2 Chronicles 3:9 kjv
And the weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. And he overlaid the upper chambers with gold.
2 Chronicles 3:9 nkjv
The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold; and he overlaid the upper area with gold.
2 Chronicles 3:9 niv
The gold nails weighed fifty shekels. He also overlaid the upper parts with gold.
2 Chronicles 3:9 esv
The weight of gold for the nails was fifty shekels. And he overlaid the upper chambers with gold.
2 Chronicles 3:9 nlt
The gold nails that were used weighed 20 ounces each. He also overlaid the walls of the upper rooms with gold.
2 Chronicles 3 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ex 25:11 | You shall overlay it with pure gold; inside and out... | Gold for the Ark of the Covenant, a pattern for future Temple. |
| Ex 26:29 | ...overlaid the frames with gold, and make their rings of gold... | Gold used extensively in Tabernacle construction. |
| Ex 31:4-5 | ...to work in gold and in silver and in bronze, and in cutting of stones... | Divine skill given for sacred craftsmanship. |
| Lev 27:3 | Your valuation of a male from twenty years old up to sixty years old shall be fifty shekels of silver... | Shekel as a standard unit of measure for value. |
| Num 7:13 | His offering was one silver plate whose weight was one hundred thirty shekels... | Large offerings measured in shekels. |
| 1 Ki 6:21-22 | So Solomon overlaid the inside of the house with pure gold... the whole house he overlaid with gold... | Reinforces entire interior gold overlay of the Temple. |
| 1 Ki 7:48-50 | ...the altar of gold, the table of gold on which was the showbread... lampstands of pure gold... bowls... of pure gold... | Temple furnishings and vessels made of gold. |
| 1 Chr 29:2-5 | ...prepared with all my might for the house of my God, the gold for the things of gold... gold in abundance... | David's foresight and dedication in gathering vast gold. |
| 1 Chr 29:7 | They gave for the service of the house of God 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold... | Leaders contributing immense wealth for the Temple. |
| Ps 21:3 | For you meet him with rich blessings; you set a crown of fine gold upon his head. | Gold as a symbol of divine blessing and kingship. |
| Isa 60:17 | Instead of bronze I will bring gold, and instead of iron I will bring silver... | Prophecy of future glory of God's city using precious metals. |
| Hag 2:8 | The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts. | God's absolute ownership of all wealth. |
| Hag 2:9 | The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former... | Prophecy of the Second Temple's glory, inspiring future hope. |
| Zech 4:10 | ...these seven eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth. | Zechariah's vision involving rebuilding the Temple. |
| Mal 3:3 | ...sit as a refiner and purifier of silver... he will purify the sons of Levi... | Association of precious metals with purity and testing. |
| Jn 1:14 | And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory... | Jesus as the new dwelling place/tabernacle of God. |
| 1 Cor 3:12 | Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones... | Building for God with lasting, valuable materials. |
| Heb 9:4 | In it was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's staff... | References the golden contents within the Tabernacle's Holy Place. |
| 1 Pet 1:7 | ...so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes... | Spiritual value surpassing perishable material wealth. |
| Rev 3:18 | I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich... | Metaphorical call to spiritual richness, linked to gold. |
| Rev 21:18 | The material of its wall was jasper, and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. | Description of New Jerusalem constructed of pure gold. |
| Rev 21:21 | And the twelve gates were twelve pearls... and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. | Heavenly city's splendor exemplified by pure gold. |
2 Chronicles 3 verses
2 Chronicles 3 9 Meaning
2 Chronicles 3:9 describes the extravagant use of gold in Solomon's Temple, specifically mentioning that the large nails used weighed fifty shekels of gold, and that Solomon meticulously overlaid the upper chambers of the Temple with pure gold. This verse highlights the immense value, purity, and comprehensive lavishness dedicated to the construction of God's dwelling place in Jerusalem, signifying the King's devotion and the unparalleled glory attributed to the Lord.
2 Chronicles 3 9 Context
This verse is situated within the detailed account of King Solomon's construction of the first Temple in Jerusalem, specifically outlined in 2 Chronicles chapter 3. After the planning and preparation (2 Chr 2), chapter 3 meticulously describes the physical characteristics of the Temple's various parts. Verse 9 follows details about the dimensions and pure gold overlay of the inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place. This immediate context reveals a structure where every detail, even internal or less visible elements, was consecrated with the most valuable materials. Historically, Solomon's Temple replaced the nomadic Tabernacle, signifying a settled, permanent dwelling for the Lord in the land. Its extraordinary magnificence showcased the pinnacle of Israel's wealth, technological skill, and devotion during its unified monarchy, asserting God's glory among the nations. For the post-exilic audience of Chronicles, this detailed description served as a powerful reminder of God's past favor, encouraging faithfulness and hope for future restoration rooted in proper worship.
2 Chronicles 3 9 Word analysis
- And (וּ, u-): This conjunction links the detail of the gold nails and overlaid upper chambers to the preceding comprehensive descriptions of gold ornamentation within the Temple, indicating a continued emphasis on thorough lavishness.
- the weight (מִשְׁקַל, mishqal): Refers to the measured quantity or mass. It stresses the tangible, substantial amount of gold involved, not merely a superficial application. This quantifies the immense value dedicated to the Temple.
- of the nails (הַמִּסְמְרוֹת, ha-mismərôṯ): These were likely large, heavy pins or pegs used to secure panels or fixtures. The fact that these practical, structural elements were fashioned from gold speaks to an unparalleled commitment to using the best, most valuable materials for every aspect of God's house, far beyond simple functionality.
- was fifty shekels (חֲמִשִּׁים שְׁקָלִים, ḫammiššîm šeqālîm): A shekel, an ancient unit of weight (roughly 11.5 grams), meant that 50 shekels of gold equated to approximately 575 grams (over 1.25 pounds). This represents a significant value and mass, whether for a single crucial nail or the cumulative weight of many such gold fasteners, demonstrating extreme opulence.
- of gold (זָהָב, zāhāḇ): Gold, the most precious and enduring metal, universally symbolized purity, divinity, royalty, and wealth in the ancient world. Its pervasive use throughout the Temple underscores the holiness and immeasurable worth of the divine presence within.
- And he overlaid (צִפָּה, ṣippāh): The verb means "to plate," "to cover with a layer," or "to spread over." This technique involved covering surfaces with sheets of gold, creating a lustrous and regal appearance that mimicked solid gold and maximized its radiant effect, without requiring the entire structure to be solid.
- the upper chambers (קִלּוּזָיו, qilluzāyw): This unique and debated Hebrew term likely refers to the upper rooms, storerooms, or attic spaces of the Temple structure. The fact that even these less accessible or prominent areas were completely overlaid with gold demonstrates the unreserved, comprehensive dedication to God, ensuring every part of His house reflected His glory, regardless of human visibility.
- with gold (זָהָב, zāhāḇ): Reiteration of the material, completing the description of lavish overlay and re-emphasizing the pervasive use of this most valuable metal for divine consecration.
2 Chronicles 3 9 Bonus section
The Chronicler's particular emphasis on the detailed material composition of the Temple, including unique elements like the gold nails and the specific mention of "upper chambers," speaks to a post-exilic desire to recall and legitimize the past glory and proper form of worship. It implies that every component of God's dwelling, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, carried weight and meaning, pointing to the perfection and complete holiness due to Him. The fifty shekels of gold could also implicitly connect to the concept of redemption or consecration sums (Ex 30:13, Lev 27:3), symbolizing that the entire structure, down to its very fasteners, was dedicated and set apart as holy to the Lord.
2 Chronicles 3 9 Commentary
2 Chronicles 3:9 is a succinct but profound detail in the Chronicler's narrative of the First Temple's construction. It moves beyond the visible splendor to highlight the hidden meticulousness of the building's consecration. The presence of fifty shekels of gold in mere "nails" underscores an expenditure far beyond utility, speaking of a deliberate act of profound honor and sacred devotion. Similarly, the meticulous overlaying of the "upper chambers," potentially less public or visible areas, confirms that the Temple's sanctity was absolute and total, without reserve or compromise. This wasn't merely a display for human eyes, but an offering to God where every element, even the unseen, was perfected. The cumulative message is that God deserves nothing less than the purest, most valuable, and comprehensively consecrated offering—a theological statement about divine glory and human commitment.