Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work.

1 CHRONICLES 22:15KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 22:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 22:15 mean?

1 Chronicles 22:15 means that there were plenty of skilled workers available to help with the building project, including those who cut and shaped stone and wood, as well as craftsmen skilled in all kinds of work. The verse emphasizes that the workforce needed for the temple construction was abundant and well-prepared.

In this verse, King David is speaking to his son Solomon, preparing him to build the temple in Jerusalem. David reassures Solomon that he will not lack workers for the task, listing different types of laborers and craftsmen. This shows David’s careful planning and the importance placed on having the right people for every aspect of the temple’s construction.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 22:15

  • The word "workmen" (עֹשֵׂ֖י, ʿosei) comes from a root meaning "to do" or "to make," and here it refers to people actively engaged in the work, not just general laborers.
  • "Abundance" (רָ֑ב, rav) means "great number" or "plenty," highlighting that there were more than enough workers for the job.
  • "Hewers" (חֹצְבִ֤ים, ḥotzevim) refers specifically to those who cut or quarry stone, a specialized and essential skill for temple building.
  • "Cunning men" (חֲכָמִ֖ים, ḥakhamim) means "wise" or "skilled," pointing to craftsmen with expertise, not just ordinary workers.

Why 1 Chronicles 22:15 matters

  • This verse clears up any worry that Solomon might have about lacking resources or skilled labor for the temple; David has already ensured there are enough capable workers.
  • The emphasis on different types of workers—stonecutters, carpenters, and skilled craftsmen—shows the complexity and high standards of the temple project.
  • In the wider context, this verse demonstrates David’s thorough preparation and care in setting Solomon up for success, reinforcing the importance of planning and teamwork in large undertakings.

Where else these words appear

“hewers” Hebrew H2672 · used in 22 verses

  • Deuteronomy 6:11 And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;
  • 2 Chronicles 24:12 And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the LORD, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the LORD.
  • Isaiah 5:2 And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.

“workers” Hebrew H2796 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 28:11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.
  • 1 Chronicles 14:1 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.
  • Isaiah 44:13 The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.

“men” Hebrew H2450 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
  • Proverbs 3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.

“workmen” Hebrew H4399 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Numbers 28:26 Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:
  • 2 Chronicles 24:13 So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.