Jeremiah 52:21
Jeremiah 52:21 in Multiple Translations
Each pillar was eighteen cubits tall and twelve cubits in circumference; each was hollow, four fingers thick.
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.
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.
And as for the pillars, one pillar was eighteen cubits high, and twelve cubits measured all round, and it was as thick as a man's hand: it was hollow.
Each column was eighteen cubits tall and twelve cubits around. They were hollow with walls four fingers thick.
And concerning the pillars, the height of one pillar was eighteene cubites, and a threede of twelue cubites did compasse it, and the thicknesse thereof was foure fingers: it was holowe.
As to the pillars, eighteen cubits [is] the height of the one pillar, and a cord of twelve cubits doth compass it, and its thickness [is] four fingers hollow.
As for the pillars, the height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits; and a line of twelve cubits encircled it; and its thickness was four fingers. It was hollow.
And concerning the pillars, the hight of one pillar was eighteen cubits; and a fillet of twelve cubits encompassed it; and the thickness of it was four fingers: it was hollow.
And concerning the pillars, one pillar was eighteen cubits high: and a cord of twelve cubits compassed it about: but the thickness thereof was four fingers, and it was hollow within.
Each of the pillars was ◄27 feet/8 meters► tall and ◄18 feet/5.5 meters► around. They were hollow, and each had sides/walls that were ◄3 in./8 cm.► thick.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 52:21
BAB
Word Study
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Jeremiah 52:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָ/עַמּוּדִ֗ים
שְׁמֹנֶ֨ה
עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה
אַמָּה֙
קומה
קוֹמַת֙
הָ/עַמֻּ֣ד
הָ/אֶחָ֔ד
וְ/ח֛וּט
שְׁתֵּים
עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה
אַמָּ֖ה
יְסֻבֶּ֑/נּוּ
וְ/עָבְי֛/וֹ
אַרְבַּ֥ע
אַצְבָּע֖וֹת
נָבֽוּב
וְ/הָ/עַמּוּדִ֗ים
ʻammûwd
H5982
pillar
Conj | Art | N-mp
שְׁמֹנֶ֨ה
shᵉmôneh
H8083
eight
Adj
עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
אַמָּה֙
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
N-fs
קומה
qôwmâh
H6967
height
N-fs
קוֹמַת֙
qôwmâh
H6967
height
N-fs
הָ/עַמֻּ֣ד
ʻammûwd
H5982
pillar
Art | N-ms
הָ/אֶחָ֔ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Art | Adj
וְ/ח֛וּט
chûwṭ
H2339
thread
Conj | N-ms
שְׁתֵּים
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
אַמָּ֖ה
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
N-fs
יְסֻבֶּ֑/נּוּ
çâbab
H5437
to turn
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
וְ/עָבְי֛/וֹ
ʻăbîy
H5672
thickness
Conj | N-ms | Suff
אַרְבַּ֥ע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Adj
אַצְבָּע֖וֹת
ʼetsbaʻ
H676
finger
N-fp
נָבֽוּב
nâbab
H5014
be hollow
V-Qal-Inf-c
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 52:21
וְ/הָ/עַמּוּדִ֗ים
ʻammûwd
H5982
"pillar"
Conj | 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.
שְׁמֹנֶ֨ה
shᵉmôneh
H8083
"eight"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number eight, which was considered a special number in biblical times. It is used to describe quantities, such as eight days or eight years, and also appears in ordinal forms, like eighth or eighth day.
Definition: 1) eight, eighth 1a) eight (as cardinal number) 1b) eighth (as ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: eight(-een, -eenth), eighth. See also: Genesis 5:4; 1 Chronicles 16:38; Jeremiah 32:1.
עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
אַמָּה֙
ʼammâh
H520
"cubit"
N-fs
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
קומה
qôwmâh
H6967
"height"
N-fs
Qomah refers to height or stature, describing how tall someone or something is, like the height of a person or a building in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, stature 1b) height
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] along, height, high, stature, tall. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:23; Isaiah 10:33.
קוֹמַת֙
qôwmâh
H6967
"height"
N-fs
Qomah refers to height or stature, describing how tall someone or something is, like the height of a person or a building in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, stature 1b) height
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] along, height, high, stature, tall. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:23; Isaiah 10:33.
הָ/עַמֻּ֣ד
ʻammûwd
H5982
"pillar"
Art | N-ms
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.
הָ/אֶחָ֔ד
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.
וְ/ח֛וּט
chûwṭ
H2339
"thread"
Conj | N-ms
A thread or string, also used as a measuring tape, mentioned in biblical descriptions of clothing and construction.
Definition: a thread, cord, line, string
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: cord, fillet, line, thread. See also: Genesis 14:23; 1 Kings 7:15; Jeremiah 52:21.
שְׁתֵּים
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
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.
עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
אַמָּ֖ה
ʼammâh
H520
"cubit"
N-fs
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
יְסֻבֶּ֑/נּוּ
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
וְ/עָבְי֛/וֹ
ʻăbîy
H5672
"thickness"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means thickness or density, like the thickness of a wall or the depth of a body of water, and is used to describe something that is heavy or substantial.
Definition: thickness
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: thick(-ness). Compare H5645 (עָב). See also: 1 Kings 7:26; Job 15:26; Jeremiah 52:21.
אַרְבַּ֥ע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
אַצְבָּע֖וֹת
ʼetsbaʻ
H676
"finger"
N-fp
In Hebrew, this word refers to a finger or a toe, something used to grasp or hold things. It is used in the Bible to describe both the fingers on the hand and the toes on the feet. The Aramaic equivalent is also 'digit'.
Definition: finger, toe Aramaic equivalent: ets.ba (אֶצְבַּע "digit" H0677)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: finger, toe. See also: Exodus 8:15; Numbers 19:4; Psalms 8:4.
נָבֽוּב
nâbab
H5014
"be hollow"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to be hollow or foolish, like a person without wisdom. It is used to describe something empty or without purpose. In the Bible, it is translated as hollow or vain.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to hollow out 1a) hollowed (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: hollow, vain. See also: Exodus 27:8; Job 11:12; Jeremiah 52:21.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 52:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 52:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 52:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 52:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 52:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 52:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 52:21
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 52:21
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 52:21
Context — The Temple Destroyed
19The captain of the guard also took away the basins, censers, sprinkling bowls, pots, lampstands, pans, and drink offering bowls—anything made of pure gold or fine silver.
20As for the two pillars, the Sea, the twelve bronze bulls under it, and the movable stands that King Solomon had made for the house of the LORD, the weight of the bronze from all these articles was beyond measure.
21Each pillar was eighteen cubits tall and twelve cubits in circumference; each was hollow, four fingers thick.
22The 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. 23Each capital had ninety-six pomegranates on the sides, and a total of a hundred pomegranates were above the surrounding network.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 7:15–21 | He cast two pillars of bronze, each eighteen cubits high and twelve cubits in circumference. 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 lattice, with wreaths of chainwork, seven for each capital. Likewise, he made the pillars with two rows of pomegranates around each grating to cover each capital atop the pillars. And the capitals atop the pillars in the portico were shaped like lilies, four cubits high. On the capitals of both pillars, just above the rounded projection next to the network, were the two hundred pomegranates in rows encircling each capital. Thus he set up the pillars at the portico of the temple. The pillar to the south he named Jachin, and the pillar to the north he named Boaz. |
| 3 | 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. |
Jeremiah 52:21 Summary
[Jeremiah 52:21 describes the pillars of the temple, which were very tall and wide, but also hollow, showing that even the most impressive things can be empty without God. This reminds us of the importance of a genuine relationship with God, as seen in Matthew 15:8 and 1 Samuel 16:7. The pillars were a part of the beautiful temple where God's people worshiped, and their size and craftsmanship demonstrate the value and honor given to God's house, similar to the instructions given in Exodus 35:4-35. By focusing on the details of the pillars, we can learn about the significance of quality and dedication in our service to God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the dimensions of the pillars in Jeremiah 52:21?
According to Jeremiah 52:21, each pillar was eighteen cubits tall and twelve cubits in circumference, and they were hollow, four fingers thick. This information helps us understand the grandeur of the temple described in 1 Kings 7:15-22.
Why are the details of the pillars important in Jeremiah 52:21?
The details of the pillars in Jeremiah 52:21 emphasize the craftsmanship and beauty of the temple, which was a symbol of God's presence among His people, as seen in Exodus 25:8 and 1 Kings 8:10-11.
What can we learn from the physical description of the pillars in Jeremiah 52:21?
The physical description of the pillars in Jeremiah 52:21 teaches us about the attention to detail and the high quality of the materials used in the construction of the temple, reflecting the importance of worship and the glory of God, as discussed in Psalms 96:6-9.
How does Jeremiah 52:21 relate to the rest of the Bible?
Jeremiah 52:21 is part of the historical narrative of the Bible, connecting to other passages like 2 Kings 25:13-17, which describe the destruction of the temple and the exile of the Israelites, fulfilling prophecies like those found in Deuteronomy 28:63-64.
Reflection Questions
- What does the detailed description of the pillars in Jeremiah 52:21 reveal about God's character and attention to detail?
- How can the beauty and craftsmanship of the temple pillars inspire my own worship and service to God?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of excellence, as seen in the construction of the temple pillars, to my daily life and service to God?
- What does the fact that the pillars were hollow, four fingers thick, teach me about the balance between appearance and substance in my spiritual life?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 52:21
And [concerning] the pillars, the height of one pillar [was] eighteen cubits,.... As in 1 Kings 7:15; said to be thirty five, 2 Chronicles 3:15; of the reconciliation of which, [See comments on 2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 52:21
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 52:21
This agreeth with , where what is called here a fillet is called a thread; concerning the height of the pillars, we read the same .
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 52:21
(21-23) And concerning the pillars . . .—In 2 Kings 25:16-17 we have a list abbreviated by the omission of some of the measurements and of the number and arrangement of the pomegranates. “Chapiter” is the old English word for the “capital” of a column. On a side.—The exact meaning of the Hebrew is towards a (=each) wind—i.e., there were twenty-four pomegranates on each side of the square pillars, with one at each corner, making, as in Jeremiah 52:23, one hundred in all.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 52:21
Verse 21. See Clarke on Jeremiah 52:18.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 52:21
21–23. Cp. 1 Kings 7:15-18.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 52:21
The fillet means a measuring line; the pillars were 12 cubits, i. e., 18 feet, in circumference, and thus the diameter would be 5 feet 9 inches. As the brass was four fingers, i.