1 Kings 7:47

KJV

And Solomon left all the vessels [unweighed], because they were exceeding many: neither was the weight of the brass found out.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Solomon {H8010} left {H3240} all the vessels {H3627} unweighed, because they were exceeding {H3966}{H3966} many {H7230}: neither was the weight {H4948} of the brass {H5178} found out {H2713}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo did not weigh any of these objects, because there were so many of them; thus the total weight of the bronze could not be determined.

Berean Standard Bible

Solomon left all these articles unweighed, because there were so many. The weight of the bronze could not be determined.

American Standard Version

And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because they were exceeding many: the weight of the brass could not be found out.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:47 describes the immense quantity of bronze vessels crafted for Solomon's Temple, so vast that their weight was not, and perhaps could not be, determined. This verse serves as a summary statement for the detailed account of the Temple's furnishings, underscoring the extraordinary abundance of resources and skilled craftsmanship dedicated to God's dwelling place. It powerfully reflects both Solomon's unprecedented wealth, a direct result of divine blessing, and God's boundless provision for His people and His sacred purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides a culminating statement for the detailed description of the Temple's bronze furnishings found in [1 Kings 7](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Solomon's Palace and Temple Furnishings"). Following the architectural details of the Temple's construction in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - The Building of Solomon's Temple"), chapter 7 meticulously outlines the construction of Solomon's palace and, more significantly for this verse, the intricate bronze elements of the Temple. The preceding verses ([1 Kings 7:13-46](/1_kings/7-13-46 "1 Kings 7:13-46 - Hiram's Bronze Work for the Temple")) specifically enumerate items such as the two massive bronze pillars (Jachin and Boaz), the colossal Molten Sea, the ten movable lavers, and various smaller implements like pots, shovels, and basins—all crafted from bronze. Verse 47 acts as a powerful summary, emphasizing the sheer scale and unquantifiable nature of these consecrated objects, bringing the account of the bronze work to a grand and awe-inspiring conclusion before the narrative transitions to the gold items and the dedication of the Temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) was a highly valuable and essential metal, prized for its durability and versatility in crafting tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects. Its abundance was a direct indicator of significant national wealth, advanced metallurgical technology, and extensive trade networks. Solomon's reign was characterized by unparalleled prosperity and stability, often regarded as a golden age for Israel, largely due to his wisdom, strategic alliances, and divinely bestowed riches. Monumental construction projects, particularly religious structures, were common ways for ancient kings to display their power, piety, and the favor of their deities. The Temple, as the spiritual and national epicenter of Israel, was naturally adorned with the finest and most abundant materials available. The declaration that the weight of the bronze was "not found out" signifies a quantity that surpassed normal accounting methods, underscoring a level of opulence and material provision rarely, if ever, seen in the ancient world, made possible by God's blessings upon Solomon.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 7:47](/1_kings/7-47 "1 Kings 7:47 - Unquantifiable Bronze Vessels") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Unprecedented Abundance and Prosperity**, serving as a tangible fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon for his wisdom and obedience, as articulated in [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches and Honor to Solomon"). The immeasurable quantity of bronze underscores the vast resources at Solomon's disposal, signifying a period of profound divine favor. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Grandeur and Glory of God's Dwelling**. The elaborate and costly nature of the Temple furnishings reflects the people's desire to honor God with the very best, creating a magnificent and fitting place for the Lord's presence among His people, a theme central to the Temple's dedication in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - The Dedication of the Temple"). Finally, it speaks to **Divine Provision and Human Excellence**. While human craftsmanship, epitomized by Hiram of Tyre, was essential, the resources themselves were ultimately a blessing from God, enabling such a monumental undertaking. This demonstrates God's ability to provide abundantly for His purposes and the human responsibility to apply their skills with excellence in His service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **vessels (Hebrew, כְּלִי, _kᵉlîy_):** (H3627) This term is broad, encompassing any apparatus, implement, utensil, or vessel. In the context of the Temple, it refers to the vast array of sacred objects used for worship, sacrifice, and the maintenance of the sanctuary. These included pots, shovels, basins, and other cultic implements, all meticulously crafted for specific liturgical purposes. The sheer number of these "vessels" underscores the comprehensive nature of the Temple's furnishings and the meticulous provision for every aspect of divine service.
* **exceeding (Hebrew, מְאֹד, _mᵉʼôd_):** (H3966) This word functions as an intensive or superlative, meaning "vehemently," "wholly," "speedily," or "very much." When combined with "many" (from H7230, _rôb_), it emphasizes an extraordinary, almost incomprehensible quantity. It is not merely a large number, but a quantity so immense that it defies easy counting or measurement, setting the stage for the subsequent clause about their unquantifiable weight. This term highlights the truly remarkable level of material wealth and production dedicated to the Temple.
* **found out (Hebrew, חָקַר, _châqar_):** (H2713) This primitive root means "to penetrate," and by extension, "to examine intimately," "to search out," or "to find out." In this verse, applied to the weight of the bronze, it signifies that the immense quantity was beyond human ability to fully investigate, measure, or ascertain. The implication is that the sheer volume of bronze was so vast that any attempt to weigh or quantify it was either impossible, impractical, or deemed unnecessary due to its overwhelming abundance, highlighting a quantity beyond human calculation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Solomon left all the vessels [unweighed]":** This clause describes a deliberate action or an inevitable outcome concerning the vast collection of bronze implements. The KJV's parenthetical "[unweighed]" suggests that the act of weighing was either omitted due to the sheer volume or was simply not feasible. This highlights the unprecedented scale of the Temple's furnishings, implying that the task of weighing them would have been monumental, if not impossible, given the technology and labor available in that era. It speaks to a quantity that overwhelmed conventional measurement.
* **"because they were exceeding many":** This phrase directly provides the reason for the vessels being unweighed or their weight not being ascertained. It emphasizes the extraordinary number of items—pots, shovels, basins, lavers, and other cultic implements—all meticulously crafted from bronze. This abundance speaks to the meticulous detail and lavishness with which the Temple was furnished, ensuring every aspect of worship was provided for with the highest quality and quantity, reflecting the boundless resources at Solomon's disposal.
* **"neither was the weight of the brass found out":** This final clause reinforces the immeasurable nature of the bronze. It's not just that they weren't weighed, but that their total weight could not be determined or known. This signifies a quantity that transcended normal human measurement and accounting, indicating a volume that was literally "unsearchable" in its magnitude. It underscores the immense value and volume of the materials, serving as a powerful testament to the wealth of Solomon's kingdom and the unparalleled resources dedicated to the service of God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description "exceeding many" and the declaration that their weight was "not found out." This exaggeration is not meant to deceive but to emphasize the extraordinary, almost unimaginable, abundance of bronze. It creates a sense of awe and wonder at the scale of the Temple project and the wealth of Solomon. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Emphasis** on abundance and grandeur. By repeatedly stressing the unquantifiable nature of the bronze, the text draws attention to the lavishness and unparalleled scale of the Temple's furnishings. This serves to underscore the glory and majesty of God, for whom such a magnificent dwelling was constructed. Finally, the bronze itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only the material wealth of Solomon's kingdom but also the divine blessing and provision that enabled such an undertaking. The immeasurable nature of the bronze thus symbolizes the immeasurable grace and power of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 7:47, seemingly a mere inventory detail, carries profound theological implications. It speaks to the boundless generosity and provision of God, who enabled Solomon to amass such extraordinary wealth and resources for the construction of His dwelling place. The unquantifiable nature of the bronze vessels serves as a tangible metaphor for God's own immeasurable blessings and His infinite capacity to provide for His purposes. It challenges human notions of scarcity and reminds us that when God's work is undertaken, His resources are limitless. This abundance also reflects the appropriate response of humanity to such divine generosity: offering our very best, without reserve, in worship and service to the Lord. The meticulous detail and vast quantity of these sacred objects underscore the reverence and honor due to God, who deserves nothing less than our most excellent and abundant offerings.

* [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches and Honor to Solomon")
* [2 Chronicles 5:1](/2_chronicles/5-1 "2 Chronicles 5:1 - Solomon Brings Dedicated Treasures to the Temple")
* [Haggai 2:8](/haggai/2-8 "Haggai 2:8 - God's Ownership of Silver and Gold")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The immeasurable quantity of bronze in Solomon's Temple, so vast that its weight could not be ascertained, offers a powerful lens through which to view our own relationship with God and our participation in His work today. This verse reminds us that God's resources are not limited by human calculation or scarcity mindsets. He is the ultimate provider, capable of supplying "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" ([Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Power to Do Immeasurably More")). Just as Solomon poured immense wealth into the Temple, we are called to offer our best to God—not just in material possessions, but in our time, talents, and wholehearted devotion. This means cultivating a spirit of generosity, recognizing that all we have is from Him, and seeking excellence in every sphere of our lives as an act of worship. The grandeur of the Temple, built with such unquantifiable resources, should inspire us to approach God with reverence, awe, and a commitment to honor Him with the highest quality of our being and doing, trusting in His limitless provision for His kingdom purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "unweighed" abundance of bronze challenge my own perception of God's provision in my life and for His church?**
* **In what areas of my life am I called to give my "best" to God, beyond just financial contributions, reflecting His own boundless generosity?**
* **What does the meticulous craftsmanship and vast resources dedicated to the Temple teach me about the importance of excellence and intentionality in my worship and service today?**

### FAQ
**Why does the KJV say "brass" when it was likely "bronze"?**

Answer: The King James Version, translated in the early 17th century, used the term "brass" because it was the most common and familiar copper alloy known to them at the time. However, modern metallurgical and archaeological understanding confirms that the Hebrew word _něchosheth_ (נְחֹשֶׁת) consistently refers to bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) in ancient biblical contexts. Bronze was widely used in the ancient Near East for tools, weapons, and decorative items, while true brass (copper and zinc) was not commonly produced until much later periods. Therefore, when the Bible mentions "brass" in the Old Testament, it almost always means bronze, highlighting the valuable and durable nature of the metal used for the Temple furnishings.

**What was the purpose of all these bronze vessels in the Temple?**

Answer: The numerous bronze vessels and implements described in [1 Kings 7](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Solomon's Palace and Temple Furnishings") were essential for the daily sacrificial and ceremonial worship conducted in the Temple. They served various functions: the Molten Sea ([1 Kings 7:23](/1_kings/7-23 "1 Kings 7:23 - The Molten Sea")) was a massive basin for the priests to wash themselves, symbolizing purification. The ten lavers ([1 Kings 7:38](/1_kings/7-38 "1 Kings 7:38 - The Ten Lavers")) were smaller basins for washing the burnt offerings, ensuring ritual cleanliness. Other items like pots, shovels, basins, and flesh hooks were used for handling ashes, collecting blood, preparing sacrifices, and maintaining the sacred space. Each item, regardless of its size or specific function, was meticulously crafted and dedicated to the Lord, underscoring the sacredness and precision required for worship in God's presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The immeasurable quantity of bronze vessels in Solomon's Temple, so vast that their weight could not be ascertained, serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the immeasurable riches and boundless grace found in Jesus Christ. The earthly Temple, with all its costly and abundant furnishings, was a temporary dwelling place for God's presence, a shadow of the ultimate reality to come. In Christ, we find the true and eternal Temple, for in Him "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). The unquantifiable bronze points to the unsearchable riches of Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross offers a redemption so vast it defies human comprehension, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He is the High Priest of a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with human hands, through whom we have access to God's presence with a spiritual abundance that far surpasses any material wealth ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, High Priest of a Greater Tabernacle")). Through His finished work, believers are made "rich in every way" ([2 Corinthians 9:11](/2_corinthians/9-11 "2 Corinthians 9:11 - Rich in Every Way")) and are granted access to "unsearchable riches of Christ" ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - Paul's Preaching of the Unsearchable Riches of Christ")). Thus, the lavishness of Solomon's Temple ultimately directs our gaze to the infinite and eternal glory of God revealed in His Son, whose grace and love are truly "exceeding many" and "not found out" in their depth and power.

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

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.

1 Chronicles 22:3

And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings; and brass in abundance without weight;

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.

2 Chronicles 4:18

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