1 kings 7:20 - There were capitals above also on the two pillars, close by the belly which was beside the network. There were two hundred pomegranates in rows around the other capital.

Generated Verse: 1 kings 7:20

What does "1 kings 7:20" mean?


This verse is describing a very specific and ornate detail of the pillars (named Jachin and Boaz) that were commissioned by King Solomon to stand at the front of the Temple he was building in Jerusalem. Let's break down the verse piece by piece to understand what it means:

"There were capitals above also on the two pillars..." This establishes that the verse is talking about the capitals of the two pillars. Capitals are the decorative, often elaborate, tops of pillars or columns. They are not just structural, but also contribute to the aesthetic.

"...close by the belly which was beside the network." This is where it gets a bit trickier. "Belly" likely refers to a bulging, convex shape or section on the capital, like a rounded area on the design. "Network" refers to a decorative pattern resembling a net or latticework, which would have been part of the capital's decoration. So, this part of the verse is describing the specific location of the capitals close to the convex shape that sat beside the network.

"There were two hundred pomegranates in rows around the other capital." This is the most descriptive part. It says that each capital was adorned with two hundred pomegranate-shaped decorations, arranged in rows or lines around the capital. Pomegranates were a common decorative motif in ancient Near Eastern art, often symbolizing abundance, fertility, and prosperity. It is possible that there were 100 pomegranates around each capital, and that there were 200 pomegranates in total.

In summary, the verse describes the elaborate and ornate decorations on the capitals of the two pillars in front of Solomon's Temple. These decorations included a network pattern, a bulging "belly," and rows of two hundred ornamental pomegranates. The verse emphasizes the richness and beauty of the temple's architecture.

Significance:

Detailed Description: It is part of a lengthy description (1 Kings 7:13-22) meant to impress upon the reader the grandeur of Solomon's Temple.
Symbolic Meaning: The use of pomegranates is likely symbolic. Pomegranates were often associated with fertility, abundance, and royalty in the ancient Near East.
Artistic Skill: The verse highlights the skill of the craftsmen who created these intricate decorations.
Historical Context: The description provides valuable insights into the artistic styles and architectural practices of the time.

It's important to note that the precise appearance of these pillars and their capitals remains a subject of scholarly debate. The Biblical text gives us a detailed, but not necessarily perfectly clear, picture. Archaeological evidence is limited, adding to the mystery.

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