Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5443 pillars

Supports or decorations in buildings and free-standing memorial monuments. The word is also used figuratively, with reference to strength and beauty.

Pillars in the temple

1 Kings 7:21

Pillars erected as memorials

Genesis 28:18-22 See also Genesis 31:45-53; Genesis 35:14-15,19-20; Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 27:2-6; Joshua 4:1-9; 2 Samuel 18:18

The pillar of cloud and fire

Exodus 13:21-22 See also Exodus 33:9; Nehemiah 9:12

The figurative use of pillars

Jeremiah 1:18 See also Job 9:6; Job 26:11; Psalm 75:3; Psalm 144:12; Songs 5:15; Galatians 2:9; Revelation 3:12; Revelation 10:1

Kings were sometimes crowned beside a pillar

Judges 9:6 See also 2 Kings 11:12-14 pp 2 Chronicles 23:11-13

Other notable incidents connected with pillars

Lot's wife and the pillar of salt

Genesis 19:24-26

Samson's destruction of a temple

Judges 16:25-30

See also

5366  king
7251  pillar of cloud & fire
7394  memorial
7467  temple, Solomon's