And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father's,

2 CHRONICLES 2:13KJV
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2 Chronicles 2:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 2:13 mean?

2 Chronicles 2:13 describes how King Hiram of Tyre is sending Solomon a highly skilled and knowledgeable craftsman, someone who is especially gifted with understanding, to help with the building of the temple. The craftsman is identified as being associated with Huram, Hiram’s own father.

King Hiram is writing to Solomon in response to Solomon’s request for help with the temple construction. Hiram emphasizes that he is sending not just any worker, but a man recognized for his skill and insight. This verse highlights the importance of expertise and wisdom in the temple project, and it shows the cooperation between Israel and Tyre for this sacred task.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 2:13

  • "cunning" (חָכָם, ḥākām): This word means "wise" or "skilled," and here it points to someone who is not just talented, but has deep practical wisdom in craftsmanship.
  • "endued" (יָדַע, yāḏaʿ): This verb means "to know," and in this context, it suggests that the craftsman is recognized for his knowledge or expertise, not just general intelligence.
  • "understanding" (בִּינָה, bīnāh): This term refers to discernment or insight, highlighting that the craftsman can grasp complex tasks and solve problems, not just follow instructions.

Why 2 Chronicles 2:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Solomon’s temple was built with the help of international cooperation and the best available talent, not just local labor.
  • The emphasis on wisdom and understanding shows that the temple’s construction was considered a sacred task requiring more than ordinary skill.
  • By naming Huram’s father, the verse connects the craftsman to a respected lineage, underlining the value placed on heritage and reputation in skilled work.

Where else these words appear

“Huram” Hebrew H2361 · used in 12 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 8:5 And Gera, and Shephuphan, and Huram.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:11 Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because the LORD hath loved his people, he hath made thee king over them.
  • 2 Chronicles 8:2 That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there.

“understanding” Hebrew H998 · used in 38 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.
  • Job 39:26 Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?
  • Proverbs 23:4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

“cunning” 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.