Lexical Summary tsepheth: Pitch, tar Original Word: צֶפֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance chapiter From an unused root meaning to encircle; a capital of a column -- chapiter. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tsaphah Definition probably plated capital (of a pillar) NASB Translation capital (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs צֶ֫פֶת noun feminine apparently plated capital of pillar2Chronicles 3:15. צפח (√ of following; compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Biblical occurrenceThe noun צֶפֶת appears once, in 2 Chronicles 3:15, describing the “capital” crowning each of the two bronze pillars that stood before Solomon’s temple. Elsewhere the same architectural element is usually called כֹּתֶרֶת (e.g., 1 Kings 7:16), indicating that צֶפֶת is a specialized synonym emphasizing the crowning feature of the structure. Architectural context in Solomon’s Temple In front of the temple porch Solomon set two free-standing bronze columns, later named Jachin and Boaz (2 Chronicles 3:17). Chronicles gives their height as thirty-five cubits, each topped by a five-cubit צֶפֶת. Fashioned of cast bronze and adorned with lily‐work and pomegranates (2 Chronicles 4:12-13), the capital drew worshipers’ eyes upward, turning structural supports into proclamations of the Lord’s majesty. Theological symbolism Crowns in Scripture speak of honor and completion (Proverbs 4:9; Isaiah 62:3). The צֶפֶת signified that God both “establishes” (Jachin) and “strengthens” (Boaz) His covenant people, bringing His purposes to full maturity. The floral motif recalls Aaron’s budding staff (Numbers 17:8) and the lampstand blossoms (Exodus 25:33-34), pictures of life that flourishes only under divine favor. Chronicles and Kings in harmony 1 Kings 7:15 lists each pillar as eighteen cubits high; Chronicles totals them at thirty-five cubits. The apparent discrepancy vanishes when one recognizes that the Chronicler gives the combined measurement (18 + 17 = 35) or includes bases and decorative bands, while Kings reports a single shaft. Both accounts affirm the same reality, demonstrating Scripture’s internal coherence. Archaeological and historical insights Iron Age capitals unearthed at Samaria, Ramat Raḥel, and Jerusalem match the volute and lily motifs described in Kings and Chronicles, confirming the biblical depiction of Phoenician craftsmanship (1 Kings 7:13-14). The Chronicler’s unique term צֶפֶת may reflect access to specialized temple records preserved from Solomon’s reign. Christological and eschatological resonance Jesus is “the stone the builders rejected” who became “the cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22; Acts 4:11). As the צֶפֶת crowned the pillars, so Christ crowns the household of faith, uniting Jew and Gentile “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20). To the overcomer He promises, “I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God” (Revelation 3:12), echoing the permanence of Jachin and Boaz and pointing toward the eternal temple where “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Revelation 21:22). Ministry reflections • Excellence in worship: the finely crafted צֶפֶת urges believers to pursue beauty and skill in service to God. Principal references 2 Chronicles 3:15-17; 4:12-13 Psalm 118:22; Ephesians 2:20; Revelation 3:12; Revelation 21:22 Forms and Transliterations וְהַצֶּ֥פֶת והצפת vehatzTzefet wə·haṣ·ṣe·p̄eṯ wəhaṣṣep̄eṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Chronicles 3:15 HEB: וְחָמֵ֖שׁ אֹ֑רֶךְ וְהַצֶּ֥פֶת אֲשֶׁר־ עַל־ NAS: high, and the capital on the top KJV: high, and the chapiter that [was] on the top INT: of each five high and the capital after on 1 Occurrence |
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II. make wide, broad; 
anything broad (stone, plank, sheathing, plating), Syriac 
plating; also Ethiopic 
spread out, extend; Sabean (Lihyanian) הצפחת, אצפחת platform, DHMEpigr. Denkm. 84. 86; but (transposed) Arabic 
, wide bowl, compare Frä63).