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1 Kings 7:22

1 Kings 7:22 in Multiple Translations

And the tops of the pillars were shaped like lilies. So the work of the pillars was completed.

And upon the top of the pillars was lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished.

And upon the top of the pillars was lily-work: so was the work of the pillars finished.

The tops of the pillars had a design of flowers; and the work of making the pillars was complete.

The capitals on the columns were in the shape of lilies. And so the work on the columns was finished.

And vpon the top of the pillars was worke of lilyes: so was the workemanship of the pillars finished.

and on the top of the pillars [is] lily-work; and the work of the pillars [is] completed.

On the tops of the pillars was lily work. So the work of the pillars was finished.

And upon the top of the pillars was lily-work: so was the work of the pillars finished.

And upon the tops of the pillars he made lily work: so the work of the pillars was finished.

The bronze top parts that were shaped like lilies were placed on top of the pillars. So Huram and his helpers finished making the bronze pillars.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 7:22

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 7:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/עַ֛ל רֹ֥אשׁ הָ/עַמּוּדִ֖ים מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה שׁוֹשָׁ֑ן וַ/תִּתֹּ֖ם מְלֶ֥אכֶת הָ/עַמּוּדִֽים
וְ/עַ֛ל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep
רֹ֥אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head N-ms
הָ/עַמּוּדִ֖ים ʻammûwd H5982 pillar Art | N-mp
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה maʻăseh H4639 deed N-ms
שׁוֹשָׁ֑ן shûwshan H7799 lily N-cs
וַ/תִּתֹּ֖ם tâmam H8552 to finish Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
מְלֶ֥אכֶת mᵉlâʼkâh H4399 work N-fs
הָ/עַמּוּדִֽים ʻammûwd H5982 pillar Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 7:22

וְ/עַ֛ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | 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.
רֹ֥אשׁ 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/עַמּוּדִ֖ים 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.
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.
שׁוֹשָׁ֑ן shûwshan H7799 "lily" N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to a lily flower, which was also used as a symbol in architecture. It is mentioned in the title of Psalm 45. The word 'lily' represents purity and beauty.
Definition: 1) lily 1a) probably any lily-like flower 1b) Shoshannim, in title of Ps 45:1
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: lily, Shoshannim. See also: 1 Kings 7:19; Song of Solomon 2:2; Psalms 45:1.
וַ/תִּתֹּ֖ם tâmam H8552 "to finish" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To finish or complete something, either in a good or bad sense, like when God finished creating the world in Genesis. It can also mean to be consumed or destroyed. The KJV Bible uses words like accomplish, cease, or have done to translate it.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be finished, be at an end 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be finished, be completed 1a1a) completely, wholly, entirely (as auxiliary with verb) 1a2) to be finished, come to an end, cease 1a3) to be complete (of number) 1a4) to be consumed, be exhausted, be spent 1a5) to be finished, be consumed, be destroyed 1a6) to be complete, be sound, be unimpaired, be upright (ethically) 1a7) to complete, finish 1a8) to be completely crossed over 1b) (Niphal) to be consumed 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to finish, complete, perfect 1c2) to finish, cease doing, leave off doing 1c3) to complete, sum up, make whole 1c4) to destroy (uncleanness) 1c5) to make sound 1d) (Hithpael) to deal in integrity, act uprightly
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, be clean (pass-) ed, consume, have done, (come to an, have an, make an) end, fail, come to the full, be all gone, [idiom] be all here, be (make) perfect, be spent, sum, be (shew self) upright, be wasted, whole. See also: Genesis 47:15; 2 Kings 22:4; Psalms 9:7.
מְלֶ֥אכֶת mᵉlâʼkâh H4399 "work" N-fs
Means work or employment, like a job or business, and is used to describe someone's occupation or the result of their labor, as seen in the Bible's description of various professions and industries.
Definition: 1) occupation, work, business 1a) occupation, business 1b) property 1c) work (something done or made) 1d) workmanship 1e) service, use 1f) public business 1f1) political 1f2) religious
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: business, [phrase] cattle, [phrase] industrious, occupation, ([phrase] -pied), [phrase] officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship). See also: Genesis 2:2; 1 Chronicles 9:13; Psalms 73:28.
הָ/עַמּוּדִֽים 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.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 7:22

Show Verse Quote Highlights

1 Kings 7:22 Summary

The tops of the pillars in 1 Kings 7:22 were shaped like lilies, symbolizing beauty and purity. This attention to detail shows us that God values our best efforts, just like the craftsmen who built the temple. As we reflect on this verse, we can remember that our own lives are like the pillars, standing firm in our faith and honoring God with our actions, as encouraged in Psalm 119:32 and Matthew 5:16. By doing so, we can bring joy and beauty to those around us, just like the lily-shaped pillars brought beauty to the temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the lily-shaped tops of the pillars in 1 Kings 7:22?

The lily-shaped tops of the pillars symbolize beauty, purity, and innocence, reflecting the holy nature of God's temple, as seen in the lilies mentioned in Song of Solomon 2:1-2 and Hosea 14:5.

How do the completed pillars relate to the rest of the temple's construction?

The completion of the pillars marks a significant milestone in the construction of the temple, as they serve as a gateway to the portico, where the people would gather to worship and offer sacrifices, much like the tabernacle described in Exodus 35:11-19.

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

The careful craftsmanship and attention to detail in the construction of the pillars demonstrate the importance of honoring God with our best efforts, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24, where we are encouraged to do everything for the Lord.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of 1 Kings 7?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of 1 Kings 7, which describes the construction of the temple and its furnishings, highlighting the splendor and majesty of God's dwelling place, as prophesied in 2 Samuel 7:13 and fulfilled in 1 Kings 8:1-66.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the image of the lily-shaped pillars evoke in my heart, and how can I apply this to my own walk with God?
  2. In what ways can I, like the craftsmen who built the pillars, offer my best efforts to honor God in my daily life?
  3. How can I, like the pillars, stand firm and unwavering in my faith, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties?
  4. What does the completion of the pillars teach me about the importance of perseverance and diligence in my own spiritual journey?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 7:22

And upon the top of the pillars was lily work,.... Which seems to be repeated from 1 Kings 7:19 and confirms that: and so was the work of the pillars finished; in the manner described.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 7:22

And upon the top of the pillars was lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:22

1 Kings 7:22 And upon the top of the pillars [was] lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished.Ver. 22. And upon the pillars was lily work] To show the beauty and sweetness of Christ and his people, those especially that are more eminent, the glory of the churches; such as were James, Cephas, and John, who "seemed to be pillars."

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:22

(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 7:22

22. upon the top of the pillars] The lily work is mentioned again because it was the topmost part of the ornament, and the pillars have been described from the bottom upwards. Hence it was fit to speak of it here, where it is said the work of the pillars was finished. We have already seen that it is not probable that these pillars stood out in the open space of the court, but on either side within the porch which was before the holy place. Their dimensions give the impression that they were only for ornament, and did not bear up any part of the structure. The height of the porch is not mentioned in 1 Kings 6:3. Therefore we might presume that it was the height of the rest of the building of the holy place, viz. 30 cubits. Even for such a porch these pillars of 23 cubits could hardly have been intended as supports. But in 2 Chronicles (1 Kings 3:4) the porch is said to have been 120 cubits high, and so in Josephus (Ant. viii. 3, 2), for which height pillars like those here described are quite out of proportion. Moreover, none of Hiram’s work seems to have been intended for the temple-building, but only for its decoration and furniture. It seems best therefore to consider these pillars as significant ornaments of the Temple porch. See also on this matter the note on 1 Kings 6:3 above.

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