2 Chronicles 4:21 kjv
And the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, made he of gold, and that perfect gold;
2 Chronicles 4:21 nkjv
with the flowers and the lamps and the wick-trimmers of gold, of purest gold;
2 Chronicles 4:21 niv
the gold floral work and lamps and tongs (they were solid gold);
2 Chronicles 4:21 esv
the flowers, the lamps, and the tongs, of purest gold;
2 Chronicles 4:21 nlt
the flower decorations, lamps, and tongs ? all of the purest gold;
2 Chronicles 4 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exod 25:31 | "You shall make a lampstand of pure gold...its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers shall be of one piece." | Divine instruction for pure gold lampstand in Tabernacle. |
| Exod 37:23 | "He made its seven lamps...of pure gold, and its tongs and its trays of pure gold." | Construction of pure gold lamps and tongs for Tabernacle. |
| 1 Kgs 7:49 | "the lampstands of pure gold, five on the right side and five on the left, before the inner sanctuary..." | Parallel account in Solomon's Temple of ten gold lampstands. |
| 1 Kgs 7:50 | "...and the lamps, and the snuffers, of gold, and that perfect gold;" | Parallel verse, highlighting "lamps" and "perfect gold". |
| Zech 4:2 | "I see a lampstand of pure gold, with a bowl on top of it, and seven lamps on it..." | Vision of a golden lampstand symbolizing divine presence/Spirit. |
| Heb 9:2 | "For a tent was prepared, the first section... in which were the lampstand..." | Earthly sanctuary mirroring heavenly realities, including the lampstand. |
| Rev 1:12 | "And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands," | Golden lampstands symbolize churches in heavenly vision. |
| Rev 21:23 | "And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb." | Heavenly city illuminated by God's glory and the Lamb, the ultimate Light. |
| Ps 19:10 | "More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold..." | God's judgments/word more precious than gold. |
| Ps 119:72 | "The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces." | Valuing God's law above material wealth, including gold. |
| Ps 119:105 | "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." | God's word provides guidance, symbolized by a lamp. |
| Prov 6:23 | "For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light..." | Wisdom/commands as sources of light and guidance. |
| Mt 5:14-16 | "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden... Let your light shine before others." | Believers called to be light-bearers, reflecting God's light. |
| Jn 1:9 | "The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world." | Jesus as the true light that illuminates humanity. |
| Jn 8:12 | "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness..." | Jesus identifies Himself as the source of ultimate spiritual light. |
| Job 23:10 | "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold." | Affliction as a refining process producing purity like gold. |
| Mal 3:3 | "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver... and purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver..." | God purifies His people and priests, like refining gold, ensuring holiness in service. |
| 1 Pet 1:7 | "so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." | Faith enduring trials is more valuable than perishable, refined gold. |
| Rev 3:18 | "I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich..." | Spiritual riches of tested and true faith contrasted with worldly wealth. |
| Ps 12:6 | "The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times." | God's word's purity, akin to thoroughly refined precious metals. |
| Exod 30:7-8 | "Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it... When he dresses the lamps he shall burn it." | Duty to tend lamps and ensure continuous burning, emphasizing the perpetual need for light. |
2 Chronicles 4 verses
2 Chronicles 4 21 Meaning
2 Chronicles 4:21 describes the exquisite nature of the inner sanctuary furnishings within Solomon's Temple, specifically focusing on the ornamental flowers, the lamps, and the tongs used to maintain the lamps. Each of these items was meticulously crafted from gold, specified as 'most pure' or 'perfect gold', signifying the unparalleled quality and sacredness demanded for objects serving God's dwelling place. This level of purity, implicitly "polished" and "refined," underscored the divine glory, holiness, and the preciousness of God's presence, ensuring that only the finest materials were employed in His worship.
2 Chronicles 4 21 Context
2 Chronicles Chapter 4 details the magnificent golden and bronze furnishings within Solomon's Temple, following the construction of the large bronze altar and the brazen laver (Sea). Verse 21 specifically focuses on items located in the Holy Place, the inner sanctum just before the Most Holy Place. These are not just functional but also symbolic and beautiful: the decorative elements (flowers), the source of light (lamps), and the tools for their maintenance (tongs). Their being made of the purest gold underscores the sacredness and unparalleled importance of all that pertained to God's immediate dwelling and service within the Temple, setting divine standards for all worship and reflecting God's absolute purity and glory.
2 Chronicles 4 21 Word analysis
- And the flowers: (וְהַפֶּרַח - veha'perach). The Hebrew word perach (פֶּרַח) means "blossom" or "flower." These were decorative, often intricate, adornments. In the Tabernacle menorah (Exod 25:31-40), the lampstand included almond blossoms, signifying life, spiritual fruitfulness, and beauty. Their presence on Temple implements emphasizes that God values not only functionality but also artistry and beauty in His service, representing a flourishing sacred space.
- and the lamps: (וְהַנֵּרוֹת - veha'nerot). Plural of ner (נֵר), meaning "lamp" or "light." These lamps, situated on ten lampstands (as noted in 2 Chr 4:20, compared to the Tabernacle's single menorah), provided the sole illumination for the Holy Place. Spiritually, light symbolizes divine presence, truth, guidance, revelation, and the absence of spiritual darkness (Ps 119:105).
- and the tongs: (וְהַמֶּלְקָחַ֫יִם - veha'melqachayim). These are "snuffers" or "tongs" used to trim the wicks of the lamps and remove burnt parts, ensuring a clear and continuous flame. Their inclusion highlights that every aspect of worship, down to the practical tools for maintenance, must be dedicated and pure, emphasizing diligence and care in God's service.
- made of gold / of gold: (זָהָב - zahav). Gold, zahav (זָהָב), is the most precious metal in biblical culture. It symbolizes deity, royalty, glory, permanence, and divine purity. Its use signifies the immeasurable value of God's presence and the sacredness of His dwelling. Unlike lesser metals, gold does not tarnish easily, signifying an enduring, unblemished quality fitting for holy objects.
- and that perfect gold / most pure: (כָּלִיל זָהָב - kalil zahav in some translations for 'perfect gold'; or referencing tahor zahav from 2 Chr 4:20, 'pure gold'). The word kalil (כָּלִיל) means "complete," "whole," or "perfect," often used for things completely consumed in an offering (Lev 6:22). This implies gold without alloy, of the highest possible refinement, indicating divine standards of absolute holiness and excellence. It implies a metal that has undergone rigorous processes to remove all impurities, reflecting the attributes of a holy God who accepts only the highest standard of worship and purity. This directly connects to the idea of being "polished, like refined gold," denoting extreme brilliance and purity achieved through processes of heating, melting, and purification.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "The flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs": These three categories represent beauty and adornment (flowers), illumination and divine presence (lamps), and practical, dedicated service (tongs). All are essential for the complete and reverent function of the Holy Place, indicating that every aspect, from aesthetics to maintenance, in God's house demands attention to holiness.
- "Made of gold, and that perfect gold / most pure": This phrase underlines the paramount importance of the material used. It's not just "gold," but the purest form of gold. This signifies that only the best is acceptable for God. This reflects His absolute perfection and the demand for unblemished purity in His presence and service. It implies a refinement process (like "polished, like refined gold") that removes all dross, symbolizing spiritual purity and consecration.
2 Chronicles 4 21 Bonus section
The items mentioned in 2 Chronicles 4:21 (flowers, lamps, tongs) find their architectural and functional precedence in the Tabernacle's design (Exod 25:31-40; 37:17-24). Solomon’s Temple essentially magnified these elements, notably having ten lampstands instead of one (2 Chr 4:7). This expansion suggests the greater glory and stability of the unified kingdom under Solomon, reflecting God's expanded blessing upon Israel. The imagery of lamps and lampstands of gold recurs in apocalyptic literature (Zech 4:2-3, Rev 1:12, Rev 4:5), representing divine insight, the presence of the Holy Spirit, or the testimony of the Church. The constant need for trimming the lamps with tongs and maintaining the light (Exod 30:7-8) serves as a potent metaphor for spiritual vigilance and the continuous nurturing of one's faith and witness. The enduring purity of the gold speaks to the unchanging and eternal nature of God Himself.
2 Chronicles 4 21 Commentary
2 Chronicles 4:21 offers a glimpse into the opulent yet sacred furnishings of Solomon's Temple, specifically highlighting items critical to the function and beauty of the Holy Place. The meticulous detailing, from ornamental "flowers" to essential "lamps" and even the practical "tongs," speaks to a divine mandate for excellence in all things pertaining to God's dwelling. The consistent emphasis on "pure" or "perfect gold" transcends mere luxury; it serves as a profound theological statement. Gold, being resistant to tarnish and symbolizing divine glory, royalty, and permanence, was the fitting medium for items that served to manifest God's presence among His people. The "perfect" or "most pure" quality points to a rigorous refining process, mirroring God's own holiness and the spiritual purification required for those who would draw near to Him. These objects, made of such unblemished material and designed for illuminating and maintaining God's house, subtly prefigure the ultimate source of light and truth, Jesus Christ (Jn 8:12), and the pure spiritual worship offered by believers today (1 Pet 1:7). Every detail underscores that worship of the Almighty is not trivial but demands our finest, purest, and most dedicated offering.