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.

2 CHRONICLES 2:14KJV
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2 Chronicles 2:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 2:14 mean?

2 Chronicles 2:14 describes a highly skilled craftsman whose mother was from the tribe of Dan and whose father was from Tyre. This craftsman is able to work expertly with many materials—gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, wood, and various fabrics—and is also talented in engraving and inventing designs, making him well-suited to work alongside Solomon’s and David’s skilled men.

In this verse, King Hiram of Tyre is writing to King Solomon, offering the services of this master artisan to help build the temple in Jerusalem. The craftsman’s mixed heritage (Israelite mother, Tyrian father) and his broad skill set are highlighted to show why he is especially qualified for the complex and beautiful work required for the temple’s construction.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 2:14

  • The word for "skilful" is יָדַע (yada‘), which means "to know" or "to be skilled." Here, it emphasizes not just technical ability but deep expertise and understanding in many crafts.
  • The word for "device" is מַחֲשָׁבָה (machashavah), meaning an invention, design, or artistic plan. This shows the craftsman is not just a worker but also an innovator who can create new artistic ideas.
  • The word for "grave" is פָּתַח (pathach), meaning "to engrave" or "to carve." This highlights the craftsman’s ability to do detailed and artistic work, not just basic construction.

Why 2 Chronicles 2:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the temple’s construction involved not just Israelites but also skilled foreigners, showing a spirit of cooperation and shared expertise.
  • The craftsman’s wide range of skills underlines the complexity and beauty expected in the temple, emphasizing the importance of artistry in worship.
  • The mention of both Solomon’s and David’s skilled men connects the temple project to the legacy of both kings, showing continuity and respect for the past.