Ezra 8:27 kjv
Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams; and two vessels of fine copper, precious as gold.
Ezra 8:27 nkjv
twenty gold basins worth a thousand drachmas, and two vessels of fine polished bronze, precious as gold.
Ezra 8:27 niv
20 bowls of gold valued at 1,000 darics, and two fine articles of polished bronze, as precious as gold.
Ezra 8:27 esv
20 bowls of gold worth 1,000 darics, and two vessels of fine bright bronze as precious as gold.
Ezra 8:27 nlt
20 gold bowls, equal in value to 1,000 gold coins,
2 fine articles of polished bronze, as precious as gold.
Ezra 8 27 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exod 30:17-21 | "You shall also make a basin of bronze, with its stand of bronze..." | Bronze for holy temple vessels. |
| Exod 38:8 | "He made the basin of bronze and its stand of bronze, from the mirrors..." | Craftsmanship for Tabernacle bronze items. |
| 1 Kgs 7:15-47 | Details King Solomon's bronze work for the Temple, e.g., the bronze pillars. | Extensive use of high-quality bronze in Temple. |
| 1 Chr 29:2-7 | "I have provided for the house of my God...bronze for the things of bronze." | David's contributions of precious metals and bronze. |
| Zech 13:9 | "...I will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested." | God refines and values His people as precious metals. |
| Hag 2:8 | "‘The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,’ declares the LORD of hosts." | God's ownership of all precious resources. |
| 2 Chr 2:7 | "...a man skillful in working gold, silver, bronze, iron..." | Skill in crafting metals for divine purposes. |
| Ezra 7:16 | "...with all the silver and gold that you may find..." | Royal contribution of silver and gold for Temple. |
| Neh 1:2-3 | "...Jerusalem's wall broken down and its gates destroyed by fire." | Context of return to rebuild. |
| Isa 60:17 | "...Instead of bronze I will bring gold, and instead of iron I will bring silver." | Divine promise of future abundance and greater glory. |
| Rev 1:15 | "...His feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace..." | Symbolic depiction of divine purity and strength. |
| 1 Pet 1:7 | "...so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold." | Faith's value, tested as precious metals. |
| Matt 6:19-21 | "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven..." | Heavenly treasures more valuable than earthly ones. |
| Mal 3:3 | "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi." | God purifying His servants as metals are refined. |
| Phil 4:18 | "I have received full payment, and more...a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable..." | Offering generously to God, a pleasing sacrifice. |
| Prov 3:9-10 | "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce." | Giving the best to the Lord. |
| 2 Cor 9:7 | "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion..." | Principles of joyful and willing giving. |
| Luke 21:1-4 | The widow's mites: giving all one has, despite its small monetary value. | Value is in the heart of the giver. |
| Heb 9:1-5 | Descriptions of the Tabernacle and its precious vessels. | Sacredness of Temple objects. |
| Rom 12:1 | "...present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God..." | Offering oneself to God. |
| Exod 25:3 | "And this is the contribution that you shall accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze..." | Israel's offerings for Tabernacle construction. |
| Zech 4:2 | "...a lampstand of gold, with a bowl on top of it, and seven lamps..." | Vision of pure gold for temple use. |
Ezra 8 verses
Ezra 8 27 Meaning
Ezra 8:27 describes two specific items in the inventory of offerings for the Lord's house: "Also two vessels of fine bright bronze, precious as gold." This verse highlights the exceptional quality and high value of these bronze vessels, indicating they were either made of a superior, rare type of bronze, meticulously polished to a gleaming finish, or both, making them comparable in esteem and perceived worth to gold itself. These were sacred donations intended for the Temple service, signifying the returnees' devotion and commitment to restoring God's worship in Jerusalem.
Ezra 8 27 Context
Ezra 8:27 falls within Ezra's narrative detailing his journey from Babylon to Jerusalem (Ezra 7-8). Specifically, chapter 8 focuses on the compilation of fellow exiles, the careful accounting of the valuable gifts (gold, silver, and sacred vessels) entrusted to their care for the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem, and the dangerous journey itself. Ezra takes meticulous steps to appoint trusted priests and Levites to carry and protect these precious contributions from Persian King Artaxerxes, his advisors, and the people of Israel. The detailed inventory, including the two bronze vessels "precious as gold," emphasizes the great value and sanctity of these items intended for divine service, as well as Ezra's profound commitment to accountability and integrity in handling God's dedicated resources amidst the perils of the journey.
Ezra 8 27 Word analysis
Also: Hebrew
gam(גַּם). Implies an addition or further item in a list; continuing the meticulous inventory of dedicated items.two vessels: Hebrew
shenê kēlîm(שְׁנֵי כֵלִים).Kēlîmare instruments, articles, or containers. This specificity highlights distinct items and precise counting, crucial for accountability of precious cargo for the Lord's house.of fine bright bronze: Hebrew
nĕchôsheth muchārâh(נְחֹשֶׁת מֻצְהָב).Nĕchôsheth(נְחֹשֶׁת): Bronze or copper. A common metal, but here qualified significantly.Muchārâh(מֻצְהָב): From the root meaning "to shine," "to glitter," or "to be brightened/burnished." This signifies highly polished, refined, or perhaps a special, superior alloy that gleamed. This distinguishes it from ordinary bronze, implying significant effort in its preparation or composition.
precious as gold: Hebrew
chatmūd zāhāḇ(חֲמוּד זָהָב).Chatmūd(חֲמוּד): Esteemed, valuable, precious, desirable. Fromchamad(חָמַד), meaning "to desire, covet." Here, it denotes an object of high desirability or value.Zāhāḇ(זָהָב): Gold. Gold was universally recognized as the most precious metal. Comparing bronze to gold elevates its perceived worth beyond its raw material value, likely due to craftsmanship, rarity, or unique aesthetic qualities suitable for sacred use. This hyperbole emphasizes the exceptional nature of these particular vessels.
Words-group analysis:
- "two vessels of fine bright bronze": Emphasizes specific number, practical utility (vessels for Temple use), and the superior quality of the material. The "fine bright" aspect suggests either a highly refined or unusually radiant form of bronze, set apart for sacred service.
- "precious as gold": This simile underscores the extraordinary value and esteem placed upon these bronze vessels. It indicates they were either extremely rare, exquisitely crafted, or had some unique property that made them comparable to gold in significance and worth in the context of Temple contributions. It points to a deep dedication to offering the very best to God, not just the minimum.
Ezra 8 27 Bonus section
The inclusion of such meticulously described items, alongside significant quantities of gold and silver, emphasizes the high degree of stewardship practiced by Ezra. He meticulously documented everything entrusted to him, setting an example of integrity in handling sacred gifts. The detailed inventory and the special note about these bronze vessels "precious as gold" serve as an affirmation of the immense worth of what was being dedicated to the Temple, despite the challenges and poverty faced by the returnees. It also highlights the principle that quality and devotion can transform the perceived value of an offering. The emphasis on "bright" or "gleaming" bronze may also symbolize the purity and brilliance expected in worship and those who serve God.
Ezra 8 27 Commentary
Ezra 8:27 serves as a poignant detail within Ezra's careful inventory of offerings for the rebuilt Temple. The phrase "fine bright bronze, precious as gold" is not merely descriptive; it conveys profound spiritual significance. It speaks to the donors' commitment to giving their utmost for the Lord's service. Unlike raw bronze, these vessels were elevated to a status "precious as gold," likely due to superior craftsmanship, an advanced polishing technique, or even a rare alloy, which made them gleaming and exceptionally beautiful. This suggests a desire to offer items that were not only functional but also of the highest aesthetic and material value available.
This verse echoes biblical principles of giving: offering the firstfruits, the best, and not holding back. It underlines that anything dedicated to God, no matter the base material, gains immense value through its holy purpose and the devotion of the giver. It reminds us that true preciousness in God's eyes is often measured by dedication and spiritual quality rather than intrinsic monetary worth alone, yet we are still called to offer Him our best resources and talents.