צֶ֫פֶת (tse.phet)

tse.phet

capital

H6858 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-F

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-F

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun tse.phet refers specifically to a plated capital, or the decorative top piece of a pillar. It appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in the detailed description of Solomon’s Temple construction found in 2 Chronicles 3:15.

This rare term highlights the craftsmanship involved in building the sanctuary. The sources describe it as a "plated capital," indicating that these architectural elements were not merely structural but were adorned with precious materials to reflect the glory of God’s dwelling place. Its singular usage underscores the unique and specific nature of the temple's design.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word tse.phet describes the ornate, gold-plated cap placed atop the massive pillars at Solomon’s Temple. Its single appearance in Scripture highlights how much care went into every detail of God’s dwelling place. These were not just structural supports but beautiful markers of divine glory.

For your faith, this reminds us that God values beauty and excellence. When we worship or serve, we do so for a God who delights in order and splendor. The temple’s pillars stood firm, reminding Israel that God is both mighty and magnificent. We can trust that He receives our offerings with the same attention to detail.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

and/ the/ capital1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

וְ/הַ/צֶּ֥פֶת1×

Key Verses

II Chronicles 3:15
Also he made before the house two pillars thirty-five cubits high, and the capital that was on the top of each of them was five cubits.

This verse specifies the exact height of the capital, showing it was a distinct, decorated element separate from the pillar shaft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does tse.phet mean in the Bible?

It is a Hebrew noun meaning a plated capital or decorative top piece of a pillar. It appears only once in the Old Testament, describing the gold-covered tops of the temple pillars.

Why does this word appear only once?

The term refers to a specific architectural feature of Solomon’s Temple. Since no other biblical building is described with this exact design, the word remains unique to that historical account.

How is it different from a general pillar?

While a pillar (H4046) is the main vertical support, the tse.phet is the ornamental cap on top. It served both a structural and aesthetic purpose, highlighting the glory of the sanctuary.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

II Chronicles 1 verse

II Chronicles 3:15

Also he made before the house two pillars thirty-five cubits high, and the capital that was on the top of each of them…