1 Kings 7 14

1 Kings 7:14 kjv

He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.

1 Kings 7:14 nkjv

He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a bronze worker; he was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill in working with all kinds of bronze work. So he came to King Solomon and did all his work.

1 Kings 7:14 niv

whose mother was a widow from the tribe of Naphtali and whose father was from Tyre and a skilled craftsman in bronze. Huram was filled with wisdom, with understanding and with knowledge to do all kinds of bronze work. He came to King Solomon and did all the work assigned to him.

1 Kings 7:14 esv

He was the son of a widow of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in bronze. And he was full of wisdom, understanding, and skill for making any work in bronze. He came to King Solomon and did all his work.

1 Kings 7:14 nlt

He was half Israelite, since his mother was a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father had been a craftsman in bronze from Tyre. Huram was extremely skillful and talented in any work in bronze, and he came to do all the metal work for King Solomon.

1 Kings 7 verses

1 Kings 7 14 Meaning

1 Kings 7:14 describes Huram, the master craftsman primarily responsible for the extensive bronze work of Solomon’s Temple. It details his mixed heritage—his mother was a widow from the tribe of Naphtali (or Dan, depending on the biblical account), and his father was a man of Tyre, skilled in bronze work. Crucially, the verse highlights that Huram was divinely endowed with exceptional wisdom, understanding, and skill, enabling him to execute all types of bronze craftsmanship for the sacred edifice.

1 Kings 7 14 Context

1 Kings chapter 7 primarily describes the detailed construction of Solomon’s personal palace and, more importantly, the elaborate furnishings and architectural components of the Temple of the Lord. The specific focus of verses 13-47 is on the intricate bronze work necessary for the Temple, highlighting its pillars (Jachin and Boaz), the bronze sea, and numerous smaller vessels and fixtures. Verse 14 introduces Huram, the expert artisan recruited by Solomon from Tyre, to oversee and execute this monumental task. Historically, this period represents the apex of Israel’s unified kingdom under Solomon, where immense resources were dedicated to establishing a magnificent central place of worship, reflecting God's presence among His people. The involvement of skilled Phoenician craftsmen from Tyre, a prominent maritime and manufacturing center, underscores the collaborative nature of this divinely inspired project and the recognized superior craftsmanship available outside Israel.

1 Kings 7 14 Word analysis

• He: Refers to Huram (chuwram), the master craftsman summoned by Solomon. He is a pivotal figure in the temple's construction, specifically for bronze work.
• was the son of a widow: Hebrew ben 'almanah (בֶּן־אַלְמָנָה). A "widow" (almanah) suggests a vulnerable status in ancient society. This detail might highlight that Huram's standing was based on his extraordinary skill rather than inherited status or wealth. It could also imply he was his mother's sole support.
• of the tribe of Naphtali: Hebrew mimmaṭṭeh Naphtaliy (מִמַּטֵּה נַפְתָּלִֽי). Naphtali was one of the northern tribes of Israel. This detail is contrasted by 2 Chronicles 2:14, which states his mother was from the tribe of Dan. This discrepancy suggests her family originated from Dan but she settled in or married into Naphtali, or possibly intermarriage. Regardless, it emphasizes his Israelite maternal lineage.
• and his father was a man of Tyre: Hebrew v'abiyv 'iysh Tsora (וְאָבִיו֙ אִ֣ישׁ צֹ֔ר). Tyre (Tsor) was a leading Phoenician city, renowned for its highly advanced metallurgy and maritime trade. This mixed heritage signifies an important collaboration between Israel and Phoenicia for the temple's construction.
• a craftsman in bronze: Hebrew charash nekhosheth (חָרַ֣שׁ נְחֹ֗שֶׁת). Charash is a worker or artisan, and nekhosheth is bronze. This highlights his specialized professional skill in metalworking, particularly with bronze, which was crucial for the Temple's grandeur.
• and he was filled with: Hebrew vayyimale' (וַיִּמָּלֵ֣א), from male' (מָלֵא), meaning "to be full" or "to be filled." This is a significant theological phrase, mirroring the divine endowment given to Bezalel and Oholiab for the Tabernacle (Exod 31:3; 35:31). It suggests divine inspiration and an abundance of capacity, not merely natural talent.
• wisdom: Hebrew chokhmah (חָכְמָ֑ה). Practical skill, sagacity, and knowledge applied effectively. In biblical contexts, often implying divine insight.
• with understanding: Hebrew tevunah (תְּבוּנָה֙). Discernment, insight, comprehension, the ability to grasp complex ideas and apply them.
• and with skill: Hebrew da'ath (דָּ֑עַת). Knowledge, expertise, technical know-how. Together with wisdom and understanding, it forms a comprehensive package of intellectual and practical excellence.
• to do any work in bronze: Hebrew la'asoth kol-mele'khet nekhosheth (לַעֲשׂוֹת֙ כָּל־מְלֶ֣אכֶת נְחֹ֔שֶׁת). Demonstrates his comprehensive mastery and versatility, indicating his ability to tackle every aspect of bronze craftsmanship, from casting large structures to intricate details.

1 Kings 7 14 Bonus section

• The "Abi" suffix: In 2 Chronicles, Huram is often called "Huram-Abi." "Abi" (אֲבִ֛י) literally means "my father," but in this context, it functions as an honorific title signifying "master craftsman," "chief architect," or a respectful address, much like a term of endearment or high esteem.
• Reconciling Mother's Tribe: The discrepancy between 1 Kings 7:14 (Naphtali) and 2 Chronicles 2:14 (Dan) regarding his mother's tribal origin is commonly reconciled by scholars. She may have been born of the tribe of Dan but later lived or married into a family of Naphtali, or perhaps had ancestral lineage from both. This small variation does not diminish Huram's pivotal role or divinely-endowed skills.
• God's Provision Beyond Israel: Huram, despite his Phoenician father and possible partial Israelite lineage, was still a key Gentile contributor to the construction of God's most important physical dwelling. This showcases God's sovereignty and His ability to use and gift individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve His plans, reminding us that His work is not confined to human distinctions.
• Excellence in Service: The meticulous detail of Huram’s divine endowments of wisdom, understanding, and skill underscores the biblical principle that our work, especially that dedicated to the Lord, should be performed with utmost excellence, as though "for the Lord and not for men" (Col 3:23). God empowers His servants for the specific tasks He calls them to.

1 Kings 7 14 Commentary

1 Kings 7:14 introduces Huram, an artisan whose unique background highlights God's broader ways of working. His mixed Israelite and Phoenician heritage, coupled with the explicit mention of his "widow" mother, underscores that his eminence derived from his divinely infused gifts, not social standing. The repeated phrase "filled with wisdom, with understanding, and with skill" directly links his abilities to a supernatural source, akin to Bezalel and Oholiab's equipping for the Tabernacle by the Spirit of God. This signifies that excellence in service for God's house is not merely human talent, but God-given ability. Huram's master craftsmanship in bronze was essential for the magnificent Temple, showing that God prepares and provides gifted individuals, even from unexpected backgrounds, to accomplish His divine purposes. It also underscores that sacred work demands the highest levels of God-enabled competence and artistic expression.