A chapiter, in biblical terms, refers to the capital or topmost part of a column or pillar. This architectural element is significant in the construction of ancient structures, particularly in the context of the tabernacle and the temple, as described in the Old Testament. The chapiter serves both a functional and decorative purpose, often intricately designed to enhance the beauty and grandeur of sacred spaces.

Biblical References:

The term "chapiter" is frequently mentioned in the descriptions of the construction of Solomon's Temple. In 1 Kings 7:16-17 , we read about the chapiters made by Hiram, a skilled craftsman: "He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set on top of the pillars, each capital five cubits high. For the capitals on top of the pillars, he made a network of interwoven chains with wreaths of chainwork, seven for each capital."

The chapiters were not only functional but also richly adorned, symbolizing the glory and majesty of God's dwelling place. In 2 Chronicles 4:12-13 , the detailed craftsmanship is further highlighted: "the two pillars; the two bowl-shaped capitals on top of the pillars; the two sets of network covering the two bowl-shaped capitals on top of 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)."

Symbolism and Significance:

Chapiter designs often included motifs such as pomegranates and lilies, which held symbolic meanings. Pomegranates, for instance, are frequently associated with abundance and fertility, reflecting the prosperity and blessing of God upon His people. The intricate designs of the chapiters also served to draw the eyes upward, directing the worshiper's focus towards the heavens and the divine presence of God.

The chapiters' placement on top of the pillars can be seen as a representation of the connection between heaven and earth, with the pillars symbolizing strength and stability, and the chapiters adding beauty and glory. This architectural feature underscores the belief that God's presence sanctifies and elevates the earthly realm.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, chapiters were common in temple architecture, serving as a testament to the skill and artistry of the craftsmen of the time. The use of bronze and the detailed workmanship reflect the wealth and resources dedicated to the construction of sacred spaces, emphasizing the importance of worship and reverence for God.

The chapiters of Solomon's Temple, in particular, are noted for their grandeur and complexity, showcasing the peak of Israelite craftsmanship and the nation's devotion to creating a dwelling place for the Lord that was worthy of His majesty.

Conclusion:

The chapiter, as described in the Bible, is more than just an architectural element; it is a symbol of divine beauty and the intricate relationship between God and His people. Through its detailed descriptions in Scripture, the chapiter serves as a reminder of the care and devotion that should characterize the worship of God, reflecting His glory in the craftsmanship and artistry of His sacred spaces.The ornamental head or capital of a pillar. Three Hebrew words are so rendered.

(1.) Cothereth (1 Kings 7:16; 2 Kings 25:17; 2 Chronicles 4:12), meaning a "diadem" or "crown."

(2.) Tzepheth (2 Chronicles 3:15).

(3.) Rosh (Exodus 36:38; 38:17, 19, 28), properly a "head" or "top."

1. (n.) A capital [Obs.] See Chapital.

2. (n.) A summary in writing of such matters as are to be inquired of or presented before justices in eyre, or justices of assize, or of the peace, in their sessions; -- also called articles.

CHAPITER

chap'-i-ter.

See ARCHITECTURE; JACHIN AND BOAZ; TEMPLE, II, 4.

3805. kothereth -- capital (of a pillar)
... chapiter. Feminine active participle of kathar; the capital of a column -- chapiter.
see HEBREW kathar. 3804, 3805. kothereth. 3806 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/3805.htm - 6k

6858. tsepheth -- probably plated capital (of a pillar)
... chapiter. From an unused root meaning to encircle; a capital of a column --
chapiter. 6857, 6858. tsepheth. 6859 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6858.htm - 6k

7218. rosh -- head
... as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of
place, time, rank, itc.) -- band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place ...
/hebrew/7218.htm - 6k

The Prophet Amos.
... Ver.1. "I saw the Lord standing over the altar; and He said, Smite the chapiter,
and make the thresholds tremble, and break them upon the heads of all; and I ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Chapiter (8 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CHAPITER. chap'-i-ter. See ARCHITECTURE; JACHIN
AND BOAZ; TEMPLE, II, 4. Multi-Version Concordance Chapiter (8 Occurrences). ...
/c/chapiter.htm - 10k

Chapiters (15 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:16 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 ...
/c/chapiters.htm - 11k

Wreathed (9 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/w/wreathed.htm - 9k

Net-work (11 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:17 Nets of net-work, wreaths of chain-work 'are' for the chapiters that
'are' on the top of the pillars, seven for the one chapiter, and seven for ...
/n/net-work.htm - 9k

Protuberance (1 Occurrence)
... pillars also above, over-against the protuberance that 'is' beside the net; and
the pomegranates 'are' two hundred, in rows round about on the second chapiter. ...
/p/protuberance.htm - 7k

Projection (3 Occurrences)
... pillars also above, over-against the protuberance that 'is' beside the net; and
the pomegranates 'are' two hundred, in rows round about on the second chapiter. ...
/p/projection.htm - 8k

Pomegranates (20 Occurrences)
... 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. ...
/p/pomegranates.htm - 13k

Basework (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Kings 7:31 And its mouth within the chapiter and above 'is' by the cubit, and
its mouth 'is' round, the work of the base, a cubit and half a cubit; and also ...
/b/basework.htm - 6k

Chaphenatha

/c/chaphenatha.htm - 6k

Carvings (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:31 And its mouth within the chapiter and above 'is' by the cubit, and
its mouth 'is' round, the work of the base, a cubit and half a cubit; and also ...
/c/carvings.htm - 8k

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