Pillars of Meaning: The Symbolism of Columns in Freemasonry

Columns are more than architectural supports—they are symbols that speak to the heart of Masonic teachings. For centuries, Freemasonry has drawn from ancient traditions and sacred texts to find meaning in the structures that surround us. Among the most prominent are the two columns that guard the threshold of Masonic lodges: Boaz and Jachin.

Hiram Abiff, the Architect, with the pillars Boaz and Jachin.

A Legacy Rooted in King Solomon’s Temple

To understand the Masonic significance of Boaz and Jachin, one must first return to the legendary construction of King Solomon’s Temple. According to biblical accounts, two great bronze columns were erected at the entrance of the temple—Boaz on the left, Jachin on the right. 

These were not structural supports, but monuments of meaning. Boaz and Jachin weren’t structural supports for the Temple—instead, they were placed at its entrance as intentional symbols. As Brother Albert Mackey explains in The Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Solomon had them built not just for ornamentation, but to represent strength, stability, and divine support. Positioned where all would pass between them, the pillars marked the transition into sacred space and served as a reminder of the higher purpose behind the Temple’s design.

Freemasonry, which draws heavily on the allegory and symbolism of the Temple, adopts these pillars not just as historical references but as moral touchstones. Each column represents a fundamental principle. Boaz, often translated as “in Him is strength,” speaks to inner fortitude, resilience, and the courage to act justly. Jachin, meaning “He will establish,” points to stability, order, and the enduring foundation on which virtuous living must rest.

Balance Through Duality

Freemasonry frequently embraces the concept of duality—light and darkness, labor and rest, the spiritual and the material. The twin columns are physical representations of that balance. While one suggests might and resilience, the other evokes order and permanence. It is in the tension and harmony between these traits that Masons find a path forward.

In the lodge, these columns often stand at the entrance or are reflected in ritual settings. They remind prospective and current members alike that they are stepping into a space of purpose: a place where personal growth, ethical reflection, and fraternity are paramount.

Enduring Relevance

Though their origins are ancient, the messages embodied in Boaz and Jachin are as relevant today as ever. In a world that often feels unmoored, Freemasonry offers a framework rooted in tradition and values. The columns at the heart of the lodge remind us that the pursuit of truth and self-improvement is not a modern trend—it is a timeless endeavor.

Whether you are a new initiate or a longtime Brother, take time to contemplate the pillars in your own Masonic journey. Let them serve as anchors of purpose—and as inspiration to continue building a life defined by strength, stability, and balance.