Thus Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance: for the weight of the brass could not be found out.

2 CHRONICLES 4:18KJV
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2 Chronicles 4:18 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 4:18 mean?

2 Chronicles 4:18 describes how Solomon made a huge number of vessels, or objects, for the temple, using so much brass that the total weight could not even be measured. The verse emphasizes the extraordinary scale and abundance of the materials used in building and furnishing the temple.

This verse is part of a detailed account of King Solomon overseeing the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. The writer is describing to the reader just how extensive and impressive the temple furnishings were, highlighting Solomon’s commitment and the resources devoted to this sacred project. The mention that the weight of the brass could not be found out shows the overwhelming generosity and grandeur involved.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 4:18

  • "Vessels" (כֵּלִים, kelim): This word refers to all sorts of objects or utensils, not just containers. In this context, it covers everything made for temple service, from large basins to small tools.
  • "Great" (מְאֹד, me'od) and "abundance" (רֹב, rov): These words together stress not just a large number, but an extraordinary, overflowing quantity. The text wants the reader to picture a truly massive production.
  • "Weight" (מִשְׁקָל, mishqal): This word means the physical heaviness or mass. The verse points out that the amount of brass used was so great, it was beyond practical calculation.
  • "Brass" (נְחֹשֶׁת, nechoshet): This term covers bronze or copper alloys, not just what we call "brass" today. It was a valuable and durable metal, important for temple items.

Why 2 Chronicles 4:18 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that the temple was a small or modest project; it was built and furnished on a scale that was meant to impress and honor God.
  • By stressing that the weight of the brass could not be found out, the writer underscores the abundance and generosity involved, which helps the reader appreciate the dedication and resources Solomon devoted to the temple.
  • This detail connects to the larger theme in Chronicles of Solomon’s reign being marked by prosperity, order, and the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H2713 · used in 26 verses

  • Deuteronomy 13:14 Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you;
  • Job 28:3 He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death.
  • Proverbs 23:30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

“weight” Hebrew H4948 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 24:22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;
  • Numbers 7:67 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
  • 1 Chronicles 22:14 Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.

“brass” Hebrew H5178 · used in 119 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.
  • Deuteronomy 8:9 A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.
  • 1 Chronicles 22:16 Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee.

“abundance” Hebrew H7230 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 16:10 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:1 Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.
  • Proverbs 13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.