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2 Chronicles 3:16

2 Chronicles 3:16 in Multiple Translations

He made interwoven chains and put them on top of the pillars. He made a hundred pomegranates and fastened them into the chainwork.

And he made chains, as in the oracle, and put them on the heads of the pillars; and made an hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains.

And he made chains in the oracle, and put them on the tops of the pillars; and he made a hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains.

And he made chains, like neck ornaments, and put them on the tops of the pillars, and a hundred apples on the chains.

He made chains like in the Most Holy Place and he placed them on top of the columns. He also made one hundred ornamental pomegranates and attached them to each chain.

He made also chaines for the oracle, and put them on the heads of the pillars, and made an hundreth pomegranates, and put them among the chaines.

And he maketh chains in the oracle, and putteth on the heads of the pillars, and maketh a hundred pomegranates, and putteth on the chains.

He made chains in the inner sanctuary, and put them on the tops of the pillars; and he made one hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains.

And he made chains, as in the oracle, and put them on the heads of the pillars; and made a hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains.

He made also as it were little chains in the oracle, and he put them on the heads of the pillars: and a hundred pomegranates, which he put between the little chains.

The workers made carvings that resembled chains and put them on top of the pillars. They made carvings that resembled pomegranates and attached them to the chains.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 3:16

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.

2 Chronicles 3:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּ֤עַשׂ שַׁרְשְׁרוֹת֙ בַּ/דְּבִ֔יר וַ/יִּתֵּ֖ן עַל רֹ֣אשׁ הָ/עַמֻּדִ֑ים וַ/יַּ֤עַשׂ רִמּוֹנִים֙ מֵאָ֔ה וַ/יִּתֵּ֖ן בַּֽ/שַּׁרְשְׁרֽוֹת
וַ/יַּ֤עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שַׁרְשְׁרוֹת֙ sharshᵉrâh H8333 chain N-fp
בַּ/דְּבִ֔יר dᵉbîyr H1687 sanctuary Prep | N-ms
וַ/יִּתֵּ֖ן nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
רֹ֣אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head N-ms
הָ/עַמֻּדִ֑ים ʻammûwd H5982 pillar Art | N-mp
וַ/יַּ֤עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
רִמּוֹנִים֙ rimmôwn H7416 pomegranate N-mp
מֵאָ֔ה mêʼâh H3967 hundred Adj
וַ/יִּתֵּ֖ן nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַּֽ/שַּׁרְשְׁרֽוֹת sharshᵉrâh H8333 chain Prep | N-fp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 3:16

וַ/יַּ֤עַשׂ 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.
שַׁרְשְׁרוֹת֙ 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.
בַּ/דְּבִ֔יר dᵉbîyr H1687 "sanctuary" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for the innermost part of the temple or tabernacle, the most holy place where God's presence dwelled. It is also translated as oracle, emphasizing its role in divine communication.
Definition: 1) the holy of holies, the innermost room of the temple or tabernacle 1a) hindmost chamber, innermost room of the temple of Solomon, most holy place, holy of holies 2) (TWOT) oracle
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: oracle. See also: 1 Kings 6:5; 1 Kings 7:49; Psalms 28:2.
וַ/יִּתֵּ֖ן nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
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/עַמֻּדִ֑ים 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.
וַ/יַּ֤עַשׂ 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.
רִמּוֹנִים֙ rimmôwn H7416 "pomegranate" 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.
מֵאָ֔ה mêʼâh H3967 "hundred" Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
וַ/יִּתֵּ֖ן nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
בַּֽ/שַּׁרְשְׁרֽוֹת sharshᵉrâh H8333 "chain" Prep | 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.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 3:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Kings 7:20 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.
2 1 Kings 6:21 So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he extended gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, which was overlaid with gold.

2 Chronicles 3:16 Summary

[This verse describes the beautiful decorations on the pillars in front of the temple, including interwoven chains and a hundred pomegranates. The chains and pomegranates were added to make the pillars even more beautiful and to symbolize God's abundance and presence, similar to the decorations on the priestly garments in Exodus 28:33-35. Just like these decorations, our lives can be a reflection of God's beauty and glory, as seen in Psalm 100:1-5 where we are called to worship Him with thanksgiving and praise. By looking at these decorations, we can remember God's promise to dwell among His people and provide for them, as promised in Ezekiel 37:26-28.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the interwoven chains and pomegranates in 2 Chronicles 3:16 represent?

The interwoven chains and pomegranates likely symbolize the connection between God's people and the abundance of God's blessings, as seen in Exodus 28:33-35 where pomegranates are also used to decorate the priestly garments.

Why did the craftsmen put the chains and pomegranates on top of the pillars?

The chains and pomegranates were placed on top of the pillars to add beauty and significance to the temple's entrance, highlighting God's presence and provision, as mentioned in 1 Kings 7:17-20 where similar decorations are described.

What is the significance of the number of pomegranates, which is a hundred?

The hundred pomegranates may represent completeness or perfection, as seen in Psalm 100:1-5 where the people are called to worship God with thanksgiving and praise, acknowledging His abundant blessings.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of the construction of the temple in 2 Chronicles, which is a symbol of God's dwelling place among His people, as seen in Ezekiel 37:26-28 where God promises to make a covenant of peace and dwell among His people forever.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the image of the interwoven chains evoke in my heart, and how can I apply this picture to my own life as a believer?
  2. How can I, like the craftsmen in this verse, use my skills and talents to create something beautiful for God's glory?
  3. What are some ways I can reflect on the abundance of God's blessings in my life, like the pomegranates on the chains?
  4. How can I, in my daily life, acknowledge and worship God's presence and provision, just as the temple decorations pointed to His glory?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 3:16

[See comments on 2 Chronicles 3:1].

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 3:16

As in the oracle; as he had done, or like unto those which he made, in the oracle; of which see . The particle as is oft understood, as , &c. An hundred pomegranates in each row, or two hundred in all, as it is said, .

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 3:16

2 Chronicles 3:16 And he made chains, [as] in the oracle, and put [them] on the heads of the pillars; and made an hundred pomegranates, and put [them] on the chains. 2 Chronicles 3:17 And he reared up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz. Ver. 16,17. See 1 Kings 7:17-18; 1 Kings 7:21.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 3:16

(16) And he made chains, as in the oracle.—Heb., And he made chainwork in the oracle, or chancel, which is clearly corrupt. But if we read kad-debîr for bad-debîr, an infinitesimal change in Hebrew writing, we get the sense which our version suggests: And he made chainwork as in the chancel. It is true that the sacred writer has not told us that the walls of the Holy of Holies were so ornamented, but in 2 Chronicles 3:5 he states it of the great hall or holy place, and 1 Kings 6:29 declares that the whole house was adorned with mural carvings. It was quite natural to write, “and he made chainwork as in the oracle,” assuming that such decorations really existed in the inner chamber. There seems therefore to be no need to alter debîr into rabîd, (“collar”) as most commentators have done, although the change is very slight in Hebrew writing. The LXX. had the present Hebrew text, but, apparently, not understanding it transliterated the Hebrew words: “He made serserôth in the dabir.” So Vulg., “as it were chainlets in the oracle.” The Syriac and Arabic have “and he made chains of fifty cubits.” An hundred pomegranates.—So Jeremiah 52:23. (See 1 Kings 7:20; 1 Kings 7:42, from which it appears that there were altogether four hundred pomegranates, viz., an upper and lower row of one hundred each upon the chainwork of each pillar. So 2 Chronicles 4:13.)

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 3:16

16. he made chains, as in the oracle] R.V. he made chains in the oracle. The words, in the oracle, though found in LXX., are probably a gloss introduced from 1 Kings 6:21 (chains … before the oracle). The Chronicler is here speaking of the outside of the Temple, having already described the “oracle,” i.e. the Holy of Holies, in 2 Chronicles 3:8-14. The Heb. word dìbîr was translated “oracle” because it was supposed to be derived from a word meaning “to speak.” It means, however, simply “the hindmost part” of the house (cf. 2 Chronicles 4:20, 2 Chronicles 5:7; 2 Chronicles 5:9).

Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 3:16

As in the oracle - This passage is probably corrupt. Our translators supposing that a single letter had fallen out at the beginning of the word translated “in the oracle,” supplied “as.” But we have

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