King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 2:14 Mean?

2 Chronicles 2:14 in the King James Version says “The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.

2 Chronicles 2:14 · KJV


Context

12

Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom. endued: Heb. knowing prudence and understanding

13

And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father's,

14

The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.

15

Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants:

16

And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem. as much: Heb according to all thy need Joppa: Heb. Japho


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Mobilizing resources for God's house. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Preparation for Temple Building point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 35 words
בֶּן1 of 35

The son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אִשָּׁ֞ה2 of 35

of a woman

H802

a woman

מִן3 of 35
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

בְּנ֣וֹת4 of 35

of the daughters

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

דָּ֗ן5 of 35

of Dan

H1835

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

אָבִֽיךָ׃6 of 35

and his father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

אִישׁ7 of 35

was a man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

צֹרִ֡י8 of 35

of Tyre

H6876

a tsorite or inhabitant of tsor (i.e., syrian)

יוֹדֵ֡עַ9 of 35

skilful

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת10 of 35

to work

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בַּזָּֽהָב11 of 35

in gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וּ֠בַכֶּסֶף12 of 35

and in silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

בַּנְּחֹ֨שֶׁת13 of 35

in brass

H5178

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

בַּבַּרְזֶ֜ל14 of 35

in iron

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

בָּֽאֲבָנִ֣ים15 of 35

in stone

H68

a stone

וּבָֽעֵצִ֗ים16 of 35

and in timber

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

בָּֽאַרְגָּמָ֤ן17 of 35

in purple

H713

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

בַּתְּכֵ֙לֶת֙18 of 35

in blue

H8504

the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith

וּבַבּ֣וּץ19 of 35

and in fine linen

H948

probably cotton (of some sort)

וּבַכַּרְמִ֔יל20 of 35

and in crimson

H3758

carmine, a deep red

וּלְפַתֵּ֙חַ֙21 of 35

also to grave

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

כָּל22 of 35
H3605

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

פִּתּ֔וּחַ23 of 35

any manner of graving

H6603

sculpture (in low or high relief or even intaglio)

וְלַחְשֹׁ֖ב24 of 35

and to find out

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

כָּל25 of 35
H3605

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

מַֽחֲשָׁ֑בֶת26 of 35

every device

H4284

a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר27 of 35
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִנָּֽתֶן28 of 35

which shall be put

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לוֹ֙29 of 35
H0
עִם30 of 35
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וְֽחַכְמֵ֔י31 of 35

and with the cunning men

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

וְֽחַכְמֵ֔י32 of 35

and with the cunning men

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

אֲדֹנִ֖י33 of 35

of my lord

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

דָּוִ֥יד34 of 35

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִֽיךָ׃35 of 35

and his father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 2:14 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 2 Chronicles 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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