1 Kings 7 47

1 Kings 7:47 kjv

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

1 Kings 7:47 nkjv

And Solomon did not weigh all the articles, because there were so many; the weight of the bronze was not determined.

1 Kings 7:47 niv

Solomon left all these things unweighed, because there were so many; the weight of the bronze was not determined.

1 Kings 7:47 esv

And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because there were so many of them; the weight of the bronze was not ascertained.

1 Kings 7:47 nlt

Solomon did not weigh all these things because there were so many; the weight of the bronze could not be measured.

1 Kings 7 verses

1 Kings 7 47 Meaning

This verse describes the colossal quantity of bronze articles created for Solomon's Temple, so immense that their total weight could not be accurately measured or even estimated. It emphasizes the extraordinary lavishness, wealth, and dedication poured into constructing the House of the Lord, reflecting a commitment that transcended normal material quantification. The unmeasurable weight highlights the vast scale of the work, indicating the abundance God provided and the king's abundant devotion.

1 Kings 7 47 Context

1 Kings chapter 7 primarily describes the construction and furnishing of Solomon's grand Temple and his own royal palace. The verse 47 marks the conclusion of the meticulous description of the bronze items crafted by Huram, the skilled artisan from Tyre, who was filled with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge for all kinds of crafts (1 Kgs 7:14). Immediately prior, the chapter details specific bronze objects like the two pillars (Jachin and Boaz), the Molten Sea, the ten bronze stands, the basins, pots, shovels, and bowls. This verse acts as a summation of the bronze work, emphasizing its extraordinary scale before transitioning to the golden articles (1 Kgs 7:48ff.). Historically and culturally, grand building projects, especially for deities, were common in the ancient Near East, but the biblical account often highlights the unparalleled devotion and divine enablement associated with the Temple's construction, setting it apart. This immense provision contrasts with the often more modest worship sites of other peoples, implicitly polemical against polytheistic practices where resources were divided among many gods or used for earthly kingdoms without divine blessing.

1 Kings 7 47 Word analysis

• And Solomon (וַיַּנַּח שְׁלֹמֹה vayyannach sh'lomoh): "Vayyannach" from nuach (נוּחַ) means "to cause to rest," "to leave," "to deposit." Here it signifies that Solomon intentionally left the vessels without weighing them, or that they were simply left in that state of immense quantity. It indicates his ultimate oversight and decision.
• left all (אֶת־כָּל־הַכֵּלִים 'et-kol-hakeilim): "Kol" (כֹּל) means "all," "every," emphasizing the entirety of the bronze articles, not just a selection. This points to the collective weight being immeasurable.
• the vessels (כְּלִים keilim): This broad Hebrew term refers to "utensils," "implements," "articles," or "vessels." It encompasses the diverse range of items mentioned previously, such as the stands, basins, pots, shovels, and bowls used for the Temple's sacrifices and ceremonies.
• unweighed (מִסַּגִיר מְאֹד לְרֹב mi-s'gir m'od l'rov - not explicitly "unweighed" as a single word in KJV but part of the larger phrase describing why they weren't. The meaning of "unweighed" is lo nishqal). This phrase implies that no attempt was made to weigh them, or if an attempt was made, it failed to quantify the true mass.
• because they were exceeding many (מֵרֹב מְאֹד me'rov m'od): "Me'rov" (מֵרֹב) means "from the abundance" or "because of the great quantity." "Me'od" (מְאֹד) serves as an intensifier, meaning "very," "exceedingly," or "greatly." Together, this emphasizes the staggering number of items, directly providing the reason for their unmeasurable state.
• neither was the weight (וְלֹא נוֹדַע מִשְׁקַל v'lo noda mishqal): "V'lo noda" (וְלֹא נוֹדַע) means "and it was not known," or "could not be ascertained." "Mishqal" (מִשְׁקַל) refers to "weight" or "balance." This re-emphasizes the impossibility of determining their total mass, confirming the sheer overwhelming quantity.
• of the brass (הַנְּחֹשֶׁת hannerkhoshet): This is the Hebrew word for "bronze" or "copper." While often translated "brass," in ancient contexts, it nearly always refers to copper or its alloy, bronze, a mix of copper and tin/other metals. Bronze was widely used for its durability, especially for sacrificial implements and large fixtures like the pillars and the Molten Sea.
• found out (נוֹדַע noda): Already covered with "neither was the weight," reinforcing the notion of impossibility of determining or ascertaining the total mass.

Words-group analysis

• And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed: This indicates a practical decision based on the overwhelming quantity, but it also conveys the profound abundance present. It wasn't a matter of negligence, but of immeasurability.
• because they were exceeding many: This phrase directly explains why the weighing was not done. It serves as a hyperbolic descriptor, underscoring the magnitude of resources dedicated to the Temple, far beyond what could be systematically quantified.
• neither was the weight of the brass found out: This confirms the final state – the total mass remained unknown. It's not just that they weren't weighed, but that their true extent was unascertainable. This speaks to divine provision that surpasses human capacity for reckoning. The term "brass" (bronze) here is key, as this metal constituted the majority of the massive liturgical vessels and structures within the Temple's outer courts.

1 Kings 7 47 Bonus section

The concept of something being "unweighed" or "without weight" due to abundance is not unique here. David himself speaks of preparing "brass and iron without weight" for the Temple (1 Chr 22:14). This continuity between David's preparations and Solomon's completion underscores a lineage of unparalleled commitment to the worship of Yahweh. The choice of bronze for many implements signifies its practicality and durability, as well as its symbolic association with judgment, purification (the bronze altar), and foundational strength. This overwhelming quantity of material reflects not only Solomon's affluence but, more importantly, God's limitless provision and desire for His dwelling place to be glorious. The Temple's grandeur, epitomized by such lavish detail and unquantifiable wealth, also serves as an earthly type for the unimaginable glory and inexhaustible resources found in God's eternal kingdom.

1 Kings 7 47 Commentary

1 Kings 7:47 serves as a powerful statement on the abundance and unquantifiable wealth dedicated to the construction of Solomon's Temple. It signifies that the bronze vessels, essential for the Temple's worship, were so numerous and weighty that they defied any attempt at precise measurement. This overflow is a testament to God's rich provision through King Solomon's wisdom and wealth, fulfilling David's vision of an unparalleled house for the Lord. It also underscores the meticulous yet vast scale of the craftsmanship overseen by Huram, where quality was paired with incredible quantity. This immeasurability speaks not merely to material wealth, but to the exceeding nature of divine blessing when a nation prioritizes God's glory, demonstrating a level of generosity that transcends human accounting. It reminds us that true service to God can involve an offering that far surpasses conventional expectations or limits.