כֹּתֶ֫רֶת (ko.te.ret)
ko.te.ret
capital
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew word koṯereṯ refers to the capital or crowning block at the top of a pillar. It describes the structural element that completes and supports the column, often serving as an ornamental finish in temple architecture. The term appears twelve times in the Old Testament, with significant usage in 1 Kings, Jeremiah, and 2 Kings.
Its meaning is concrete and architectural rather than metaphorical. In these texts, koṯereṯ denotes the physical capstone of a pillar, such as those found in Solomon’s Temple or the columns Jachin and Boaz. The sources highlight its role as a finishing piece that crowns the vertical support, emphasizing stability and completion in building design.
Translators typically render koṯereṯ as "capital" or "crown," reflecting its position at the summit of the column. This usage underscores the importance of architectural detail in biblical descriptions of sacred spaces, where every component contributes to the overall structure and beauty of the temple.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word koṯereṯ describes the heavy stone or bronze cap placed atop a pillar in ancient temple construction. In Solomon’s Temple, these capitals were not merely functional supports but intricate works of art featuring lilies and pomegranates. They represented the finishing touch that completed a structure, giving it both stability and beauty.
When we read about these architectural details, we see how God values order and craftsmanship in sacred spaces. The capital holds the column together, preventing it from splintering or collapsing under weight. In a similar way, our faith finds its strength in what completes us: Christ, who is the foundation and the crown of our lives.
These verses remind us that every part of God’s design has purpose. Just as the capital secured the pillar, spiritual truths secure our hearts. We can trust that God builds His church with care, ensuring that every believer is held firmly in place by His grace and love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ capital7×
- the/ capitals6×
- for the/ capital3×
- and/ a capital2×
- and/ [the] capitals2×
- to the/ capital1×
- capitals1×
- and/ the/ capitals1×
- [belonged] to the/ capitals1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/כֹּתֶ֥רֶת3×
- וְ/כֹתֶ֨רֶת2×
- הַ/כֹּֽתָרֹ֔ת2×
- הַ/כֹּֽתָר֔וֹת2×
- לַ/כֹּתֶ֥רֶת1×
- לַ/כֹּתֶ֤רֶת1×
- לַ/כֹּתֶ֣רֶת1×
- לַ/כֹּתֶ֖רֶת1×
- לַ/כֹּ֣תָרֹ֔ת1×
- כֹתָרֹ֜ת1×
- וְ/כֹתָרֹ֗ת1×
- וְ/כֹֽתָרֹ֗ת1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 7:16
He made two capitals of molten bronze to set on the tops of the pillars. The height of the one capital was five cubits, and the height of the other capital was five cubits.
This verse establishes the scale and material of the capitals, showing they were massive bronze structures five cubits high.
-
I Kings 7:19
The capitals that were on the top of the pillars in the porch were of lily work, four cubits.
Here the text specifies that the capitals featured lily work, highlighting the artistic beauty integrated into the temple's structure.
-
II Kings 25:17
The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and a capital of bronze was on it. The height of the capital was three cubits, with network and pomegranates on the capital around it, all of bronze; and the second pillar with its network was like these.
This account describes the destruction of the temple pillars, emphasizing the loss of these distinctive bronze capitals when Jerusalem fell.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word koṯereṯ mean?
Where is this word used in the Bible?
Is koṯereṯ used metaphorically in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 4 books)
I Kings 8 verses
He made two capitals of molten bronze to set on the tops of the pillars. The height of the one capital was five cubits,…
I Kings 7:17There were nets of checker work and wreaths of chain work for the capitals which were on the top of the pillars: seven…
I Kings 7:18So he made the pillars; and there were two rows of pomegranates around the one network, to cover the capitals that were…
I Kings 7:19The capitals that were on the top of the pillars in the porch were of lily work, four cubits.
I Kings 7:20There were capitals above also on the two pillars, close by the belly which was beside the network. There were two…
I Kings 7:31Its opening within the capital and above was a cubit. Its opening was round like the work of a pedestal, a cubit and a…
I Kings 7:41the two pillars; the two bowls of the capitals that were on the top of the pillars; the two networks to cover the two…
I Kings 7:42the four hundred pomegranates for the two networks; two rows of pomegranates for each network, to cover the two bowls…