2 Chronicles 4 18

2 Chronicles 4:18 kjv

Thus Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance: for the weight of the brass could not be found out.

2 Chronicles 4:18 nkjv

And Solomon had all these articles made in such great abundance that the weight of the bronze was not determined.

2 Chronicles 4:18 niv

All these things that Solomon made amounted to so much that the weight of the bronze could not be calculated.

2 Chronicles 4:18 esv

Solomon made all these things in great quantities, for the weight of the bronze was not sought.

2 Chronicles 4:18 nlt

Solomon used such great quantities of bronze that its weight could not be determined.

2 Chronicles 4 verses

2 Chronicles 4 18 Meaning

This verse succinctly summarizes the immense scale and value of the bronze objects prepared for the First Temple in Jerusalem. It conveys that King Solomon commissioned and oversaw the creation of all the previously listed bronze vessels and furnishings, such as the altar, the great laver (the Sea), and various utensils, in such overwhelming quantities that their total weight could not practically be measured or calculated. This emphasizes the extraordinary lavishness and abundance characteristic of the Temple's construction under God's blessing and Solomon's wealth.

2 Chronicles 4 18 Context

Chapter 4 of 2 Chronicles details the various furnishings made of bronze for the Jerusalem Temple. Following the description of the colossal bronze pillars (Jachin and Boaz) in Chapter 3, this chapter elaborates on the other major bronze elements: the massive bronze altar (v. 1), the "Sea" (a large bronze basin for purification, v. 2-5), the ten smaller bronze lavers on their stands (v. 6), and a variety of other functional vessels like pots, shovels, and basins used by the priests (v. 11-17). The preceding verses attribute the masterful bronze work to Huram-Abi, a skilled craftsman from Tyre (2 Chr 4:11-16), but explicitly state that Solomon was the one who made or commissioned these items (v. 16, 18). This verse, 4:18, serves as a grand summation for all the bronze work, emphasizing its quantity and scale, highlighting the extraordinary resources and labor dedicated to building God's dwelling place. The historical context reflects a period of immense national prosperity and stability under Solomon, with the Temple becoming the central edifice of Israelite worship, signifying God's covenant faithfulness and abundant blessing.

2 Chronicles 4 18 Word analysis

• Thus (כֵּן, kēn): A connective adverb meaning "so," "in this way," or "accordingly." It links this concluding statement back to the detailed enumeration of the bronze vessels and their crafting described in the preceding verses (2 Chr 4:11-17). It indicates that the previous descriptions lead to this summation.
• Solomon (שְׁלֹמֹה, Shelomo): The third King of Israel, son of David. He is presented here as the orchestrator and ultimate authority behind the Temple's construction and furnishing. Though skilled craftsmen performed the work, Solomon was the divine instrument for this undertaking, blessed with the wealth and wisdom to accomplish it.
• made (עָשָׂה, ‘āśāh): A common Hebrew verb meaning "to do," "to make," "to fashion," or "to accomplish." Here, it signifies that Solomon commissioned, provided for, and brought into existence these vessels, not necessarily that he personally crafted them. It emphasizes his responsibility and successful completion of the grand project.
• all these vessels (כָּל־הַכֵּלִים הָאֵלֶּה, kol-hakelim ha’elleh): "All" (כָּל, kol) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the enumeration in 2 Chr 4:7-17, encompassing every single item needed for the Temple's bronze furnishings and ritual functions. "Vessels" (כֵּלִים, kelim) refers broadly to equipment, utensils, and furnishings for the Temple service. This phrase refers specifically to the objects of bronze previously listed.
• in great abundance (לָרֹב מְאֹד, la-rov mĕ'od): "In great" (לָרֹב, la-rov, literally "to abundance") combined with "very" or "much" (מְאֹד, mĕ'od) signifies an overwhelming quantity, surpassing what was merely sufficient. It suggests a superabundance, lavishness, and unparalleled scale, indicating God's opulent provision for His dwelling and His blessing upon Solomon's reign. This reflects prosperity and divine favor.
• for (כִּי, ki): A conjunction meaning "because," "for," or "indeed." It introduces the explanation or reason for the previous statement about the great abundance—namely, that the quantity was so vast it defied measurement.
• the weight (מִשְׁקַל, mishqal): Refers to the physical mass or quantity that could be measured by weighing. It underscores the material value and tangible extent of the bronze used.
• of the bronze (הַנְּחֹשֶׁת, han'ḥoshet): Bronze (or copper) was a significant and valuable metal in the ancient world, crucial for tools, weapons, and intricate objects. In the Temple, it was used for durable, large-scale items essential for sacrifice and purification. Its mention here specifies the immense volume of this particular metal.
• was not to be ascertained (לֹא־נֶחְקְרָה, lo-nehqĕrah): Literally "it was not searched out" or "investigated." This phrase indicates that the quantity of bronze was so vast that a precise weight was impractical or unnecessary to determine. It is an idiomatic hyperbole, a figure of speech conveying immensity rather than literal impossibility. It emphasizes the extraordinary and overwhelming amount, indicating that the value and scale of these furnishings went beyond human calculation. This immeasurability points to the richness of God's blessing and the grandeur of His Temple.

2 Chronicles 4 18 Bonus section

The Chronicler often highlights aspects that demonstrate God's direct involvement, blessing, and Israel's obedience. The emphasis on the immeasurable quantity of bronze aligns with this narrative by portraying the Temple project as supremely well-resourced by divine favor. This serves as a significant contrast to later periods of scarcity or foreign subjugation, reminding the post-exilic audience of the glory days under the Davidic king, Solomon, and God's consistent provision for those who serve Him faithfully. The bronze itself also carried symbolic weight: while gold represented divinity and purity (the Holy of Holies), bronze (copper alloy) often represented strength, durability, and a capacity to bear judgment (e.g., the bronze altar for burnt offerings, where sacrifices were made for sin). Thus, the very materiality of these immeasurable bronze elements quietly spoke to both the robust function of the Temple and God's powerful, unwavering presence within it.

2 Chronicles 4 18 Commentary

2 Chronicles 4:18 functions as a culminating statement about the bronze components of the Temple, following a meticulous list of items fashioned for divine service. The Chronicler’s intention in emphasizing the "great abundance" and the immeasurable "weight of the bronze" is to convey not just the historical fact of vast material resources, but also a theological point about God’s extravagant blessing. This abundance signals that God Himself provided richly for His house through the prosperity of Solomon and Israel. The Temple was not built with scarcity but with an overflowing, boundless supply. The hyperbole ("not to be ascertained") underscores the extraordinary nature of the project, echoing divine promises of innumerable blessings to Abraham and highlighting God's boundless wisdom and provision. This also speaks to the profound devotion in giving and crafting for the Lord's sanctuary, far exceeding human standards or mere utility. The bronze elements, though foundational and practical, are here presented as symbols of unquantifiable glory and blessing, befitting the dwelling of the Most High God.