Jeremiah 52:22-23
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It’s easy to overlook the intricate artistry described here, but the "network and pomegranates" weren't just decorative; they were part of a sophisticated design intended to awe. This detail, a complex latticework topped with fruit symbols, speaks to a craftsman's skill and a deliberate, symbolic message of abundance and divine presence, even as this pillar was ultimately taken captive.
On it was a capital of bronze. The height of the one capital was five cubits. A network and pomegranates, all of bronze, were around the capital. And the second pillar had the same, with pomegranates. There were ninety-six pomegranates on the sides; all the pomegranates were a hundred upon the network all around.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage shifts focus to a detailed inventory of the temple's treasures being plundered by the Babylonian army, specifically describing the ornate bronze capitals atop the two large pillars that stood at the temple's entrance. These descriptions, noting the height and decorative elements of pomegranates and networks, highlight the wealth and craftsmanship of Solomon's Temple, underscoring the magnitude of its destruction and the profound loss experienced by the Israelites.
Jeremiah's description of the temple pillars includes a specific measurement – five cubits. But why this detail, and why the discrepancy with another biblical account?
The pillars outside the temple, named Jachin and Boaz, were impressive structures, each standing about 27 feet tall. Their capitals, or tops, are described here as being five cubits high. While 2 Kings mentions a measurement of three cubits for the ornamented part, Jeremiah's account seems to include the entire capital, emphasizing its grand scale. This detail isn't just about dimensions; it points to the magnificent artistry and symbolic weight of these pillars, standing as a testament to God's presence and power before the temple itself.
Beyond their size, the pillars were adorned with intricate details – a 'network' and 'pomegranates.' What do these decorative elements signify?
The capitals were not plain but elaborately decorated with a 'network' (often interpreted as a lattice or woven pattern) and 'pomegranates.' These pomegranates were likely made of bronze and arranged around the capital, possibly in rows. In the Old Testament, the pomegranate was a symbol of fertility, abundance, and life, often associated with royalty and priestly garments. The network pattern could represent connection and divine order. Together, these elements on the temple pillars would have spoken of God's fruitful blessing, His ordered presence, and the vibrant life He gives to His people.
Ask a follow-up
Jeremiah records these details about the pillars amidst the account of Jerusalem's destruction. What's the significance of remembering such splendor in a time of ruin?
This chapter describes the devastating fall of Jerusalem and the plundering of the Temple by the Babylonians. Yet, amidst this account of destruction, Jeremiah meticulously details the magnificent pillars that once stood guard. This juxtaposition isn't accidental. It serves as a powerful reminder of what was lost – the glory, the presence of God, the beauty of His dwelling place. By describing these remnants of grandeur, Jeremiah highlights the profound tragedy of sin and judgment, emphasizing the devastating consequences when God's people turn away from Him. It’s a somber reflection on past glory contrasted with present devastation.
Understand the original words
nechosheth · Hebrew Noun
An alloy of copper and tin, frequently used in biblical descriptions of the temple furnishings and tabernacle vessels, often symbolizing durability and, at times, divine judgment.
kotereth · Hebrew Noun
The uppermost part of a column or pillar, often elaborately decorated, serving to crown the supporting structure.
rimmon · Hebrew Noun
A fruit symbolizing fertility, abundance, and the blessing of the Promised Land; they were significant decorative motifs in the temple architecture.
This verse details the bronze capitals of the pillars that once stood at the entrance to Solomon's Temple. Their description here, in the context of the temple's destruction by Babylon, highlights what was lost and serves as a poignant reminder of the former glory.
c. 960 BC
Solomon's Temple Completed
King Solomon completes the First Temple in Jerusalem, featuring two prominent bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, at its entrance.
c. 960 BC
Description of Temple Pillars
The biblical accounts in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles detail the construction and appearance of these two large bronze pillars, including their capitals.
597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar deports King Jehoiachin and many of Jerusalem's elite to Babylon, a significant weakening of the southern kingdom.
587/586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar's forces destroy Jerusalem and the First Temple, looting its sacred vessels and dismantling its structures, including the pillars.
587/586 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Following the temple's destruction, a second, larger wave of exiles, including the prophet Jeremiah, are taken to Babylon.
c. 550 BC
Jeremiah's Account Recorded
The prophet Jeremiah, or his scribe Baruch, records the final events of Jerusalem's fall and the temple's destruction, detailing specific measurements and observations.
This passage describes the intricate craftsmanship of the tabernacle curtains, highlighting how God commanded detailed and beautiful artistry in His dwelling place, much like the ornate pillars in Solomon's temple.
1 Kings 7:15This directly parallels the description of the bronze pillars (named Jachin and Boaz) in Solomon's Temple, showing the same design elements like the network and pomegranates.
2 Chronicles 3:15This offers another account of the temple's construction, corroborating the existence and significance of the ornate pillars that stood as impressive architectural features.
Song of Solomon 5:14The imagery of a 'pillar of myrrh with its top among the clouds' uses a similar architectural metaphor to describe beauty and preciousness, echoing the grandeur of the temple pillars.
pooleJeremiah 52:22: "And a chapiter of brass was upon it; and the height of one chapiter was five cubits, with network and pomegranates upon the chapiters round about, all of brass. The second pillar also and the pomegranates were like unto these."
No text from Poole on this verse.
cambridgeJeremiah 52:22: "And a chapiter of brass was upon it; and the height of one chapiter was five cubits, with network and pomegranates upon the chapiters round about, all of brass. The second pillar also and the pomegranates were like unto these."
22 . a chapiter ] a capital. five cubits ] From this, which agrees with 1 Kings 7:16 , we must correct the “ three cubits” of 2 Kings 25:17 , unless we take the smaller number to denote the actual measurement of the network of the chapiter, excluding the…
It’s easy to overlook the intricate artistry described here, but the "network and pomegranates" weren't just decorative; they were part of a sophisticated design intended to awe. This detail, a complex latticework topped with fruit symbols, speaks to a craftsman's skill and a deliberate, symbolic message of abundance and divine presence, even as this pillar was ultimately taken captive.
This passage shifts focus to a detailed inventory of the temple's treasures being plundered by the Babylonian army, specifically describing the ornate bronze capitals atop the two large pillars that stood at the temple's entrance. These descriptions, noting the height and decorative elements of pomegranates and networks, highlight the wealth and craftsmanship of Solomon's Temple, underscoring the magnitude of its destruction and the profound loss experienced by the Israelites.
This passage shifts focus to a detailed inventory of the temple's treasures being plundered by the Babylonian army, specifically describing the ornate bronze capitals atop the two large pillars that stood at the temple's entrance. These descriptions, noting the height and decorative elements of pomegranates and networks, highlight the wealth and craftsmanship of Solomon's Temple, underscoring the magnitude of its destruction and the profound loss experienced by the Israelites.
"On it was a capital of bronze. The height of the one capital was five cubits. A network and pomegranates, all of bronze, were around the capital. And the second pillar had the same, with pomegranates. There were ninety-six pomegranates on…" — It’s easy to overlook the intricate artistry described here, but the "network and pomegranates" weren't just decorative; they were part of a sophisticated design intended to awe. This detail, a compl…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
