1 Kings 7:18

1 Kings 7:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And he made ornaments of apples; and two lines of apples all round over the network, covering the crowns of the pillars, the two crowns in the same way.

Free Bible Version FBV

Around the lattice network he made two rows of ornamental pomegranates to cover the capitals on the top of both the columns.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

So he made the pillars and two rowes of pomegranates round about in the one grate to couer the chapiters that were vpon the top. And thus did he for the other chapiter.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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.

World English Bible WEB

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.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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.

Translation for Translators T4T

He also made bronze figures that resembled pomegranates. He put two rows of pomegranates over the top parts of each pillar.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 7:18

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Kings 7:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יַּ֖עַשׂ אֶת הָ/עַמּוּדִ֑ים וּ/שְׁנֵי֩ טוּרִ֨ים סָבִ֜יב עַל הַ/שְּׂבָכָ֣ה הָ/אֶחָ֗ת לְ/כַסּ֤וֹת אֶת הַ/כֹּֽתָרֹת֙ אֲשֶׁר֙ עַל רֹ֣אשׁ הָֽ/רִמֹּנִ֔ים וְ/כֵ֣ן עָשָׂ֔ה לַ/כֹּתֶ֖רֶת הַ/שֵּׁנִֽית

וַ/יַּ֖עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הָ/עַמּוּדִ֑ים ʻammûwd H5982 pillar Art | N-mp

וּ/שְׁנֵי֩ shᵉnayim H8147 two Conj | Adj

טוּרִ֨ים ṭûwr H2905 row N-mp

סָבִ֜יב çâbîyb H5439 around N-cs

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ/שְּׂבָכָ֣ה sᵉbâkâh H7639 latticework Art | N-fs

הָ/אֶחָ֗ת ʼechâd H259 one Art | Adj

לְ/כַסּ֤וֹת kâçâh H3680 to cover Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/כֹּֽתָרֹת֙ kôthereth H3805 capital Art | N-fp

אֲשֶׁר֙ ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

רֹ֣אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head N-ms

הָֽ/רִמֹּנִ֔ים rimmôwn H7416 pomegranate Art | N-mp

וְ/כֵ֣ן kên H3651 right Conj | Part

עָשָׂ֔ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3ms

לַ/כֹּתֶ֖רֶת kôthereth H3805 capital Prep | N-fs

הַ/שֵּׁנִֽית shênîy H8145 second Art | Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 7:18

וַ/יַּ֖עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הָ/עַמּוּדִ֑ים ʻammûwd H5982 "pillar" Art | N-mp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a pillar or column, often used as a symbol of strength or support. It can also describe a platform or a stand, like a column of smoke rising into the air. The word is used in various contexts, including architecture and nature.

Definition: 1) pillar, column 1a) pillar 1b) column, upright 1c) column (of smoke)

Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apiece, pillar. See also: Exodus 13:21; 1 Kings 7:3; Psalms 75:4.

וּ/שְׁנֵי֩ shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Conj | Adj

The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.

טוּרִ֨ים ṭûwr H2905 "row" N-mp

This word refers to a row of things, like a row of bricks in a wall or a row of jewels on a necklace. It is used to describe something that is arranged in a line or sequence.

Definition: 1) row 1a) row, course (of building) 1b) row (of jewels)

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: row. See also: Exodus 28:17; 1 Kings 7:3; Ezekiel 46:23.

סָבִ֜יב çâbîyb H5439 "around" N-cs

This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.

Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side

Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ/שְּׂבָכָ֣ה sᵉbâkâh H7639 "latticework" Art | N-fs

This Hebrew word refers to a network or lattice, like a snare for hunting or a decorative pattern on a pillar. It can also mean a net or netting. In the Bible, it is translated as words like checker, lattice, or wreath.

Definition: 1) network, lattice-work, net, netting 1a) lattice 1b) net-ornament (on pillars) 1c) network, toils (for catching animals) Also means: sa.vakh (שָׂבָךְ "net" H7638)

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: checker, lattice, network, snare, wreath(-enwork). See also: 1 Kings 7:17; 2 Kings 25:17; Jeremiah 52:22.

הָ/אֶחָ֗ת ʼechâd H259 "one" Art | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

לְ/כַסּ֤וֹת kâçâh H3680 "to cover" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.

Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself

Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/כֹּֽתָרֹת֙ kôthereth H3805 "capital" Art | N-fp

This word describes the capital or top part of a column, often decorated with intricate designs, like those found in Solomon's Temple.

Definition: capital crown, capital of a pillar

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: chapiter. See also: 1 Kings 7:16; 1 Kings 7:41; Jeremiah 52:22.

אֲשֶׁר֙ ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

רֹ֣אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-ms

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum

Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.

הָֽ/רִמֹּנִ֔ים rimmôwn H7416 "pomegranate" Art | N-mp

A pomegranate, a fruit or tree, was also used as an ornament in the temple.

Definition: 1) pomegranate 1a) as tree 1b) as fruit 1c) as pomegranate shaped ornaments in temple

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: pomegranate. See also: Exodus 28:33; 2 Kings 25:17; Jeremiah 52:22.

וְ/כֵ֣ן kên H3651 "right" Conj | Part

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

עָשָׂ֔ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

לַ/כֹּתֶ֖רֶת kôthereth H3805 "capital" Prep | N-fs

This word describes the capital or top part of a column, often decorated with intricate designs, like those found in Solomon's Temple.

Definition: capital crown, capital of a pillar

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: chapiter. See also: 1 Kings 7:16; 1 Kings 7:41; Jeremiah 52:22.

הַ/שֵּׁנִֽית shênîy H8145 "second" Art | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means second or again, like when Moses went up Mount Sinai a second time in Exodus 24:15-18. It can also mean another or something distinct.

Definition: 1) second 1a) second (the ordinal number) 1b) again (a second time) 1c) another, other (something as distinct from something else)

Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time). See also: Genesis 1:8; 1 Kings 6:1; Isaiah 11:11.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 7:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Kings 7:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 7:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 7:18
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:18
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:18
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:18
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 7:18
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 7:18
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:18

Context — The Pillars and Capitals

16He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set on top of the pillars, each capital five cubits high. 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. 20On the capitals of both pillars, just above the rounded projection next to the network, were the two hundred pomegranates in rows encircling each capital.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 28:14	and two chains of pure gold, made of braided cord work; and attach these chains to the settings.
2	Exodus 39:15–18	For the breastpiece they made braided chains like cords of pure gold. They also made two gold filigree settings and two gold rings, and fastened the two rings to the two corners of the breastpiece. Then they fastened the two gold chains to the two gold rings at the corners of the breastpiece, and they fastened the other ends of the two chains to the two filigree settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front.
3	Exodus 28:22	For the breastpiece, make braided chains like cords of pure gold.
4	2 Kings 25:17	Each pillar was eighteen cubits tall. The bronze capital atop one pillar was three cubits high, with a network of bronze pomegranates all around. The second pillar, with its network, was similar.
5	Exodus 28:24–25	Then fasten the two gold chains to the two gold rings at the corners of the breastpiece, and fasten the other ends of the two chains to the two filigree settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front.

1 Kings 7:18 Summary

This verse describes the beautiful decorations on the pillars in the temple, including two rows of pomegranates. The pomegranates represent abundance and fruitfulness, reminding us of God's blessings in our lives (as seen in Exodus 28:33-35). Just as the pillars were carefully crafted to glorify God, we can also strive to honor Him in all we do, whether big or small, by doing 'everything for the glory of God' (1 Corinthians 10:31). By reflecting on the beauty and detail of the temple, we can deepen our appreciation for God's majesty and our place in His creation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the pomegranates in 1 Kings 7:18?

The pomegranates symbolize abundance, prosperity, and fruitfulness, reflecting God's blessing, as seen in Exodus 28:33-35 where they adorn the priest's robe, and in Joel 3:18, which describes a future time of prosperity.

Why did the pillars have two rows of pomegranates?

The two rows of pomegranates around each grating to cover each capital atop the pillars may signify the completeness and perfection of God's work, much like the idea of 'two' representing witness or confirmation in Scripture, such as in Deuteronomy 19:15 and Matthew 18:16.

How do the pillars and their decorations relate to our spiritual lives?

The ornate pillars and their decorations can be seen as a reflection of the beauty and majesty of God's creation and our place within it, reminding us of the importance of acknowledging and glorifying God in all aspects of life, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:17.

What can we learn from the attention to detail in the construction of the temple?

The meticulous detail in the construction of the temple, including the pillars and pomegranates, teaches us about the importance of diligence and excellence in our service to God, as seen in the instruction to 'do everything for the glory of God' in 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Reflection Questions

How can I reflect the beauty and majesty of God in my own life and actions?
What are some ways I can cultivate a sense of abundance and fruitfulness in my spiritual journey, as symbolized by the pomegranates?
In what ways can I prioritize excellence and diligence in my service to God, just as the craftsmen did in building the temple?
How can the image of the pillars and their decorations inspire me to stand firm in my faith and to support others in their spiritual journeys?
What does the concept of 'two' representing witness or confirmation mean for my walk with God, and how can I apply this principle in my relationships and decisions?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 7:18

And he made the pillars,.... Or adorned them in this manner: and two rows round about upon the one network, to cover the chapiters that were upon the top, with pomegranates; that is, there were two

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 7:18

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. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:18

And he made; or, so he made, or framed, or perfected. Two rows; either of pomegranates, by comparing this with , or of some other curious work.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:18

1 Kings 7:18 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.Ver. 18. And he made the pillars.] That is, He thus decked them. Peter Martyr saith that these pillars resembled a man, the nether part setting forth his feet, the second the trunk of his body, the third his head, and the fourth his hat: and that they signified God’ s protection over this house, as of old the pillar of fire, and pillar of smoke, showed his protection over them in the wilderness.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:18

(13-50) The exceedingly graphic and elaborate description of the work of Hiram on the vessels and furniture of the Temple, and on the great pillars, bears on the very face of it the most evident marks of historical accuracy and of the use of contemporary documents, and it has, moreover, great antiquarian interest. Looked at in itself, it shows that the Temple (like many other buildings in the comparative infancy of architecture) depended for its effect, not so much on size or proportion, as on rich material, elaborate decoration, and costly furniture, on which all the resources both of treasure and art were lavished. But besides this, the sense of the especial sacredness attached to all the vessels of the Temple, which was hereafter to degenerate into a Pharisaic superstition (see Matthew 23:16-18), suggested the most careful record of every detail, and reverently traced to “the Spirit of God” the gift of “wisdom of heart” “to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,” as in Bezaleel and Aholiab for the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:31-32), so also in Hiram for the Temple. There is something especially remarkable in this broad comprehensiveness of conception which recognises the illuminating and inspiring power of the Spirit of God, not only in the moral and religious teaching of the prophet and the devotional utterances of the psalmist, but in the warlike enthusiasm of the Judge, the sagacity of the statesman, the imaginative skill of the artist, and the wisdom of the philosophic thinker. Nothing could more strikingly illustrate the Apostolic declaration: “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:4).

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 7:18

18. upon the top, with pomegranates] The Hebrew text means ‘upon the top of the pomegranates.’ But some authorities give ‘upon the top of the pillars,’ which has been adopted by the R.V. The first words of the verse must however surely be wrong. ‘And he made the pillars’ is utterly out of place here. It had been noticed before; and the present verse is a description of the capitals. What appears to have happened is this. The words for ‘pillars’ and ‘pomegranates’ have changed places. The LXX. gives no help. But assuming this interchange of words we may render (nearly with R.V.) ‘So he made the pomegranates, and there were two rows about upon the one network, to cover the chapiters that were upon the top of the pillars; and so made he for the other chapiter.’ The words ‘to cover … pillars’ explaining the purpose of the work, come in a little awkwardly, but a sense is made out of what before was incomprehensible.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 7:18

The pomegranate was one of the most common ornaments in Assyria. It was used on quivers, on spear-shafts, and maceheads, in patterns on doorways and pavements, etc.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:18

18. He made the pillars — Rather, he made pomegranates, for in the Masoretic text the words pillars and pomegranates have evidently become transposed.

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