King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 7:47 Mean?

1 Kings 7:47 in the King James Version says “And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because they were exceeding many: neither was the weight of the brass found ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because they were exceeding many: neither was the weight of the brass found out. because: Heb. for the exceeding multitude found: Heb. searched

1 Kings 7:47 · KJV


Context

45

And the pots, and the shovels, and the basons: and all these vessels, which Hiram made to king Solomon for the house of the LORD, were of bright brass. bright: Heb. made bright or, scoured

46

In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarthan. in: Heb. in the thickness of the ground

47

And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because they were exceeding many: neither was the weight of the brass found out. because: Heb. for the exceeding multitude found: Heb. searched

48

And Solomon made all the vessels that pertained unto the house of the LORD: the altar of gold, and the table of gold, whereupon the shewbread was,

49

And the candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right side, and five on the left, before the oracle, with the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs of gold,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because they were exceeding many: neither was the weight of the brass found out.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of temple furnishings and solomon's palace, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
  2. What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיַּנַּ֤ח1 of 12

left

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

שְׁלֹמֹה֙2 of 12

And Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

אֶת3 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל4 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַכֵּלִ֔ים5 of 12

all the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

מֵרֹ֖ב6 of 12

many

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

מְאֹ֑ד7 of 12

unweighed because they were exceeding

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

מְאֹ֑ד8 of 12

unweighed because they were exceeding

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

לֹ֥א9 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נֶחְקַ֖ר10 of 12

found out

H2713

properly, to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately

מִשְׁקַ֥ל11 of 12

neither was the weight

H4948

weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act)

הַנְּחֹֽשֶׁת׃12 of 12

of the brass

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 7:47 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 7:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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