1 Kings 7:19

And the capitals atop the pillars in the portico were shaped like lilies, four cubits high.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Solomon’s craftsmen are finishing the decorative crowning of the two bronze pillars that stand at the entrance to the temple portico.

The words — The Hebrew שׁוּשַׁן (shushan) translates to lilies, identifying the specific floral motif carved into the capitals.

The thread — This pillar detail is reiterated in 1 Kings 7:22 as part of the completed pillar work and parallels the floral relief carvings on the temple's cedar paneling (1 Kings 6:18) and doors (1 Kings 6:32).

Why it lands — The verse records the exact height and ornamental design of the temple architecture without offering theological commentary or application.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

וְכֹֽתָרֹ֗תve./kho.ta.Rotand/ [the] capitals אֲשֶׁר֙'a.Sherwhich עַל־'al-[were] on רֹ֣אשׁrosh[the] top of הָעַמּוּדִ֔יםha./'a.mu.Dimthe/ pillars מַעֲשֵׂ֖הma.'a.Seh[were] a work of שׁוּשַׁ֣ןshu.Shanlili[es]בָּֽאוּלָ֑םba./'u.Lamin the/ porch אַרְבַּ֖ע'ar.Ba'four אַמּֽוֹת׃'a.Motcubits

King James Version

And the chapiters that were upon the top of the pillars were of lily work in the porch, four cubits.

Cross-references

1 Kings 6:18 The cedar paneling inside the temple was carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; not a stone could be seen.
1 Kings 6:32 The double doors were made of olive wood, and he carved into them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers and overlaid the cherubim and palm trees with hammered gold.
1 Kings 7:22 And the tops of the pillars were shaped like lilies. So the work of the pillars was completed.