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The symbolism of Jachin and Boaz finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the true and eternal "establisher" and the very embodiment of God's "strength." Just as Jachin declared God's faithfulness to establish, Christ is the one through whom God's eternal covenant promises are definitively established and fulfilled ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). He is the foundation upon which God's new spiritual Temple, the Church, is built, a Temple that will never be destroyed ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Christ Builds His Church")). Furthermore, as Boaz signified divine strength, Christ is the source of all power and might for believers, enabling them to do all things through Him who strengthens them ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Strength in Christ")). He is the "power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). In Christ, we find the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom and the inexhaustible strength to live out our faith. He is the true "pillar and ground of the truth" ([1 Timothy 3:15](/1_timothy/3-15 "The Church as Pillar of Truth")), upholding all of God's revelation and providing the secure and powerful entrance into God's presence for all who believe, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")).

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

1 Kings 7:21

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.