Jeremiah 52:21

KJV

And [concerning] the pillars, the height of one pillar [was] eighteen cubits; and a fillet of twelve cubits did compass it; and the thickness thereof [was] four fingers: [it was] hollow.

KJV (with Strong's)

And concerning the pillars {H5982}, the height {H6967} of one {H259} pillar {H5982} was eighteen {H8083}{H6240} cubits {H520}; and a fillet {H2339} of twelve {H8147}{H6240} cubits {H520} did compass {H5437} it; and the thickness {H5672} thereof was four {H702} fingers {H676}: it was hollow {H5014}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As for the columns, the height of one column was thirty-one-and-a-half feet; it took a twenty-one-foot measuring line to go around it; and its thickness was four fingers - it was hollow.

Berean Standard Bible

Each pillar was eighteen cubits tall and twelve cubits in circumference; each was hollow, four fingers thick.

American Standard Version

And as for the pillars, the height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits; and a line of twelve cubits did compass it; and the thickness thereof was four fingers: it was hollow.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 52:21 provides a remarkably precise architectural description of one of the two monumental bronze pillars that graced the entrance of Solomon's Temple, detailing its significant height, impressive circumference, and the unexpected fact of its hollow construction. This verse is embedded within a solemn historical appendix that meticulously catalogs the Temple's sacred articles as they were systematically plundered and dismantled by the invading Babylonian forces, thereby underscoring the comprehensive nature of the destruction and the immense spiritual and material value of what was irrevocably lost.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 52 functions as a crucial historical epilogue to the prophet Jeremiah's extensive prophetic warnings and lamentations, offering a stark, factual account of the tragic fulfillment of his pronouncements regarding Jerusalem's catastrophic fall and the Temple's utter destruction. This chapter largely parallels the historical record found in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of the Temple"), providing a detailed chronicle of King Zedekiah's capture, the Temple's burning, and the subsequent deportations to Babylon. Specifically, verses 17-23 enumerate the various bronze articles of the Temple that were broken apart and carried away as spoils of war. Verse 21 zeroes in on the precise dimensions of one of the two grand pillars, Jachin and Boaz, which had stood as prominent architectural and symbolic features at the Temple's entrance since their original erection, as meticulously recorded in [1 Kings 7:15-22](/1_kings/7-15-22 "1 Kings 7:15-22 - Description of Solomon's Temple Pillars"). The inclusion of such minute architectural measurements serves to emphasize the thoroughness and devastating impact of the Babylonian plundering, highlighting the irreversible loss experienced by the people of Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events meticulously described in Jeremiah 52 transpired during the final, brutal stages of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, culminating in the complete destruction of the First Temple in 586 BC. This cataclysmic period marked the definitive end of the independent Kingdom of Judah and initiated the traumatic Babylonian Exile. The Temple, originally constructed by King Solomon centuries earlier, was far more than a mere edifice for worship; it stood as the preeminent symbol of God's covenant presence among His chosen people, the very heart of Israelite national identity, and a magnificent testament to their divine favor and national glory. Its destruction was an unparalleled catastrophe, signifying profound divine judgment for centuries of widespread idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and persistent disobedience, precisely as prophesied by Jeremiah (e.g., in his powerful [Temple Sermon in Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7-1-15 "Jeremiah 7:1-15 - The Temple Sermon and Warning of Destruction")). The biblical writer's meticulous recording of the pillars' dimensions reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice of documenting significant architectural features and the spoils of war, thereby providing a verifiable historical record of the immense scale of the Temple's components and the comprehensive nature of the Babylonian dismantling operation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, situated within its broader narrative and theological framework, contributes significantly to several profound themes. Firstly, it vividly illustrates the **Detailed Destruction** and **Divine Judgment** meted out upon Judah. The meticulous cataloging of the Temple's dismantled components, including these grand pillars, underscores the exhaustive nature of God's judgment and the thoroughness of the Babylonian conquest, leaving no sacred stone unturned. This serves as a tangible manifestation of the warnings repeatedly issued throughout Jeremiah's prophecy, such as the seventy-year exile prophesied in [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8-11 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile"). Secondly, it powerfully speaks to the **Transience of Earthly Glory and Security**. The magnificent pillars, once enduring symbols of God's steadfast presence and Israel's strength (as described in [1 Kings 7:21](/1_kings/7-21 "1 Kings 7:21 - Naming of Jachin and Boaz")), were now being measured for their material value as plunder and destined for destruction, demonstrating that even divinely ordained structures are ultimately subject to the consequences of human sin and God's sovereign will. Finally, the inclusion of such precise dimensions lends undeniable **Historical Veracity** to the biblical narrative, affirming the concrete reality of these grand structures and the historical accuracy of the tragic events surrounding their fate.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **pillars (Hebrew, _ʻammûwd'_):** (H5982) Derived from the root meaning "to stand," this term refers to a column or a stand. In the context of Solomon's Temple, these were not merely structural supports but monumental, freestanding bronze columns specifically named Jachin ("He will establish") and Boaz ("In Him is strength"). Their detailed description here, even in their destruction, emphasizes their profound symbolic significance as testaments to God's faithfulness and power in establishing and upholding His people and His sacred dwelling.
* **fillet (Hebrew, _chûwṭ'_):** (H2339) From an unused root likely meaning "to sew," this word denotes a string, cord, or measuring tape. In this specific architectural context, "fillet" refers to the circumference or perimeter of the pillar, indicating the measurement around its girth. The use of this term highlights the precise and systematic methods of measurement employed by the Babylonians to accurately assess the substantial value and quantity of the bronze they were plundering.
* **hollow (Hebrew, _nâbab'_):** (H5014) From a primitive root meaning "to pierce," this term describes something as being empty, perforated, or pierced through. The revelation that these massive bronze pillars were hollow, rather than solid, is a crucial engineering and material detail. It suggests an ancient understanding of material efficiency, significantly reducing the immense weight and material cost of such large castings while still achieving the desired visual grandeur and symbolic presence. This detail also strongly implies that their primary function was symbolic and aesthetic, rather than serving as structural supports for the Temple building itself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [concerning] the pillars, the height of one pillar [was] eighteen cubits":** This initial clause introduces the primary subject of the detailed description—one of the two magnificent bronze pillars (Jachin and Boaz) that stood prominently at the Temple's entrance. The specified height of eighteen cubits (approximately 27 feet or 8.2 meters) immediately conveys a sense of monumental scale, emphasizing the impressive grandeur and imposing presence of Solomon's Temple architecture.
* **"and a fillet of twelve cubits did compass it":** This clause provides the precise circumference of the pillar. A "fillet" in this context refers to the measurement around the pillar's girth, indicating a circumference of twelve cubits (approximately 18 feet or 5.5 meters). This detail further underscores the massive dimensions of these architectural features, highlighting their substantial and commanding presence at the Temple's facade.
* **"and the thickness thereof [was] four fingers":** This highly precise measurement refers to the wall thickness of the hollow bronze pillar. Four fingers (approximately 3 inches or 7.6 cm) indicates a substantial, yet not solid, construction. This specific detail reveals the sophisticated metallurgical and engineering capabilities of the artisans of the time, enabling them to cast such large objects with a consistent and specific wall thickness.
* **"it was hollow":** This final, concise statement serves as a pivotal revelation. It definitively confirms that despite their imposing size and material (bronze), these pillars were not solid. This design choice would have significantly reduced the immense quantity of precious material required, made them considerably lighter for transport (especially for plundering armies), and facilitated easier casting, all while still providing the necessary visual impact and symbolic weight at the Temple's facade.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 52:21 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message and underscore the gravity of the events. The most prominent is **Precision** and **Detailed Enumeration**, as the verse meticulously records specific measurements—height, circumference, and thickness—of the Temple pillar. This serves to underscore the thoroughness and devastating finality of the Babylonian destruction, while simultaneously lending a powerful sense of historical veracity and undeniable factuality to the tragic account. There is also a strong element of **Irony** or **Poignant Contrast**: these magnificent pillars, named "He will establish" (Jachin) and "In Him is strength" (Boaz), which once symbolized God's enduring presence and unwavering power, are now being measured for their mere material value as spoils of war. This stark contrast highlights the profound loss and the devastating consequences of Israel's persistent unfaithfulness. Finally, the verse is rich in **Symbolism**, as the pillars themselves were deeply symbolic of God's steadfastness and the strength of His covenant with His people. Their dismantling thus becomes a powerful visual representation of the temporary withdrawal of God's manifest presence from a disobedient people and the catastrophic collapse of their national security and divine protection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 52:21, in its remarkably precise description of the Temple's dismantled pillars, powerfully underscores the profound theological truth that even the most sacred and divinely appointed physical structures are not immune to the consequences of human sin and the execution of divine judgment. The destruction of these magnificent symbols of God's presence served as a stark and undeniable reminder that God's covenant faithfulness, while enduring, is fundamentally conditional upon His people's obedience and fidelity. While the physical Temple was undeniably central to Israelite worship, national identity, and their understanding of God's dwelling, its physical destruction dramatically demonstrated that God's presence is not ultimately confined to or dependent upon human-made edifices. This pivotal event foreshadows a profound paradigm shift from a localized, physical dwelling place for God to a more spiritual, universal, and ultimately personal understanding of His presence, a transformative theme that finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the New Covenant.

* [1 Kings 7:15-22](/1_kings/7-15-22 "1 Kings 7:15-22 - Construction and Description of the Temple Pillars")
* [Jeremiah 7:14](/jeremiah/7-14 "Jeremiah 7:14 - God's Warning Against Trusting in the Temple")
* [Psalm 78:58-60](/psalms/78-58-60 "Psalm 78:58-60 - God's Rejection of Shiloh and Choosing of Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of the Temple's destruction, particularly the dismantling of its grand pillars, offers profoundly sobering yet ultimately hopeful lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful and enduring reminder of the inherent transience of all earthly structures, achievements, and sources of security, no matter how magnificent, seemingly permanent, or even divinely ordained they may appear. Our ultimate hope and unwavering security must never be placed in physical buildings, material possessions, human institutions, or even the most revered religious traditions, but solely and exclusively in the eternal, unchanging, and sovereign God. This passage also serves as a stern and necessary reminder of the serious and inevitable consequences of persistent disobedience to God's revealed Word. Just as ancient Israel faced severe judgment for their prolonged unfaithfulness, so too must we understand that God's justice is real, His warnings are to be heeded with utmost seriousness, and His call to holiness is unwavering. While the physical Temple was tragically destroyed, the New Testament reveals a glorious truth: believers themselves are now the [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as the Temple of the Holy Spirit"), emphasizing that God's dwelling is no longer confined to a building crafted by human hands but resides intimately within His redeemed people. This profound spiritual reality shifts our focus from external, perishable structures to internal, eternal spiritual realities, powerfully urging us to live lives that consistently honor God as His sacred dwelling place, reflecting His character and purpose in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What earthly "pillars" or perceived sources of security—be they financial, relational, or institutional—do I tend to rely on, and how might this passage challenge my misplaced trust in them?**
* **How does the destruction of the Temple, once the central symbol of God's presence, deepen my understanding of the profound seriousness of sin and the just nature of divine judgment?**
* **In what practical and spiritual ways can I more fully live out the truth that my body, and indeed the collective body of believers, is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and how does this spiritual reality transcend the physical destruction described in Jeremiah?**

### FAQ
**Why are the dimensions of the pillars so precisely detailed in a book of prophecy?**

Answer: The precise detailing of the pillars' dimensions in [Jeremiah 52:21](/jeremiah/52-21 "Jeremiah 52:21 - Dimensions of the Temple Pillars") serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it lends undeniable historical authenticity and verifiability to the biblical narrative, affirming the concrete reality of the Temple's components and the thoroughness of the Babylonian conquest. Such meticulous records were a common practice in ancient Near Eastern accounts of plundered treasures, providing a factual basis for the historical claims. Secondly, it powerfully underscores the completeness of God's judgment and the devastating, comprehensive loss experienced by Judah. The destruction was not superficial but involved the systematic dismantling of even the most magnificent and sacred elements of the Temple, emphasizing that nothing was spared from the consequences of Israel's prolonged disobedience, as repeatedly prophesied throughout Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8-11 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity")).

**What was the purpose of these large bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, if they were hollow?**

Answer: The pillars Jachin and Boaz, whose construction is detailed in [1 Kings 7:15-22](/1_kings/7-15-22 "1 Kings 7:15-22 - Construction of the Temple Pillars"), were not primarily structural elements designed to support the Temple building itself. Instead, they were monumental, freestanding decorative and deeply symbolic features placed prominently at the entrance. Their hollow construction, explicitly noted in [Jeremiah 52:21](/jeremiah/52-21 "Jeremiah 52:21 - Hollow Temple Pillars"), confirms this understanding. Being hollow made them significantly lighter, easier to cast with the available technology, and less resource-intensive in terms of precious bronze, while still achieving immense visual grandeur and imposing presence. Their names, Jachin ("He will establish") and Boaz ("In Him is strength"), clearly indicate their profound symbolic purpose: to represent God's faithfulness in establishing His covenant and His strength in upholding His people and His sacred house. Their destruction, therefore, symbolized the temporary withdrawal of God's manifest presence and the collapse of Israel's national security due to their persistent sin and covenant unfaithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The catastrophic destruction of Solomon's Temple, and specifically the meticulous dismantling of its grand pillars as detailed in [Jeremiah 52:21](/jeremiah/52-21 "Jeremiah 52:21 - Dimensions of the Temple Pillars"), points profoundly to the person and work of Christ and the inauguration of the New Covenant. The physical Temple, with its elaborate architecture, sacrificial system, and localized presence of God, was ultimately a shadow, a type, of the ultimate spiritual reality to come. The pillars, named Jachin ("He will establish") and Boaz ("In Him is strength"), powerfully symbolized God's unwavering commitment to His people and His powerful, sustaining presence. Yet, their eventual destruction dramatically demonstrates the temporary, perishable, and ultimately insufficient nature of a physical dwelling for God. In Christ, God's presence is no longer confined to a building made with human hands, but is fully and perfectly embodied in the person of Jesus Himself, who boldly declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Jesus is the true and eternal Temple, the ultimate and complete dwelling place of God among humanity ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")). Furthermore, through Christ's perfect atoning work on the cross and His resurrection, believers are spiritually incorporated into His body, becoming a living, spiritual temple, a holy dwelling place for God by the indwelling Spirit ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Believers as God's Holy Temple")). Thus, the demolition of the old Temple's physical grandeur and its symbolic pillars foreshadowed the ushering in of a new, living, and indestructible spiritual reality centered entirely on Christ, who truly establishes and strengthens His people forever in an eternal covenant.

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 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.

1 Kings 7:15

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

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.

2 Chronicles 3:15

Also he made before the house two pillars of thirty and five cubits high, and the chapiter that [was] on the top of each of them [was] five cubits.

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.