1 Kings 7:17
1 Kings 7:17 in Multiple Translations
For the capitals on top of the pillars he made a network of lattice, with wreaths of chainwork, seven for each capital.
And nets of checker work, and wreaths of chain work, for the chapiters which were upon the top of the pillars; seven for the one chapiter, and seven for the other chapiter.
There were nets of checker-work, and wreaths of chain-work, for the capitals which were upon the top of the pillars; seven for the one capital, and seven for the other capital.
There were nets of open-work for the crowns on the tops of the pillars, a net of open-work for one and a net of open-work for the other.
He made a network of lattice using interlinked chains for both capitals, seven for each one.
He made grates like networke, and wrethen worke like chaynes for the chapiters that were on the top of the pillars, euen seuen for the one chapiter, and seuen for the other chapiter.
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 the second chapiter.
There were nets of checker work and wreaths of chain work for the capitals which were on the top of the pillars: seven for the one capital, and seven for the other capital.
And nets of checker-work, and wreaths of chain-work, for the capitals which were upon the top of the pillars; seven for the one capital, and seven for the other capital.
And a kind of network, and chain work wreathed together with wonderful art. Both the chapiters of the pillars were cast: seven rows of nets were on one chapiter, and seven nets on the other chapiter.
Then he made bronze wreaths of chains to decorate the top part of each pillar.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 7:17
BAB
Word Study
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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 7:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שְׂבָכִ֞ים
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
שְׂבָכָ֗ה
גְּדִלִים֙
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
שַׁרְשְׁר֔וֹת
לַ/כֹּ֣תָרֹ֔ת
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
עַל
רֹ֣אשׁ
הָ/עַמּוּדִ֑ים
שִׁבְעָה֙
לַ/כֹּתֶ֣רֶת
הָ/אֶחָ֔ת
וְ/שִׁבְעָ֖ה
לַ/כֹּתֶ֥רֶת
הַ/שֵּׁנִֽית
שְׂבָכִ֞ים
sâbâk
H7638
net
N-fp
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-ms
שְׂבָכָ֗ה
sᵉbâkâh
H7639
latticework
N-fs
גְּדִלִים֙
gᵉdil
H1434
tassel
N-mp
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-ms
שַׁרְשְׁר֔וֹת
sharshᵉrâh
H8333
chain
N-fp
לַ/כֹּ֣תָרֹ֔ת
kôthereth
H3805
capital
Prep | N-fp
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms
הָ/עַמּוּדִ֑ים
ʻammûwd
H5982
pillar
Art | N-mp
שִׁבְעָה֙
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
לַ/כֹּתֶ֣רֶת
kôthereth
H3805
capital
Prep | N-fs
הָ/אֶחָ֔ת
ʼechâd
H259
one
Art | Adj
וְ/שִׁבְעָ֖ה
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Conj | Adj
לַ/כֹּתֶ֥רֶת
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 7:17
שְׂבָכִ֞ים
sâbâk
H7638
"net"
N-fp
A net or lattice-work, this word describes a network or netting, including ornaments on pillars and tools for catching animals, like nets and toils.
Definition: 1) network, lattice-work, net, netting 1a) lattice 1b) net-ornament (on pillars) 1c) network, toils (for catching animals)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: net. See also: 1 Kings 7:17.
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
שְׂבָכָ֗ה
sᵉbâkâh
H7639
"latticework"
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.
גְּדִלִים֙
gᵉdil
H1434
"tassel"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a tassel or thread, often used to decorate clothes or columns. It is also translated as 'fringe' or 'wreath' in the KJV. In the Bible, it is used to describe the decorations on priestly garments.
Definition: 1) twisted threads, tassels, festoons 1a) tassels (on clothes) 1b) festoons (on capitals of columns)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: fringe, wreath. See also: Deuteronomy 22:12; 1 Kings 7:17.
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
שַׁרְשְׁר֔וֹת
sharshᵉrâh
H8333
"chain"
N-fp
This word also means a chain, but can also describe a decorative garland. It is used in the Bible to describe a series of connected items.
Definition: chain
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: chain. See also: Exodus 28:14; 1 Kings 7:17; 2 Chronicles 3:16.
לַ/כֹּ֣תָרֹ֔ת
kôthereth
H3805
"capital"
Prep | 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.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
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.
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.
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.
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.
שִׁבְעָה֙
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
לַ/כֹּתֶ֣רֶת
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.
הָ/אֶחָ֔ת
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/שִׁבְעָ֖ה
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Conj | Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
לַ/כֹּתֶ֥רֶת
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 7:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 7:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 7:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 7:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:17
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:17
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 7:17
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 7:17
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:17
Context — The Pillars and Capitals
15He cast two pillars of bronze, each eighteen cubits high and twelve cubits in circumference.
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.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 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. |
| 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 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. |
1 Kings 7:17 Summary
This verse describes the beautiful details of the temple's construction, specifically the lattice network and chainwork on the capitals of the pillars. The use of seven wreaths of chainwork for each capital may symbolize completeness or perfection, reflecting God's perfect plan. Just like the craftsmen who built the temple, we can strive for excellence in all we do, knowing that we are serving the Lord, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23. By doing so, we can reflect the beauty and excellence of God's creation, just as the temple did, and bring glory to Him, as seen in Psalm 19:1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the lattice network and chainwork on the capitals of the pillars in 1 Kings 7:17?
The lattice network and chainwork on the capitals of the pillars represent the intricate and beautiful details of God's creation, as seen in Psalm 19:1, which says that the heavens declare the glory of God. This attention to detail also reflects the importance of craftsmanship and excellence in our work, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23.
How do the seven wreaths of chainwork for each capital relate to other biblical themes?
The use of seven wreaths of chainwork may symbolize completeness or perfection, as seen in other biblical contexts such as the seven days of creation in Genesis 1:1-31 or the sevenfold Spirit of God in Isaiah 11:2. This could represent the perfection and beauty of God's plan, as reflected in the construction of the temple.
What can we learn from the craftsmanship and detail in 1 Kings 7:17?
The craftsmanship and detail in this verse demonstrate the importance of excellence and attention to detail in our work, as we are serving the Lord, not just human beings, as stated in Ephesians 6:7. This verse encourages us to strive for excellence in all we do, just as the craftsmen did in building the temple.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the temple's construction?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the construction of the temple, which represents God's dwelling place among His people, as seen in 1 Kings 5:5 and 8:27. The attention to detail and beauty in the temple's construction reflect the reverence and worship of the people for God, who is worthy of our best efforts and most beautiful creations.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can reflect the beauty and excellence of God's creation in my own life and work?
- How can I, like the craftsmen in 1 Kings 7:17, strive for excellence and attention to detail in all that I do, knowing that I am serving the Lord?
- What are some areas in my life where I can apply the principle of 'doing all things as unto the Lord', as encouraged in Colossians 3:23, and how can I practically live this out?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, demonstrate my reverence and worship for God through the things I create and the work I do?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 7:17
And nets of checker work, and wreaths of chain work, for the chapiters which were upon the top of the pillars,.... These were the ornaments of the chapiters; the former being like thick branches of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 7:17
And nets of checker work, and wreaths of chain work, for the chapiters which were upon the top of the pillars; seven for the one chapiter, and seven for the other chapiter.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:17
For the chapiters, which those nets and wreaths did encompass, either covering, and as it were receiving and holding, the pomegranates, or being mixed with them.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:17
1 Kings 7:17 [And] nets of checker work, and wreaths of chain work, for the chapiters which [were] upon the top of the pillars; seven for the one chapiter, and seven for the other chapiter.Ver. 17. And nets of checker work.] These were very pleasant to the eye, and in adition significant: not such toilsome toys as nec ignoranti nocent, nec scientem iuvant. Sen.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:17
(17) Seven for . . .—This is probably an erroneous reading. It should be “a net-work (or lattice-work) for the one chapiter, and a net-work for the other.”
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 7:17
17. and nets of checker work] The two nouns are from the same root, and indicate some kind of interlaced metalwork with which the bellying parts of the capitals were overlaid. This, with the chains next mentioned, and the two rows of pomegranates (1 Kings 7:18) formed the ornamentation of the lower portion of the capitals for one cubit of their breadth. As the conjunction ‘And’ has nothing to represent it in the Hebrew it is better to render, ‘There were nets &c.’ The LXX. in this verse begins ‘And he made two nets &c.… even a net for the one chapiter and a net for the other chapiter.’ Thus the ‘seven’ of the A.V. disappears and ‘net’ is substituted. There is a good deal of similarity between ωׁ ?αςδ = seven, and ωׂ ?αλδ= a net, so that there may have been a confusion, and certainly below in 1 Kings 7:41 mention is made of two networks, not seven.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 7:17
Nets ... - Rather “Nets chequerwise, and festoons chainwise,” - probably a fine network over the whole, and chainwork hanging in festoons outside. Seven for the one chapiter - The Septuagint reading is preferable.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:17
17. Nets of checker work — The words would apply equally well to representations either of netting, lattice, or basket work.