2 Chronicles 2 13

2 Chronicles 2:13 kjv

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

2 Chronicles 2:13 nkjv

And now I have sent a skillful man, endowed with understanding, Huram my master craftsman

2 Chronicles 2:13 niv

"I am sending you Huram-Abi, a man of great skill,

2 Chronicles 2:13 esv

"Now I have sent a skilled man, who has understanding, Huram-abi,

2 Chronicles 2:13 nlt

"I am sending you a master craftsman named Huram-abi, who is extremely talented.

2 Chronicles 2 verses

2 Chronicles 2 13 Meaning

This verse declares that Hiram, the King of Tyre, has sent to King Solomon a skilled artisan named Huram-abi. This individual is not merely capable, but profoundly "endowed with understanding," indicating a mastery of his craft that goes beyond simple skill, encompassing deep insight and discernment. This marks a crucial point in the preparations for building the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, as Solomon sought out the most proficient craftsmen available, and Huram-abi was identified as meeting these demanding requirements.

2 Chronicles 2 13 Context

Chapter 2 of 2 Chronicles details King Solomon's preparations for constructing the Temple. After establishing his intent to build a house for the name of the Lord (2 Chr 2:1), Solomon sent a request to Hiram, King of Tyre, for resources and skilled craftsmen, particularly for working with cedar, juniper, and specialized metalwork and fabrics (2 Chr 2:3-9). Hiram's positive response acknowledges the Lord's blessing upon Solomon (2 Chr 2:11-12) and affirms his willingness to send help. Verse 13 specifically introduces Huram-abi as the premier craftsman dispatched from Tyre. This artisan is not only presented as a master in various materials but also as possessing exceptional discernment. This strategic partnership between Israel and Tyre was crucial for the immense and intricate undertaking of building God's dwelling place, demonstrating the providential use of external resources to fulfill God's purposes for His people.

2 Chronicles 2 13 Word analysis

• And now (וְעַתָּה - ve'attah): This conjunctive phrase serves as a transitional marker, directly connecting the statement with King Hiram's previous expressions of goodwill and agreement to Solomon's request. It signals the immediate fulfillment of his promise to send help.
• I have sent (שָׁלַחְתִּי - shalachti): The verb is in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action from King Hiram's perspective. It emphasizes that the promised assistance has already been set in motion and the master craftsman is en route. This shows the swift and decisive nature of Hiram's aid.
• a skilled man (אִישׁ חָכָם - ish chakham):
  • man (אִישׁ - ish): A straightforward reference to an individual.
  • skilled (חָכָם - chakham): This term goes beyond mere technical ability. While it certainly encompasses practical expertise, chakham often implies wisdom, prudence, and understanding in its broadest sense. In the context of craftsmen (e.g., Bezalel in Exodus), it points to an innate ability or talent that is often divinely bestowed or cultivated for a specific purpose, implying a comprehensive competence and intelligence in his work.
• endowed with understanding (יוֹדֵעַ בִּינָה - yodea binah):
  • endowed with / knowing (יוֹדֵעַ - yodea): From the root יָדַע (yada'), meaning "to know," "to be acquainted with," or "to have discernment." Here it signifies that his understanding is deeply ingrained and comprehensive.
  • understanding (בִּינָה - binah): This Hebrew term refers to insight, discernment, and the ability to grasp underlying principles or make distinctions. It suggests a higher level of intellectual capacity than mere knowledge; it's the ability to interpret, apply, and integrate knowledge. Together with chakham, it portrays Huram-abi as exceptionally astute and insightful in his profession.
• Huram-abi (לְחוּרָם אָבִי - le-Churam Abi):
  • Huram (חוּרָם - Churam): This is the proper name of the master craftsman. He is also referred to as Huram (without the "abi" suffix) in 1 Kings, indicating he is the same notable figure.
  • -abi (אָבִי - Abi): This element literally means "my father." In this context, it is understood as an honorific title or an additional part of his proper name that conveys respect, indicating "my master" or "my chief craftsman." It signifies his preeminent position and revered status among artisans, suggesting that even King Hiram regards him with great esteem due to his unparalleled expertise. The Chronicler’s consistent use of “Huram-abi” likely serves to underscore his extraordinary skill and importance to the Temple project.

Words-group analysis:

• "a skilled man, endowed with understanding": This phrase functions as a profound endorsement of Huram-abi's capabilities. It emphasizes not only his practical craftsmanship but also his intellectual acumen and deep insight. For the construction of God's dwelling place, such comprehensive abilities—practical skill paired with strategic understanding and discernment—were considered essential and divinely appointed, crucial for ensuring the Temple’s design and execution were true to the inspired blueprint.

2 Chronicles 2 13 Bonus section

• Divine Providence and International Cooperation: The fact that King Hiram, a ruler from a Gentile nation, provided this highly gifted artisan, demonstrates God's sovereignty extends beyond Israel's borders. God providentially arranged for the resources and skilled labor necessary for His Temple, even drawing from nations that did not explicitly worship Him, highlighting His ultimate control and the global scope of His plans. Hiram's earlier recognition of the Lord (2 Chr 2:11-12) also shows a surprising level of respect or understanding for Yahweh from a foreign king, affirming the impact of God's presence on Israel and surrounding nations.
• The Specific Skills of Huram-abi (2 Chr 2:14): Though not explicitly in verse 13, the following verse (2 Chr 2:14) enumerates Huram-abi's extraordinary range of skills: working in gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, and timber, along with skills in fabrics (purple, crimson, blue, fine linen), engraving, and "devising every kind of design" (la'asot kol-machasheveth). This extensive list underscores that he was not merely good at one thing but was a polymath craftsman, exactly the kind of comprehensive expert required for the unparalleled craftsmanship of the Temple. His ability to "devise designs" highlights the creative, problem-solving, and visionary aspects of his understanding, which complements the 'understanding' mentioned in verse 13.
• Name Variation: While 2 Chronicles consistently refers to him as "Huram-abi" (2 Chr 2:13, 2 Chr 2:14, 2 Chr 4:16), 1 Kings (1 Ki 7:13, 1 Ki 7:40, 1 Ki 7:45) refers to him simply as "Huram" (or "Hiram," using the same Hebrew consonants). The Chronicler's specific inclusion of "abi" might be to emphasize his honorary title as a "master craftsman" or to distinguish him from King Hiram. It suggests a particular reverence or importance attached to his role within the Chronicler’s narrative emphasizing the Temple.

2 Chronicles 2 13 Commentary

2 Chronicles 2:13 is a concise but significant verse, serving as the introduction of the primary artisan crucial for Solomon’s Temple project. King Hiram's response to Solomon's request underscores the mutual respect and strategic alliance between their kingdoms. By calling Huram-abi a "skilled man" and "endowed with understanding," the text highlights the specialized and elevated nature of his expertise. This goes beyond mere technical know-how; "understanding" (binah) suggests deep insight and the capacity to grasp and implement complex designs, a quality vital for translating Solomon’s inspired architectural visions into physical reality. The addition of "Abi" (meaning "my father" or "master craftsman") to his name emphasizes his venerated status, acknowledging him as a chief authority in his field. This individual, though foreign, was a key divine provision for the Temple's construction, illustrating how God can raise up and utilize gifted individuals from diverse backgrounds to accomplish His sacred purposes. It speaks to the practical reality that monumental spiritual undertakings require specific and exceptional talents, providentially supplied.