Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide.

2 CHRONICLES 2:7KJV
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2 Chronicles 2:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 2:7 mean?

2 Chronicles 2:7 records Solomon asking for a skilled craftsman who can work with precious metals, colored fabrics, and engraving, to help build the temple in Jerusalem. Solomon requests that this expert be sent to work alongside the skilled workers already in Judah and Jerusalem, whom his father David had prepared.

In this verse, Solomon is writing to the king of Tyre, asking for help in finding someone highly skilled in various crafts needed for the temple’s construction. The verse highlights the need for exceptional craftsmanship and cooperation between nations for such an important project, showing the scale and care involved in building the temple.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 2:7

  • The word "cunning" (חָכָם, ḥākām) means someone wise or skillful, not just clever but deeply knowledgeable in their craft. Solomon is asking for a true master, not just an ordinary worker.
  • The word "work" (עָשָׂה, ʿāsāh) refers to doing or making, emphasizing practical skill and the ability to produce fine work with materials like gold, silver, brass, and iron.
  • The word "skill" (יָדַע, yādaʿ) means to know or have expertise, especially in the sense of being able to do something well. Solomon wants someone who truly understands the art of engraving and working with these materials.
  • The word "grave" (פָּתַח, pāthaḥ / פָּסַל, pāsal) refers to engraving or carving, highlighting the importance of detailed, artistic work in the temple’s construction.

Why 2 Chronicles 2:7 matters

  • This verse shows that Solomon valued not just materials but also the highest level of skill and artistry in building the temple, reflecting the importance and sacredness of the project.
  • The request for a craftsman from another nation (Tyre) highlights the international cooperation involved in building the temple and the recognition of expertise beyond Israel.
  • The mention of David’s earlier preparations connects Solomon’s work to his father’s legacy, showing continuity and careful planning in the temple’s construction.

Where else these words appear

“crimson” Hebrew H3758 · used in 3 verses

  • 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.
  • 2 Chronicles 3:14 And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubims thereon.

“grave” Hebrew H6603 · used in 11 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.
  • Exodus 39:6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.
  • 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.

“blue” Hebrew H8504 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 25:4 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair,
  • Exodus 35:25 And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen.
  • Exodus 39:29 And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.

“iron” Hebrew H1270 · used in 70 verses

  • Genesis 4:22 And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.
  • 2 Samuel 23:7 But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.
  • Psalms 107:16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.