1 Kings 7:18
New International Version
He made pomegranates in two rows encircling each network to decorate the capitals on top of the pillars. He did the same for each capital.

New Living Translation
He also encircled the latticework with two rows of pomegranates to decorate the capitals over the pillars.

English Standard Version
Likewise he made pomegranates in two rows around the one latticework to cover the capital that was on the top of the pillar, and he did the same with the other capital.

Berean Standard Bible
Likewise, he made the pillars with two rows of pomegranates around each grating to cover each capital atop the pillars.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
So he made the pillars, and two rows of pomegranates above the network all around to cover the capitals that were on top; and thus he did for the other capital.

New American Standard Bible
So he made the pillars, and two rows around on the one lattice to cover the capitals which were on the top of the pomegranates; and so he did for the other capital.

NASB 1995
So he made the pillars, and two rows around on the one network to cover the capitals which were on the top of the pomegranates; and so he did for the other capital.

NASB 1977
So he made the pillars, and two rows around on the one network to cover the capitals which were on the top of the pomegranates; and so he did for the other capital.

Legacy Standard Bible
So he made the pillars, and two rows around on the one network to cover the capitals which were on the top of the pomegranates; and so he did for the other capital.

Amplified Bible
So Hiram made the pillars [in this manner], and two rows around on the one network to cover the capitals which were on the top of the pomegranates; and he did the same for the other capital.

Christian Standard Bible
He made the pillars with two encircling rows of pomegranates on the one grating to cover the capital on top; he did the same for the second capital.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He made the pillars with two encircling rows of pomegranates on the one grating to cover the capital on top; he did the same for the second capital.

American Standard Version
So he made the pillars; and there were two rows round about upon the one network, to cover the capitals that were upon the top of the pillars: and so did he for the other capital.

Contemporary English Version
with two rows of designs that looked like pomegranates.

English Revised Version
So he made the pillars; and there were two rows round about upon the one network, to cover the chapiters that were upon the top of the pillars: and so did he for the other chapiter.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After he made the pillars, he made two rows [of decorations] around the filigree to cover the capitals which were above the pillars. He made the capitals identical to each other.

Good News Translation
and two rows of bronze pomegranates.

International Standard Version
The pillars contained two rows of ornaments shaped like pomegranates around the latticework covering the top of each pillar.

Majority Standard Bible
Likewise, he made the pillars with two rows of pomegranates around each grating to cover each capital atop the pillars.

NET Bible
When he made the pillars, there were two rows of pomegranate-shaped ornaments around the latticework covering the top of each pillar.

New Heart English Bible
So he made the pomegranates, two rows around on the one network, to cover the capitals that were on the top of the pillars; and he did so for the other capital.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he made the pillars, and two rows around upon the one net-work, to cover the capitals that were upon the top, with pomegranates: and so he did for the other capital.

World English Bible
So he made the pillars; and there were two rows of pomegranates around the one network, to cover the capitals that were on the top of the pillars; and he did so for the other capital.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he makes the pillars, and two rows around on the one network, to cover the chapiters that [are] on the top, with the pomegranates, and so he has made for the second capital.

Young's Literal Translation
And he maketh the pillars, and two rows round about on the one net-work, to cover the chapiters that are on the top, with the pomegranates, and so he hath made for the second chapiter.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will make the pillars, and two rows round about upon the one net for covering the crowns which were upon the head, with pomegranates: and thus he made for the second crown.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he made the pillars, and two rows round about each network to cover the chapiters, that were upon the top, with pomegranates: and in like manner did he to the other chapiter.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he finished the columns with two rows all around each network, so that these covered the heads, which were at the top, with pomegranates. And he did in like manner to the second head.

New American Bible
He also cast pomegranates, two rows around each netting to cover the capital on top of the columns.

New Revised Standard Version
He made the columns with two rows around each latticework to cover the capitals that were above the pomegranates; he did the same with the other capital.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he made the pillars, and two rows of buds round about upon one network, to cover the capitals that were upon the top of the pillars; and he did so to the other pillar.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he made pillars and two rows as a circle on one lattice to cover the saplings that were on the top of the pillar and thus also for the other pillar.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he made the pillars; and there were two rows round about upon the one network, to cover the capitals that were upon the top of the pomegranates; and so did he for the other capital.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And hanging work, two rows of brazen pomegranates, formed with net-work, hanging work, row upon row: and thus he framed the ornaments for the second chapiter.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Work of Hiram
17For the capitals on top of the pillars he made a network of lattice, with wreaths of chainwork, seven for each capital. 18Likewise, he made the pillars with two rows of pomegranates around each grating to cover each capital atop the pillars. 19And the capitals atop the pillars in the portico were shaped like lilies, four cubits high.…

Cross References
2 Chronicles 4:12-13
the two pillars; the two bowl-shaped capitals atop the pillars; the two sets of network covering both bowls of the capitals atop the pillars; / the four hundred pomegranates for the two sets of network (two rows of pomegranates for each network covering both the bowl-shaped capitals atop the pillars);

Exodus 25:31-36
Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. / Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. / There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extend from the lampstand. ...

Exodus 37:17-22
Then he made the lampstand out of pure hammered gold, all of one piece: its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. / Six branches extended from the sides, three on one side and three on the other. / There were three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extended from the lampstand. ...

Jeremiah 52:21-23
Each pillar was eighteen cubits tall and twelve cubits in circumference; each was hollow, four fingers thick. / The bronze capital atop one pillar was five cubits high, with a network of bronze pomegranates all around. The second pillar, with its pomegranates, was similar. / Each capital had ninety-six pomegranates on the sides, and a total of a hundred pomegranates were above the surrounding network.

2 Chronicles 3:15-17
In front of the temple he made two pillars, which together were thirty-five cubits high, each with a capital on top measuring five cubits. / He made interwoven chains and put them on top of the pillars. He made a hundred pomegranates and fastened them into the chainwork. / 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.

Zechariah 4:2-3
“What do you see?” he asked. “I see a solid gold lampstand,” I replied, “with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven spouts to the lamps. / There are also two olive trees beside it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left.”

Numbers 8:4
This is how the lampstand was constructed: it was made of hammered gold from its base to its blossoms, fashioned according to the pattern the LORD had shown Moses.

Revelation 1:12-13
Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, / and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest.

Revelation 11:4
These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.

Exodus 27:20-21
And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. / In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites for the generations to come.

1 Kings 6:18
The cedar paneling inside the temple was carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; not a stone could be seen.

1 Kings 6:29
Then he carved the walls all around the temple, in both the inner and outer sanctuaries, with carved engravings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers.

1 Kings 6:32
The double doors were made of olive wood, and he carved into them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers and overlaid the cherubim and palm trees with hammered gold.

1 Kings 6:35
He carved into them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and he overlaid them with gold hammered evenly over the carvings.

1 Kings 10:19-20
The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest. / Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom.


Treasury of Scripture

And he made the pillars, and two rows round about on the one network, to cover the capitals that were on the top, with pomegranates: and so did he for the other capital.

Exodus 28:14,22,24,25
And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches…

Exodus 39:15-18
And they made upon the breastplate chains at the ends, of wreathen work of pure gold…

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.

Jump to Previous
Apples Capital Capitals Chapiter Chapiters Cover Covering Crowns Decorate Encircling Likewise Maketh Namely Network Net-Work Ornaments Pillar Pillars Pomegranates Round Rows Top Way
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Apples Capital Capitals Chapiter Chapiters Cover Covering Crowns Decorate Encircling Likewise Maketh Namely Network Net-Work Ornaments Pillar Pillars Pomegranates Round Rows Top Way
1 Kings 7
1. The building of Solomon's house
2. Of the house of Lebanon
6. Of the porch of pillars
7. Of the porch of judgment
8. Of the house for Pharaoh's daughter
13. Hiram's work of the two pillars,
23. Of the molten sea
27. Of the ten bases
38. Of the ten lavers
40. and all the vessels














He made the pillars
The construction of the pillars is attributed to Hiram, a skilled craftsman from Tyre, who was brought in by King Solomon to assist in the building of the temple. The Hebrew word for "pillars" is "עַמּוּדִים" (ammudim), which signifies something that stands firm or supports. In the context of the temple, these pillars were not only structural but also symbolic, representing strength and stability. They remind us of the steadfastness of God's promises and the enduring nature of His covenant with Israel.

two rows of pomegranates
The pomegranate is a fruit that holds significant symbolism in the Bible. The Hebrew word "רִמּוֹנִים" (rimmonim) is used here, and pomegranates are often associated with abundance, fertility, and blessing. In the context of the temple, the pomegranates symbolize the fruitfulness and prosperity that come from living in accordance with God's laws. The two rows suggest completeness and perfection, emphasizing the fullness of God's provision.

encircled each capital
The capitals, or tops of the pillars, were adorned with these decorative elements. The Hebrew word for "capital" is "כֹּתֶרֶת" (koteret), which refers to the crowning part of a column. The encircling of the capitals with pomegranates signifies the encompassing nature of God's beauty and glory. It serves as a reminder that God's presence surrounds and crowns His people, offering protection and honor.

to decorate the tops of the pillars
The purpose of the decoration was not merely aesthetic but also symbolic. The Hebrew word "לְפָאֵר" (lefa'er) means to beautify or glorify. The decoration of the temple pillars with pomegranates was an act of glorifying God, reflecting His majesty and splendor. It illustrates the principle that all aspects of worship, including the physical space, should be designed to honor and magnify the Lord.

Verse 18. - And he made the pillars [There is evidently a confusion of the text here. Probably we should read, with some MSS. הרמנים, the pomegranates (so LXX.), instead of העמודים, or rather, we should transpose the two words, reading pomegranates where the Masoretic text has pillars, and vice versa. "The pomegranate was one of the commonest ornaments of Assyria.... It is doubtful whether a symbolical meaning was attached to it, or whether it was merely selected as a beautiful natural form" (Rawlinson). Wordsworth characteristically sees in its many ripe seeds, "an expressive emblem of fruitfulness in good works." According to Bahr, it is an image of the law or covenant of Jehovah, and the seeds represent the separate commands (Symbolik, 2:122, 123). In the tabernacle it was pourtrayed in works of divers colours on the hem of the robe of the ephod (Exodus 28:33, 34; Exodus 39:24). All the Scripture notices of this fruit prove its great abundance in Palestine (Numbers 13:23; Joshua 15:32; Joshua 21:25 ; - in the two last passages it appears as the name of a town - Song of Solomon 4:3, 13; Song of Solomon 8:2; Joel 1:12; Haggai 2:9, etc.) It was also well known to the Egyptians (Numbers 20:5)], and [or even] two rows round about upon the one network ["The relation between the two rows of pomegranates and the plaited work is not clearly defined, but it is generally and correctly assumed that one row ran round the pillars below the plaited work and the other above" (Keil). The pomegranates, one hundred in number in each row (2 Chronicles 3:16), four hundred in all (2 Chronicles 4:13; Jeremiah 52:23), would thus form a double border to the chain work], to cover the chapiters that were upon the top, with pomegranates [rather, on the top of the pillars, as the transposition mentioned above and the sense require]; and so did he for the other chapiter.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Likewise, he made
וַיַּ֖עַשׂ (way·ya·‘aś)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

the pillars
הָעַמּוּדִ֑ים (hā·‘am·mū·ḏîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5982: A column, a stand, platform

with two
וּשְׁנֵי֩ (ū·šə·nê)
Conjunctive waw | Number - mdc
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

rows
טוּרִ֨ים (ṭū·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2905: A row, a wall

of pomegranates
הָֽרִמֹּנִ֔ים (hā·rim·mō·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7416: A pomegranate, the tree, the fruit

around
סָבִ֜יב (sā·ḇîḇ)
Adverb
Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around

[each]
הָאֶחָ֗ת (hā·’e·ḥāṯ)
Article | Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

grating
הַשְּׂבָכָ֣ה (haś·śə·ḇā·ḵāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7639: A net-work, a snare, a ballustrade, a reticulated ornament to a, pillar

to cover
לְכַסּ֤וֹת (lə·ḵas·sō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3680: To plump, fill up hollows, to cover

each capital
הַכֹּֽתָרֹת֙ (hak·kō·ṯā·rōṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 3805: The capital of a, column

atop [the pillars].
רֹ֣אשׁ (rōš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7218: The head


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OT History: 1 Kings 7:18 So he made the pillars (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 7:17
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