1 Chronicles 22 15

1 Chronicles 22:15 kjv

Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work.

1 Chronicles 22:15 nkjv

Moreover there are workmen with you in abundance: woodsmen and stonecutters, and all types of skillful men for every kind of work.

1 Chronicles 22:15 niv

You have many workers: stonecutters, masons and carpenters, as well as those skilled in every kind of work

1 Chronicles 22:15 esv

You have an abundance of workmen: stonecutters, masons, carpenters, and all kinds of craftsmen without number, skilled in working

1 Chronicles 22:15 nlt

You have a large number of skilled stonemasons and carpenters and craftsmen of every kind.

1 Chronicles 22 verses

1 Chronicles 22 15 Meaning

This verse, 1 Chronicles 22:15, is part of King David's counsel to his son Solomon concerning the monumental task of building the Temple for the Lord. It reassures Solomon that, in addition to the vast quantities of building materials David had already prepared, there was also an abundant supply of skilled labor available. These include specific trades like stonecutters, masons, and carpenters, along with a broader category encompassing all types of craftsmen gifted for various kinds of work. The verse underscores the extensive resources – both material and human – divinely provided and diligently amassed by David, ensuring Solomon had everything necessary to accomplish God's designated project.

1 Chronicles 22 15 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 22 focuses on David's earnest desire to build a house for the Lord, his understanding that God had chosen Solomon for this task, and his meticulous preparations. Verses 2-5 detail David's gathering of immense quantities of materials—iron, bronze, timber from Sidonians and Tyrians, and stones. Verses 6-13 record David's charge to Solomon, explaining why Solomon, and not David, would build the Temple, emphasizing God's promise of peace for Solomon's reign, and exhorting him to keep God's commands. Verse 14 outlines the incredible wealth (gold and silver) David had prepared. Chapter 22:15 directly follows this, completing the picture of vast resources by emphasizing the availability of abundant and skilled human labor. It transitions to David instructing the leaders of Israel to assist Solomon in this divinely appointed work, emphasizing the peace and divine presence that made the Temple's construction possible.

1 Chronicles 22 15 Word analysis

• Besides (וְגַם, vəḡam): The Hebrew word indicates "and also" or "moreover," showing continuity and addition to the previous statement about the extensive materials gathered. It implies a comprehensive scope of provision.
• you have (אִתְּךָ, ’ittəḵā): Literally "with you." This emphasizes Solomon's immediate access and possession of these resources. David isn't promising them for the future but highlighting their current availability.
• a great many (לָרֹב, lārōḇ): Means "in abundance," "profusely," or "very much." It signifies an overwhelming quantity, removing any doubt about the workforce's sufficiency for such a massive project.
• workmen (עֹשֵׂי, ‘ōśê): Derived from the verb 'āśāh' meaning "to make, do, perform." It refers to those who are active doers, craftsmen, or performers of labor. It's a general term for those engaged in work.
• stonecutters (חֹצְבֵי אֶבֶן, ḥōṣəḇê ’even): ḥōṣəḇê comes from the root 'ḥātsav,' "to cut, hew." ’even means "stone." These are specialized individuals skilled in extracting and shaping stones from quarries, vital for the Temple's foundations and walls.
• masons of stone (וְגֹדְרֵי אֶבֶן, wəḡōḏrê ’even): gōḏrê comes from the root 'gādar,' "to wall up, build a wall, mend a wall." This distinct skill set focuses on fitting and laying stones to construct stable walls, distinguishing them from those who only hew the stones.
• carpenters (וְחָרָשֵׁי עֵץ, wəḥārāšê ‘ēṣ): ḥārāšê (pl. of ḥārāš) is a general term for an artisan, craftsman, or engraver. ‘ēṣ means "tree" or "wood." Together, it specifically refers to skilled woodworkers who would craft the timber elements of the Temple, from beams to intricate decorations.
• and all types of skillful men (וְכֹל חָכָם לְכָל מְלָאכָה, wəḵōl ḥāḵām ləḵāl məlāḵâ): This phrase broadens the scope significantly. ḥāḵām means "wise" or "skillful" (in practical terms), referring to intellectual and practical acumen. Məlāḵâ refers to "work," "business," "craft." This ensures that not only the listed specialized trades but also every other necessary expertise (metalworkers, weavers, designers, etc., as seen in Tabernacle construction, Exod 31) are present and readily available. This implies divine provision of these abilities.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Besides, you have a great many": This phrase conveys David's powerful reassurance, emphasizing abundance and ready access to human resources, mirroring the earlier assurance of material wealth. The combination of "besides" and "a great many" stresses comprehensiveness and magnitude.
• "workmen: stonecutters and masons of stone, carpenters": This detailed listing illustrates the specialized and crucial crafts required for such a sophisticated construction. It shows that specific, highly trained individuals were already at Solomon's disposal, not just generic laborers. The inclusion of both stonecutters and masons highlights the distinct yet complementary roles in working with stone.
• "and all types of skillful men for every kind of work": This concluding phrase extends the promise beyond the explicitly mentioned trades, assuring Solomon that every conceivable craft and skilled individual needed for any aspect of the Temple's complex construction and ornamentation was available. It speaks to a divinely organized provision, where all necessary talents for God's project were present. The word 'skillful men' (ḥāḵām) links directly to God gifting skill, as seen in the Exodus accounts for the Tabernacle builders (e.g., Exod 31:3).

1 Chronicles 22 15 Bonus section

The concept of "skillful men" (ḥāḵām in Hebrew) carries deep theological weight in the Old Testament, particularly in relation to the Tabernacle and Temple construction. It is not merely human ingenuity but often implies a divinely bestowed wisdom or gifting, as seen in the accounts of Bezaleel and Oholiab (Exod 31:1-6), whom God "filled with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship." This highlights that the craftsmen for God's house were seen as being equipped by God Himself, sanctifying their skills for sacred use. This verse in 1 Chronicles echoes that understanding, reinforcing the idea that God superintends all aspects of building His dwelling place, from the raw materials to the specialized abilities of His servants.

1 Chronicles 22 15 Commentary

1 Chronicles 22:15 succinctly reassures Solomon that he possesses a ready and abundant workforce for building the Temple. David, recognizing the magnitude of the divine project, had not only prepared an unparalleled quantity of materials (gold, silver, bronze, iron, timber, stone) but also ensured the availability of all necessary human expertise. The enumeration of stonecutters, masons, and carpenters underscores the practical specifics of temple construction, while the sweeping inclusion of "all types of skillful men for every kind of work" signifies that no necessary craft or talent would be lacking. This verse is a testament to meticulous planning and divine provision working in tandem, demonstrating that when God calls His people to a great task, He also equips them with all the necessary resources, both material and human. It offers profound encouragement, revealing that God orchestrates human effort and diverse skills for His sacred purposes, ensuring success when His will is diligently pursued.