And the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, made he of gold, and that perfect gold;

2 CHRONICLES 4:21KJV
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2 Chronicles 4:21 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 4:21 mean?

2 Chronicles 4:21 describes how the craftsmen made flowers, lamps, and tongs out of gold—specifically, gold of the highest quality—for use in the temple. This verse highlights the care and value placed on the materials used in the temple’s furnishings.

King Solomon is overseeing the building of the temple in Jerusalem, and this verse is part of a detailed list of the items crafted for its service. The verse emphasizes that even the smaller tools and decorations were made with the same precious gold as the larger, more prominent items, showing the importance of every detail in the temple’s worship setting.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 4:21

  • "flowers" (פֶּרַח, perach): This word refers to decorative flower shapes, likely used as ornamentation on the lampstands. It shows that beauty and artistry were valued in the temple’s design.
  • "lamps" (נֵר, ner): This word means lamps or lampstands, essential for lighting the temple. Their mention here underlines their practical and symbolic role in temple worship.
  • "tongs" (מַלְקָח, melqach): These were tools for handling hot coals or lamps, made of gold, indicating that even utilitarian objects were crafted with care and value.
  • "gold" (זָהָב, zahav) and "perfect" (מִכְלוֹת, mikhlot): The phrase "perfect gold" suggests gold of the finest quality, not just ordinary gold, stressing the extraordinary effort and resources dedicated to the temple.

Why 2 Chronicles 4:21 matters

  • This verse shows that every object in the temple, even the smallest tool, was made with the best materials, reflecting the honor given to God’s house.
  • The detailed inventory connects to the larger passage, which lists all the temple furnishings, helping readers picture the temple’s splendor and the seriousness of Solomon’s preparations.
  • By mentioning "perfect gold," the verse clears up any idea that only the main altar or ark were made of precious materials; instead, every aspect of worship was treated with the utmost respect and value.

Where else these words appear

“tongs” Hebrew H4457 · used in 6 verses

  • Exodus 25:38 And the tongs thereof, and the snuffdishes thereof, shall be of pure gold.
  • Exodus 37:23 And he made his seven lamps, and his snuffers, and his snuffdishes, of pure gold.
  • 1 Kings 7:49 And the candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right side, and five on the left, before the oracle, with the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs of gold,

“flowers” Hebrew H6525 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 25:31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.
  • Exodus 37:19 Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick.
  • 1 Kings 7:49 And the candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right side, and five on the left, before the oracle, with the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs of gold,

“lamps” Hebrew H5216 · used in 42 verses

  • Exodus 25:37 And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.
  • Numbers 8:3 And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • Job 21:17 How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger.