King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 2:7 Mean?

2 Chronicles 2:7 in the King James Version says “Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimso... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide. to grave: Heb. to grave gravings

2 Chronicles 2:7 · KJV


Context

5

And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods.

6

But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him? is able: Heb. hath retained, or, obtained strength

7

Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide. to grave: Heb. to grave gravings

8

Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants shall be with thy servants, algum: or, Almuggim, I.Kin.10.11.

9

Even to prepare me timber in abundance: for the house which I am about to build shall be wonderful great. wonderful: Heb. great and wonderful


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide.

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 · 26 words
וְעַתָּ֡ה1 of 26
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

שְֽׁלַֽח2 of 26

Send

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לִ֣י3 of 26
H0
אִישׁ4 of 26

me now therefore 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)

הַֽחֲכָמִ֗ים5 of 26

cunning

H2450

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

לַֽעֲשׂוֹת֩6 of 26

to work

H6213

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

בַּזָּהָ֨ב7 of 26

in gold

H2091

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

וּבַכֶּ֜סֶף8 of 26

and in silver

H3701

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

וּבַנְּחֹ֣שֶׁת9 of 26

and in brass

H5178

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

וּבַבַּרְזֶ֗ל10 of 26

and in iron

H1270

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

וּבָֽאַרְגְּוָן֙11 of 26

and in purple

H710

purple

וְכַרְמִ֣יל12 of 26

and crimson

H3758

carmine, a deep red

וּתְכֵ֔לֶת13 of 26

and blue

H8504

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

וְיֹדֵ֖עַ14 of 26

and that can skill

H3045

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

לְפַתֵּ֣חַ15 of 26

to grave

H6605

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

פִּתּוּחִ֑ים16 of 26
H6603

sculpture (in low or high relief or even intaglio)

עִם17 of 26
H5973

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

הַֽחֲכָמִ֗ים18 of 26

cunning

H2450

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

אֲשֶׁ֤ר19 of 26
H834

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

עִמִּי֙20 of 26
H5973

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

בִּֽיהוּדָ֣ה21 of 26

that are with me in Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וּבִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֔ם22 of 26

and in Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

אֲשֶׁ֥ר23 of 26
H834

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

הֵכִ֖ין24 of 26

did provide

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

דָּוִ֥יד25 of 26

whom David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִֽי׃26 of 26

my 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 2:7 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 2:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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