1 Kings 7:14

KJV

He [was] a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father [was] a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.

KJV (with Strong's)

He was a widow's {H802}{H490} son {H1121} of the tribe {H4294} of Naphtali {H5321}, and his father {H1} was a man {H376} of Tyre {H6876}, a worker {H2790} in brass {H5178}: and he was filled {H4390} with wisdom {H2451}, and understanding {H8394}, and cunning {H1847} to work {H6213} all works {H4399} in brass {H5178}. And he came {H935} to king {H4428} Solomon {H8010}, and wrought {H6213} all his work {H4399}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naftali, but his father was from Tzor, a bronze-worker filled with wisdom, understanding and skill for all kinds of bronze craftsmanship. He came to King Shlomo and did all his bronzework.

Berean Standard Bible

He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. Huram had great skill, understanding, and knowledge for every kind of bronze work. So he came to King Solomon and carried out all his work.

American Standard Version

He was the son of a widow of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass; and he was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill, to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:14 introduces Huram, a master craftsman whose unique background and extraordinary skills were indispensable for the intricate metalwork of Solomon's Temple. Born of an Israelite mother from the tribe of Naphtali and a Tyrian father renowned for his bronze work, Huram was divinely endowed with profound wisdom, understanding, and exceptional ingenuity in all forms of metal craftsmanship. His arrival in Jerusalem and subsequent dedication to the Temple project underscore the importance of divine giftedness, international collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence in service to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears in the midst of a detailed description of the construction of Solomon's Temple and its furnishings, following the completion of the main structure in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple"). Chapter 7 shifts focus from the building itself to the elaborate decorative elements and sacred vessels, particularly those made of bronze. The introduction of Huram at this juncture is crucial, as he is presented as the singular artisan capable of executing the complex and large-scale metalwork required for the Temple's interior and courtyard. His role is highlighted as central to bringing Solomon's vision for the Temple's adornment to fruition, emphasizing the meticulous detail and craftsmanship involved in creating a dwelling place for God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple was a monumental undertaking that required vast resources and specialized skills. King Solomon had forged a strategic alliance with King Hiram of Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city-state renowned throughout the ancient Near East for its maritime trade, advanced engineering, and particularly for its master craftsmen in timber, stone, and metalwork. This alliance, detailed in [1 Kings 5:1-12](/1_kings/5-1 "1 Kings 5:1-12 - Solomon's Alliance with Hiram"), facilitated the acquisition of crucial materials and expertise not readily available in Israel. Huram's mixed heritage—an Israelite mother and a Tyrian father—perfectly embodies this international collaboration, bridging the artistic sophistication of Phoenicia with the theological purpose of Israel. The term "brass" in the KJV typically refers to bronze (an alloy of copper and tin), a highly valued and versatile metal in the ancient world, used extensively for tools, weapons, and intricate artistic creations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Giftedness and Skill**, paralleling the divine enablement of craftsmen like [Bezalel and Aholiab for the Tabernacle](/exodus/31-1 "Exodus 31:1-5 - Bezalel and Aholiab, Divinely Gifted"). Huram's being "filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning" indicates a supernatural endowment for sacred service, underscoring that God equips individuals with specific talents for His purposes. Secondly, it emphasizes **International Collaboration for God's Glory**, demonstrating how God uses diverse peoples and nations—even those outside the covenant community—to accomplish His will. The partnership between Israel and Tyre, exemplified by Huram, showcases a unity of purpose for a divine project. Lastly, the meticulous detail given to Huram's expertise reinforces the theme of **Excellence in Service**. The Temple, as God's dwelling place, demanded the highest quality of materials and workmanship, reflecting the immense value and reverence due to the Lord. This pursuit of excellence in craft becomes an act of worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brass (Hebrew, _nechoshet'_):** In the context of ancient Near Eastern metallurgy, "brass" as translated in the KJV almost universally refers to **bronze**, an alloy primarily of copper and tin. True brass (copper and zinc) was not widely produced until much later. Bronze was the dominant metal for casting, tools, weapons, and artistic work due to its strength, durability, and ability to be cast into intricate forms. Its extensive use for the Temple's pillars, the "molten sea," and various vessels underscores its importance and value in the construction of sacred objects.
* **Cunning (Hebrew, _tabunah'_):** This word, often carrying negative connotations in modern English, here signifies exceptional skill, ingenuity, discernment, and expert understanding. It denotes a profound intellectual and practical ability, a masterful cleverness in execution. When combined with "wisdom" (_chokmah_) and "understanding" (_binah_), it describes a comprehensive and divinely-imparted aptitude for complex craftsmanship, indicating that Huram possessed not just technical skill but also the insight to design and problem-solve.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He [was] a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali":** This clause establishes Huram's Israelite lineage through his mother, connecting him to the covenant people and a specific tribal inheritance, despite his father's foreign origin. The detail that he was a "widow's son" often implied a degree of vulnerability or dependence in ancient society, yet God elevates him to a position of immense importance, demonstrating His care for the vulnerable and His ability to use anyone for His purposes.
* **"and his father [was] a man of Tyre, a worker in brass":** This part reveals his Phoenician heritage and the direct source of his specialized craft. Tyre was a renowned center for skilled artisans, particularly in metalwork. This dual heritage signifies the unique blend of Israelite spiritual purpose and Tyrian artistic excellence that Huram embodied, making him uniquely suited for the Temple project.
* **"and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass":** This is the core declaration of Huram's exceptional ability. The phrase "filled with" suggests a divine endowment, akin to the Spirit-filled craftsmen of the Tabernacle. "Wisdom" refers to practical skill and discernment, "understanding" to insight and comprehension, and "cunning" (as discussed above) to ingenious expertise. This comprehensive description emphasizes that his abilities were not merely human talent but a God-given capacity for all aspects of bronze work.
* **"And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work":** This final clause describes the practical outcome of his divine gifting. Huram was summoned by Solomon, a testament to his reputation, and he faithfully and completely executed all the work assigned to him, demonstrating the diligent application of his extraordinary talents in the service of God's house.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to emphasize Huram's importance and unique qualifications. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the description of his parentage: an Israelite mother from Naphtali contrasted with a Tyrian father. This highlights his dual heritage, which is crucial for the international collaboration on the Temple project. The language used to describe his abilities—"filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning"—is a clear instance of **Divine Endowment**, echoing the language used for Bezalel and Aholiab in the construction of the Tabernacle ([Exodus 31:3](/exodus/31-3 "Exodus 31:3 - Bezalel's Divine Endowment")). This parallelism elevates Huram's craftsmanship beyond mere human skill to a supernaturally gifted capacity. Furthermore, there is an element of **Emphasis** through repetition and specificity: he is a "worker in brass" and "cunning to work all works in brass," underscoring his specialized and comprehensive mastery of this particular medium. This meticulous detail serves to highlight the extraordinary nature of his skill, essential for the sacred and elaborate work of the Temple.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 7:14 beautifully illustrates God's sovereignty in raising up and equipping individuals for specific purposes within His divine plan. Huram's story demonstrates that God's work often involves a confluence of diverse talents, backgrounds, and even nations. His divinely-imparted wisdom and skill for metalwork underscore the biblical principle that all good gifts come from God, and that excellence in craftsmanship, when directed towards God's glory, is a form of worship. The meticulous detail and high quality of the Temple's construction, facilitated by Huram, reflect God's own character of perfection and His desire for His dwelling place to be of the highest standard. This also implicitly teaches that God can use those from outside the immediate covenant community to contribute significantly to His Kingdom purposes, breaking down narrow conceptions of who is "qualified" for divine service.

* [Exodus 31:1-5](/exodus/31-1 "Exodus 31:1-5 - Bezalel and Aholiab, Divinely Gifted")
* [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Spiritual Gifts")
* [Proverbs 22:29](/proverbs/22-29 "Proverbs 22:29 - Skillful Workers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Huram serves as a powerful reminder that God has uniquely gifted each individual with specific talents, abilities, and even life experiences for His purposes. Just as Huram's mixed heritage and exceptional skill were perfectly suited for the task of adorning the Temple, so too are our own diverse backgrounds and inherent capacities intended for God's glory. We are called not merely to possess these gifts but to cultivate them with diligence and to deploy them with excellence in whatever sphere God has placed us—whether in professional work, family life, or direct ministry. This verse challenges us to identify our "brass work," the area where our unique combination of "wisdom, understanding, and cunning" can best serve God and others. It also encourages us to embrace collaboration, recognizing that the Kingdom of God is built not by isolated individuals but by the synergistic efforts of diverse people, each contributing their part.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways has God uniquely gifted you, and how are you currently employing those gifts for His glory?**
* **How does Huram's example challenge you to pursue excellence in your own work or service, seeing it as an act of worship?**
* **Where might you need to collaborate with others, valuing diverse skills and backgrounds, to accomplish a God-given task in your community or church?**

### FAQ
**Who was Huram (or Hiram) mentioned here, and why was he so important?**

Answer: Huram, also known as Hiram (as in [2 Chronicles 2:13](/2_chronicles/2-13 "2 Chronicles 2:13 - King Hiram's Letter to Solomon")), was a master craftsman specifically skilled in bronze work. He was of mixed heritage, with an Israelite mother from the tribe of Naphtali and a Phoenician father from Tyre, a city renowned for its artisans. He was crucial because he possessed exceptional, divinely-endowed wisdom, understanding, and ingenuity in all aspects of metal craftsmanship. King Solomon specifically sought him out to oversee and execute the intricate and large-scale bronze work for the Temple in Jerusalem, including the massive pillars (Jachin and Boaz), the "molten sea," and various vessels. His unique blend of Israelite connection and Tyrian expertise made him the ideal person for this monumental sacred project.

**Why is Huram's mixed heritage significant for the Temple's construction?**

Answer: Huram's mixed heritage (Israelite mother, Tyrian father) is highly significant as it embodies the international collaboration between Israel and Tyre that was essential for building the Temple. While the Temple was for the God of Israel, its construction required resources and expertise that Israel alone did not possess. Tyre, under King Hiram, was a leading maritime and artistic power. Huram's background allowed him to bridge these two worlds, bringing the sophisticated metallurgical techniques of Phoenicia to serve the sacred purposes of Israel. This highlights God's ability to use people from diverse backgrounds and nations to accomplish His grand purposes, demonstrating that His work transcends national or ethnic boundaries, and that all gifts, regardless of their origin, can be consecrated to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Huram's divinely-gifted skill in crafting the earthly Temple's furnishings points forward to the ultimate master builder and the true Temple, Jesus Christ. Just as Huram was "filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning" to construct a physical dwelling for God, so too is Christ the very embodiment of divine wisdom and the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). The elaborate Temple, built by human hands and skills, was a shadow of a greater reality. Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection, the True Temple")). He is the ultimate dwelling place of God, the perfect High Priest who ministers in the "true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man" ([Hebrews 8:1-2](/hebrews/8-1 "Hebrews 8:1-2 - Christ, the High Priest of the True Tabernacle")). Furthermore, in Christ, believers are now being built together into a spiritual house, a holy temple for the Lord, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as a Holy Temple")). The Holy Spirit, who indwelt Huram for his craftsmanship, now indwells believers, empowering them with diverse gifts to build up this spiritual temple, the Church, for God's glory ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You are God's Temple")). Thus, Huram's work foreshadows the comprehensive and perfect work of Christ in establishing God's eternal dwelling place among humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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 4:16

The pots also, and the shovels, and the fleshhooks, and all their instruments, did Huram his father make to king Solomon for the house of the LORD of bright brass.

Exodus 31:2

See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:

Exodus 31:6

And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;

Exodus 36:8

¶ And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work made he them.

Exodus 35:30

¶ And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;

Exodus 36:2

And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, [even] every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it: