He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.

1 KINGS 7:14KJV
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1 Kings 7:14 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 7:14 mean?

1 Kings 7:14 describes a skilled craftsman who was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali and whose father was from Tyre. This craftsman was highly gifted in working with bronze and was brought to King Solomon to complete all the bronze work for the temple.

The verse is part of the account of Solomon building the temple in Jerusalem. It introduces the main artisan, emphasizing both his mixed heritage (Israelite mother, Tyrian father) and his exceptional abilities in metalwork. This craftsman’s expertise was crucial for the temple’s construction, especially for the intricate bronze furnishings and decorations.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 7:14

  • "worker" (חָרָשׁ, ḥārāsh): This word means a craftsman or artisan, highlighting that the man was not just a laborer but a highly skilled artist in his trade.
  • "brass" (נְחֹשֶׁת, nĕḥōsheth): This term refers to bronze or copper, showing that the work involved more than just simple metal but required knowledge of alloys and advanced techniques.
  • "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, ḥokhmāh), "understanding" (תְּבוּנָה, tĕvūnāh), "cunning" (דַּעַת, daʿat): These three words together stress not just technical skill but deep insight, intelligence, and practical know-how, suggesting the craftsman was exceptional in both knowledge and execution.

Why 1 Kings 7:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the temple’s beauty and complexity depended on the talents of a specific, divinely gifted individual, not just on Solomon’s leadership or wealth.
  • The craftsman’s mixed heritage (Israelite and Tyrian) shows the cooperation between Israel and its neighbors during Solomon’s reign, especially in large projects like the temple.
  • The emphasis on wisdom and skill connects to the broader biblical theme that true craftsmanship and understanding are gifts that come from God, valued in the service of worship.

Where else these words appear

“Tyre” Hebrew H6876 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 22:4 Also cedar trees in abundance: for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to David.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:14 The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.
  • Ezra 3:7 They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

“understanding” Hebrew H8394 · used in 42 verses

  • Exodus 31:3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
  • Proverbs 2:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
  • Proverbs 19:8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

“Naphtali” Hebrew H5321 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 30:8 And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 1 Kings 15:20 So Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelbethmaachah, and all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.

“widow's” Hebrew H490 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 38:11 Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house.
  • 2 Samuel 14:5 And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead.
  • Isaiah 1:23 Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.