What number verse is 2 Chronicles 4:9 in the Bible?

2 Chronicles 4:9 is the 11,256th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 2 Chronicles 4:9 sits at position 11,256.

Translation

King James Version

Furthermore he made the court of the priests, and the great court, and doors for the court, and overlaid the doors of them with brass.

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KJV (with Strong's)

Furthermore he made ^H6213 the court ^H2691 of the priests ^H3548, and the great ^H1419 court ^H5835, and doors ^H1817 for the court ^H5835, and overlaid ^H6823 the doors ^H1817 of them with brass ^H5178.

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Complete Jewish Bible

He made the courtyard for the cohanim and the great courtyard, also the doors to the courtyard, which he overlaid with bronze.

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Berean Standard Bible

He made the courtyard of the priests and the large court with its doors, and he overlaid the doors with bronze.

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American Standard Version

Furthermore he made the court of the priests, and the great court, and doors for the court, and overlaid the doors of them with brass.

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World English Bible Messianic

Furthermore he made the court of the priests, and the great court, and doors for the court, and overlaid their doors with brass.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And he made the court of the Priests, and the great court and doores for the court, and ouerlayd the doores thereof with brasse.

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Young's Literal Translation

And he maketh the court of the priests, and the great court, and doors for the court, and their doors he hath overlaid with brass.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Second Chronicles 4:9 meticulously details King Solomon's construction of the outer precincts of the Temple complex: "the court of the priests" and "the great court," complete with brass-overlaid doors. This verse is part of a comprehensive inventory of the Temple's architectural elements and furnishings, underscoring the functional and symbolic significance of these distinct spaces within the sacred precinct. These courts were indispensable for the orderly conduct of worship, delineating areas for priestly service and communal assembly, while the durable brass doors emphasized the Temple's permanence and profound value as the earthly dwelling place of God among His people.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is situated within 2 Chronicles 4, a chapter devoted to the intricate description of the Temple's furnishings and architectural components, immediately following the completion of the main sanctuary building in 2 Chronicles 3. Chapter 4 systematically details the bronze altar and the molten sea (2 Chronicles 4:1-6), progresses to the ten lavers, lampstands, and tables (2 Chronicles 4:7-8), and then, in verse 9, describes the construction of the Temple courts. This progression from large, central elements to the surrounding structures and finally to the smaller, numerous vessels (2 Chronicles 4:10-22) provides a comprehensive account of the Temple's completion, meticulously preparing the stage for its grand dedication in 2 Chronicles 5. Verse 9 specifically highlights the external yet crucial areas that regulated access and facilitated the various aspects of Israelite worship, ensuring proper order and reverence within the sacred complex.
Historical & Cultural Context: The construction of the Temple by King Solomon marked a monumental shift in Israelite history, transitioning from the portable Tabernacle to a permanent, magnificent dwelling place for Yahweh in Jerusalem. This grand edifice became the spiritual, national, and political epicenter for Israel, embodying their covenant relationship with God. In the broader Ancient Near East, temples often featured distinct courts to regulate access and signify increasing levels of holiness, a practice deeply rooted in the understanding of divine presence. The Solomonic Temple mirrored this architectural and theological principle. "The court of the priests" was an inner sanctum reserved exclusively for the Levitical priests to perform their sacred duties, while "the great court" (also known as the outer court or court of the people) was the expansive area accessible to all Israelites for communal worship, prayer, and the presentation of offerings. The use of brass (bronze) for the doors was not merely decorative; bronze was a valuable, durable, and strong metal, commonly employed in sacred architecture for its strength and resistance to decay, symbolizing the enduring nature of God's presence and covenant promises.
Key Themes: The meticulous construction of these courts, as described in 2 Chronicles 4:9, profoundly underscores several key theological and narrative themes. First, it emphasizes Order and Structure in Worship. The distinct courts ensured an organized and hierarchical approach to divine service, maintaining the sanctity of God's presence and the proper execution of rituals, reflecting the divine blueprint given to David for the Temple's design, as seen in 1 Chronicles 28:11-19. Second, the courts highlight Holiness and Access. They functioned as physical boundaries, delineating spaces of increasing holiness. The inner court, restricted to priests, underscored the need for spiritual purity and authorized mediation to approach God. The outer "great court," accessible to all Israelites, emphasized the communal aspect of worship while still maintaining a necessary separation, foreshadowing the ultimate, direct access provided through Christ, as articulated in Hebrews 10:19-22. Third, the description of the brass-overlaid doors signifies Magnificence and Dedication. The use of precious and durable materials like brass (bronze) underscored the immense importance of the Temple as God's dwelling place on earth and the Israelites' profound dedication to Him. This enduring metal also symbolized the strength and permanence of God's covenant with His people.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Court (Hebrew, châtsêr' - H2691; ʻăzârâh', H2691): The term châtsêr (H2691) generally refers to an enclosed open space or courtyard, often associated with a village or camp. In the context of the Temple, it denotes the distinct precincts surrounding the main sanctuary. The verse also uses ʻăzârâh (H5835), derived from a root meaning "to surround," specifically for "the great court," emphasizing its nature as an enclosure. The mention of "the court of the priests" (H2691) and "the great court" (H5835) indicates a clear division of space based on function and holiness. The priestly court was the inner area where priests performed their duties, while the great court was the outer, more expansive area accessible to the general Israelite populace for communal worship and sacrifices. These divisions were crucial for maintaining order and reverence in the sacred precinct.
Doors (Hebrew, deleth', H1817): This Hebrew word refers to something swinging, specifically the valve of a door, gate, or leaf. In the context of the Temple, these deleth served as entry points, controlling access and signifying the boundaries of the sacred space. Doors are fundamental architectural elements that define passages and separations. Their presence for both the priestly court and the great court emphasized the regulated nature of entry into God's holy presence and the distinct functions of each area.
Brass (Hebrew, nᵉchôsheth', H5178): The Hebrew word nᵉchôsheth is often translated as "brass" in older versions like the KJV, but it more accurately refers to "bronze," an alloy of copper and tin. Bronze was a significant metal in ancient Israel, extensively used in both the Tabernacle and Temple construction. Its properties of durability, strength, and resistance to corrosion made it ideal for architectural elements like doors. Theologically, bronze was frequently associated with strength, judgment, and purification in biblical contexts, notably seen in the brazen altar where sacrifices were made for atonement. Its use on the Temple doors thus conveyed not only the structure's permanence but also the solemnity and sacredness of entry.

Verse Breakdown

"Furthermore he made the court of the priests": This clause describes the construction of the inner courtyard of the Temple, immediately surrounding the sanctuary building. This area was exclusively designated for the consecrated priests to perform their sacred duties, including offering sacrifices, preparing offerings, and maintaining the Temple's rituals. Its restricted access underscored the unique mediatorial role of the priesthood and the increasing holiness as one approached the inner sanctuary.
"and the great court": This refers to the larger, outer courtyard that encompassed the entire Temple complex, including the priestly court. This expansive area was accessible to all Israelites and served as the primary space for communal worship, prayer, and the presentation of offerings. It was the public face of the Temple, designed to accommodate the vast numbers of pilgrims who came to worship during festivals.
"and doors for the court, and overlaid the doors of them with brass": This specifies that both the priestly court and the great court were equipped with doors, and these doors were covered or plated with brass (bronze). The doors served as essential entry points, controlling access and signifying the boundaries of the sacred space. The overlaying with brass highlighted their importance, durability, and value, contributing to the overall magnificence and solemnity of the Temple. This material choice also subtly communicated strength and permanence, reflecting the enduring nature of God's presence and covenant.

Literary Devices

The verse primarily employs Architectural Detail and Symbolism. The precise description of "the court of the priests," "the great court," and their "brass-overlaid doors" is a prime example of Architectural Detail, emphasizing the meticulous nature of the Temple's construction and its adherence to a divine blueprint. This detail underscores the importance of order, structure, and precision in sacred spaces. Symbolism is profoundly evident in the choice of materials and the very concept of distinct courts. The brass (bronze) overlay on the doors is symbolic of durability, strength, and value, reflecting the permanence of God's covenant and the solemnity of His dwelling place. Furthermore, bronze in biblical contexts often carries connotations of judgment and purification, subtly hinting at the serious and holy nature of approaching God. The division into distinct "courts" symbolizes the hierarchical nature of Old Testament worship, the concept of increasing holiness, and the regulated access to God's presence, highlighting the need for mediation and proper reverence in approaching the divine.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The construction of the Temple courts, with their distinct access levels and durable brass doors, speaks profoundly to the nature of God's holiness and humanity's approach to Him under the Old Covenant. These physical structures were not arbitrary but divinely ordained, serving as tangible representations of spiritual realities. They underscored the truth that God is inherently holy and cannot be approached carelessly; access to His presence required specific conditions, mediation by a consecrated priesthood, and adherence to prescribed rituals. The progression from the "great court" (for all Israelites) to the "court of the priests" (for consecrated Levites) and ultimately to the Holy Place and Most Holy Place (for priests and the High Priest, respectively) illustrates a profound theological principle: God's presence is both accessible and awesome, drawing His people near while simultaneously maintaining His transcendent holiness. The enduring materials like brass also pointed to the steadfastness of God's covenant promises and the permanence of His dwelling among His people, signifying His unwavering commitment to His chosen people.

Exodus 27:9-19 - Details the design of the Tabernacle's court, a precursor to the Temple, establishing the foundational concept of an enclosed sacred space and regulated access.
Hebrews 9:1-10 - Describes the Old Covenant Tabernacle/Temple and its limited access, emphasizing the symbolic nature of its barriers and the temporary, preparatory nature of its rituals.
Ephesians 2:19-22 - Explains how believers in Christ are no longer outsiders but are built together into a holy temple in the Lord, a dwelling place for God by the Spirit, signifying the abolition of old barriers and universal access.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While the physical Temple with its distinct courts no longer stands, the principles embedded in 2 Chronicles 4:9 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. We are reminded that God is inherently holy and worthy of our utmost reverence. The order and structure of the Temple courts teach us the importance of intentionality and discipline in our approach to God, whether in personal devotion or corporate worship. Though the physical barriers have been removed through Christ, the spiritual reality of God's holiness demands a posture of humility, awe, and sincere worship. Furthermore, the durability of the brass-overlaid doors can inspire us to cultivate a faith that is strong, resilient, and enduring, capable of withstanding the trials and tests of life, just as God's promises are steadfast and unchanging. We are called to be a people who reflect the permanence of God's covenant in our lives, standing firm in our commitment to Him, and living in a manner that honors His enduring presence within us as His spiritual temple.

Questions for Reflection

How do the distinct courts of the Temple inform our understanding of reverence and order in corporate worship today?
In what ways does Christ's sacrifice transform our access to God, moving beyond the physical barriers and limited access of the Old Covenant Temple?
How can the "durability of brass" inspire us to cultivate a resilient and enduring faith in our own lives, reflecting God's steadfastness?

FAQ

Why were there different courts in the Temple?

Answer: The different courts in the Temple, particularly "the court of the priests" and "the great court," were designed to delineate spaces of increasing holiness and to regulate access based on function and spiritual status. This tiered structure reflected God's order and the need for mediation under the Old Covenant. The priestly court was reserved for the consecrated priests to perform their sacred duties, while the great court was accessible to all Israelites for communal worship and offerings. This arrangement ensured that sacred rituals were performed by authorized individuals in designated areas, maintaining the sanctity of God's presence and teaching the people about His holiness and their need for proper approach (Numbers 3:5-10).

What is the significance of "brass" (bronze) in the Temple construction?

Answer: The use of "brass" (more accurately, bronze) in the Temple construction, especially for the doors, held significant meaning beyond its practical durability and value. Bronze was a strong, enduring metal, symbolizing the permanence and steadfastness of God's covenant and His dwelling place among His people. Theologically, bronze in biblical contexts often carried connotations of strength, judgment, and purification. For instance, the brazen altar (e.g., Exodus 27:1-2), where sacrifices for sin were made, was also made of bronze, connecting it to the fiery judgment against sin and the means of atonement. Thus, the brass-overlaid doors not only contributed to the Temple's magnificence but also communicated the solemnity and sacredness of entry into God's holy presence.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The physical courts of Solomon's Temple, with their divisions and brass-overlaid doors, find their ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in Jesus Christ. The rigid separation between "the court of the priests" and "the great court," and the limited access to God's presence they represented, pointed forward to a time when all barriers would be abolished. Jesus himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of his body (John 2:19-21). He is the true Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity. As our Great High Priest, Jesus has entered the true Holy of Holies, not by means of animal blood, but by his own blood, securing an eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:11-12). The dramatic tearing of the Temple veil from top to bottom at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) symbolically abolished the physical and spiritual barriers that once separated humanity from God's immediate presence. Now, through faith in Christ, all believers have direct, confident access to the Father's throne of grace (Hebrews 4:14-16). The "brass" of judgment, once symbolized by the altar and the doors, is fulfilled in Christ bearing the full judgment for sin on the cross, providing ultimate purification and making us living stones in a spiritual house, the church, which is now God's dwelling place by the Spirit (1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:20-22).

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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 4 verses 1–10

1 ¶ Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof.

2 Also he made a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and five cubits the height thereof; and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.

3 And under it was the similitude of oxen, which did compass it round about: ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about. Two rows of oxen were cast, when it was cast.

4 It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.

5 And the thickness of it was an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; and it received and held three thousand baths.

6 He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in.

7 And he made ten candlesticks of gold according to their form, and set them in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left.

8 He made also ten tables, and placed them in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made an hundred basons of gold.

9 Furthermore he made the court of the priests, and the great court, and doors for the court, and overlaid the doors of them with brass.

10 And he set the sea on the right side of the east end, over against the south.

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

David often speaks with much affection both of the house of the Lord and of the courts of our God. Both without doors and within there was that which typified the grace of the gospel and shadowed out good things to come, of which the substance is Christ.

I. There were those things in the open court, in the view of all the people, which were very significant.

1.There was the brazen altar, Ch2 4:1. The making of this was not mentioned in the Kings. On this all the sacrifices were offered, and it sanctified the gift. This altar was much larger than that which Moses made in the tabernacle; that was five cubits square, this was twenty cubits square. Now that Israel had become both numerous and more rich, and it was to be hoped more devout (for every age should aim to be wiser and better than that which went before it), it was expected that there would be a greater abundance of offerings brought to God's altar than had been. It was therefore made such a capacious scaffold that it might hold them all, and none might excuse themselves from bringing those temptations of their devotion by alleging that there was not room to receive them. God had greatly enlarged their borders; it was therefore fit that they should enlarge his altars. Our returns should bear some proportion to our receivings. It was ten cubits high, so that the people who worshipped in the courts might see the sacrifice burnt, and their eye might affect their heart with sorrow for sin: "It is of the Lord's mercies that I am not thus consumed, and that this is accepted as an expiation of my guilt." They might thus be led to consider the great sacrifice which should be offered in the fulness of time to take away sin and abolish death, which the blood of bulls and goats could not possibly do. And with the smoke of the sacrifices their hearts might ascend to heaven in holy desires towards God and his favour. In all our devotions we must keep the eye of faith fixed upon Christ, the great propitiation. How they went up to this altar, and carried the sacrifices up to it, we are not told; some think by a plain ascent like a hill: if by steps, doubtless they were so contrived as that the end of the law (mentioned Exo 20:26) might be answered.

2.There was the molten sea, a very large brass pan, in which they put water for the priests to wash in, Ch2 4:2, Ch2 4:6. It was put just at the entrance into the court of the priests, like the font at the church door. If it were filled to the brim, it would hold 3000 baths (as here, Ch2 4:5), but ordinarily there were only 2000 baths in it, Kg1 7:26. The Holy Ghost by this signified, (1.) Our great gospel privilege, that the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin, Jo1 1:7. To us there is a fountain opened for all believers (who are spiritual priests, Rev 1:5, Rev 1:6), nay, for all the inhabitants of Jerusalem to wash in, from sin, which is uncleanness. There is a fulness of merit in Jesus Christ for all those that by faith apply to him for the purifying of their consciences, that they might serve the living God, Heb 9:14. (2.) Our great gospel duty, which is to cleanse ourselves by true repentance from all the pollutions of the flesh and the corruption that is in the world. Our hearts must be sanctified, or we cannot sanctify the name of God. Those that draw nigh to God must cleanse their hands, and purify their hearts, Jam 4:8. If I was thee not, thou hast no part with me; and he that is washed still needs to wash his feet, to renew his repentance, whenever he goes in to minister, Joh 13:10.

3.There were ten lavers of brass, in which they washed such things as they offered for the burnt-offerings, Ch2 4:6. As the priests must be washed, so must the sacrifices. We must not only purify ourselves in preparation for our religious performances, but carefully put away all those vain thoughts and corrupt aims which cleave to our performances themselves and pollute them.

4.The doors of the court were overlaid with brass (Ch2 4:9), both for strength and beauty, and that they might not be rotted with the weather, to which they were exposed. Gates of brass we read of, Psa 107:16.

II. There were those things in the house of the Lord (into which the priests alone went to minister) that were very significant. All was gold there. The nearer we come to God the purer we must be, the purer we shall be. 1. There were ten golden candlesticks, according to the form of that one which was in the tabernacle, Ch2 4:7. The written word is a lamp and a light, shining in a dark place. In Moses's time they had but one candlestick, the Pentateuch; but the additions which, in process of time, were to be made of other books of scripture might be signified by this increase of the number of the candlesticks. Light was growing. The candlesticks are the churches, Rev 1:20. Moses set up but one, the church of the Jews; but, in the gospel temple, not only believers, but churches, are multiplied. 2. There were ten golden tables (Ch2 4:8), tables whereon the show-bread was set, Ch2 4:19. Perhaps every one of the tables had twelve loaves of show-bread on it. As the house was enlarged, the house-keeping was. In my father's house there is bread enough for the whole family. To those tables belonged 100 golden basins, or dishes; for God's table is well furnished. 3. There was a golden altar (Ch2 4:19), on which they burnt incense. It is probable that this was enlarged in proportion to the brazen altar. Christ, who once for all made atonement for sin, ever lives, making intercession, in virtue of that atonement.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–10. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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Cross-References

1 Kings 6:36
And he built the inner court with three rows of hewed stone, and a row of cedar beams.
2 Kings 21:5
And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.
1 Kings 7:12
And the great court round about was with three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams, both for the inner court of the house of the LORD, and for the porch of the house.