1 Kings Chapter 7 · Verse 47
And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because they were exceeding many: neither was the weight of the brass found out.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַכֵּלִ֔ים
all the vessels
H3627
הַכֵּלִ֔ים
all the vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
5 of 12
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
מְאֹ֑ד
unweighed because they were exceeding
H3966
מְאֹ֑ד
unweighed because they were exceeding
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
מְאֹ֑ד
unweighed because they were exceeding
H3966
מְאֹ֑ד
unweighed because they were exceeding
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נֶחְקַ֖ר
found out
H2713
נֶחְקַ֖ר
found out
Strong's:
H2713
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately
Cross References
1 Chronicles 22:14Now, 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 22:3And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings; and brass in abundance without weight;
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because they were exceeding many: neither was the weight of the brass found out.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of temple furnishings and solomon's palace, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.