Topical Encyclopedia
Copper, a reddish-brown metal known for its malleability and conductivity, holds significant historical and biblical importance. In the Bible, copper is often mentioned alongside other metals such as gold, silver, and iron, indicating its value and utility in ancient times.
Biblical References and UsageCopper is first mentioned in
Genesis 4:22, where Tubal-Cain is described as "a forger of every implement of bronze and iron." The term "bronze" in many biblical translations is often understood to include copper, as bronze is an alloy primarily composed of copper and tin. This early reference highlights the metal's role in the development of tools and weapons.
In the construction of the Tabernacle, copper was extensively used.
Exodus 27:1-6 describes the altar of burnt offering, which was overlaid with bronze, indicating the use of copper in its composition. The laver, a basin for ceremonial washing, was also made of bronze (
Exodus 30:18). These items underscore copper's significance in religious rituals and its symbolic representation of strength and durability.
The Temple of Solomon further illustrates the importance of copper. In
1 Kings 7:13-47, Hiram of Tyre, a skilled craftsman, is commissioned to create various bronze items for the temple, including the two pillars, Jachin and Boaz, the Sea, and numerous utensils. The extensive use of copper in the temple's construction and furnishings reflects its esteemed status and practical applications.
Symbolism and Metaphorical UseCopper, like other metals, is often used metaphorically in the Bible. In
Deuteronomy 8:9, the Promised Land is described as "a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you can dig copper." This description emphasizes the abundance and richness of the land God promised to the Israelites, symbolizing prosperity and divine blessing.
In prophetic literature, copper is sometimes used to convey strength and judgment. For instance, in
Ezekiel 1:7, the feet of the living creatures are described as "gleaming like polished bronze," symbolizing their power and divine origin. Similarly, in
Daniel 10:6, the appearance of a heavenly being includes "arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze," again highlighting strength and majesty.
Economic and Cultural SignificanceCopper's economic value in biblical times cannot be overstated. It was a crucial material for crafting tools, weapons, and various household items. The ability to work with copper and its alloys marked a significant technological advancement, contributing to the development of ancient societies.
The trade of copper and bronze was also an important aspect of the ancient economy. Tyre, a prominent city known for its skilled artisans, played a key role in the production and distribution of bronze items, as seen in the collaboration between King Solomon and Hiram of Tyre.
ConclusionCopper's presence in the Bible, both as a practical material and a symbol, reflects its integral role in the daily life and spiritual practices of ancient Israel. Its enduring qualities and versatility made it a valuable resource, while its metaphorical use in Scripture underscores themes of strength, judgment, and divine provision.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
CopperHeb.nechosheth , in the Authorized Version always rendered "brass," except in (Ezra 8:27) and Jere 15:12 It was almost exclusively used by the ancients for common purposes, and for every kind of instrument, as chains, pillars, lavers and the other temple vessels. We read also of copper mirrors, (Exodus 38:8) and even of copper arms, as helmets, spears, etc. (1 Samuel 17:5,6,38;2 Samuel 21:16)
ATS Bible Dictionary
CopperOne of the primitive metals, and the most ductile and malleable after gold and silver. Of this metal and zinc is made brass, which is a modern invention. There is little doubt but that copper is intended in those passages of our translation on the Bible which speak of brass. Copper was known prior to the flood, and was wrought by Tubal-cain,Genesis 4:22. Hiram of Tyre was a celebrated worker in copper,1 Kings 7:14. Palestine abounded in it, De 8:9, and David amassed great quantities to be employed in building the temple,1 Chronicles 22:3-14. InEzra 8:27, two vessels are mentioned "of fine copper, precious as gold." This was probably a metal compounded of copper, with gold or silver, or both. It was extolled for its beauty, solidity, and rarity, and for some uses was referred to gold itself. Some compound of this kind may have been used for the small mirrors mentioned inExodus 38:8Job 37:18. SeeBRASS.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Derived from the Greek kupros (the island of Cyprus), called "Cyprian brass," occurs only in the Authorized Version in
Ezra 8:27. Elsewhere the Hebrew word (nehosheth) is improperly rendered "brass," and sometimes "steel" (
2 Samuel 22:35;
Jeremiah 15:12). The "bow of steel" (
Job 20:24;
Psalm 18:34) should have been "bow of copper" (or "brass, " as in the R.V.). The vessels of "fine copper" of
Ezra 8:27 were probably similar to those of "bright brass" mentioned in
1 Kings 7:45;
Dan. 10:6.
Tubal-cain was the first artificer in brass and iron (Genesis 4:22). Hiram was noted as a worker in brass (1 Kings 7:14). Copper abounded in Palestine (Deuteronomy 8:9;Isaiah 60:17;1 Chronicles 22:3, 14). All sorts of vessels in the tabernacle and the temple were made of it (Leviticus 6:28;Numbers 16:39;2 Chronicles 4:16;Ezra 8:27); also weapons of war (1 Samuel 17:5, 6, 38;2 Samuel 21:16). Iron is mentioned only four times (Genesis 4:22;Leviticus 26:19;Numbers 31:22;35:16) in the first four books of Moses, while copper (rendered "brass") is mentioned forty times. (seeBRASS.)
We find mention of Alexander (q.v.), a "coppersmith" of Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:14).
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A common metal of a reddish color, both ductile and malleable, and very tenacious. It is one of the best conductors of heat and electricity. Symbol Cu. Atomic weight 63.3. It is one of the most useful metals in itself, and also in its alloys, brass and bronze.
2. (n.) A coin made of copper; a penny, cent, or other minor coin of copper.
3. (n.) A vessel, especially a large boiler, made of copper.
4. (n.) the boilers in the galley for cooking; as, a ship's coppers.
5. (v. t.) To cover or coat with copper; to sheathe with sheets of copper; as, to copper a ship.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
COPPERkop'-er (nechosheth): The word is translated "copper" in only one passage (Ezra 8:27 the King James Version). In the American Standard Revised Version of this passage, "brass" has been substituted. Neither describes the actual alloy according to present definitions so well as the word "bronze." Copper was one of the earliest metals to be known and utilized in alloy, but copper, as a single metal, was probably little used. The remains of spears, balances, arms, vases, mirrors, statues, cooking utensils, implements of all kinds, etc., from Bible times are principally of an alloy of copper hardened with tin known today as bronze (see BRASS). In such passages asDeuteronomy 8:9, where reference is made to the native metal or ores, "copper" should be substituted for "brass" as in the American Standard Revised Version (compareJob 40:18). This is true also of coins as chalkos, inMatthew 10:9.
Our modern English word "copper" is derived from an old name pertaining to the island of Cyprus. Copper was known to the ancients as Cyprian brass, probably because that island was one of the chief sources for this metal. The Sinai peninsula and the mountains of northern Syria also contributed to the ancient world's supply (see Tell el-Amarna Letters). No evidences of copper ore in any quantity are found in Palestine proper.
SeeMETAL;MINE.
James A. Patch.
COPPERSmith
kop'-er-smith (chalkeus): The word is found in New Testament once only, in2 Timothy 4:14: "Alexander the coppersmith did (margin "showed") me much evil." As the Bible word rendered "copper" (seeEzra 8:27 the King James Version) is translated "brass" by the Revised Version (British and American), so the word here rendered "c." should be rendered "brazier," or "worker in brass."
SeeCOPPER.
Greek
5475. chalkos --copper or bronze...copper or bronze. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: chalkos Phonetic
Spelling: (khal-kos') Short Definition:
copper, brass, money Definition
...5473. chalkion -- a brazen (ie ofcopper, bronze, brass) vessel
... a brazen (ie ofcopper, bronze, brass) vessel. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: chalkion Phonetic Spelling: (khal-kee'-on) Short Definition: a...
5474. chalkolibanon -- chalcolibanus (finecopper, bronze or brass...
... chalcolibanus (finecopper, bronze or brass). Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: chalkolibanon Phonetic Spelling: (khal-kol-ib'-an-on) Short...
5470. chalkous -- brazen (ie ofcopper, bronze, brass)
... brazen (ie ofcopper, bronze, brass). Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration:
chalkous Phonetic Spelling: (khal'-keh-os) Short Definition: made of bronze...
2835. kodrantes -- quadrans, one-fourth of an as (a Roman monetary...
... unit). Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kodrantes Phonetic Spelling:
(kod-ran'-tace) Short Definition: the smallest Romancopper coin Definition...
5471. chalkeus -- a worker in metal
... metal. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: chalkeus Phonetic Spelling:
(khalk-yooce') Short Definition: a worker in brass orcopper Definition: a...
3016. leptos -- peeled, fine, thin, small, light
... probably the smallest piece of money. 3016 -- acopper or bronze coin worth
1/A of a denarius, ie . Word Origin from the same as...
5472. chalkedon -- chalcedony (a precious stone)
... chalcedony. From chalkos and perhaps eidos;copper-like, ie "chalcedony" -- chalcedony.
see GREEK chalkos. see GREEK eidos. (chalkedon) -- 1 Occurrence....
Strong's Hebrew
5178. nechosheth --copper, bronze... 5177, 5178. nechosheth. 5179 .
copper, bronze. Transliteration: nechosheth
Phonetic Spelling: (nekh-o'-sheth) Short Definition: bronze.
...5154. nechushah --copper, bronze
... 5153, 5154. nechushah or nechushah. 5155 .copper, bronze. Transliteration:
nechushah or nechushah Phonetic Spelling: (nekh-oo-shaw') Short Definition: bronze...
5174. nechash --copper, bronze
...copper, bronze. Transliteration: nechash Phonetic Spelling: (nekh-awsh') Short
Definition: bronze.... brass. (Aramaic) corresponding to nchuwshah;copper -- brass....
5180. Nechushtan -- the name of Moses' bronze serpent
... Nehushtan. From nchosheth; something made ofcopper, ie Thecopper serpent of the
Desert -- Nehushtan. see HEBREW nchosheth. 5179b, 5180. Nechushtan. 5181...
8314. saraph -- fiery serpent
... From saraph; burning, ie (figuratively) poisonous (serpent); specifically, a saraph
or symbolical creature (from theircopper color) -- fiery (serpent), seraph...
5179. Nchushta' -- perhaps lust, harlotry
... Nehushta From nchosheth;copper; Nechushta, an Israelitess -- Nehushta. see HEBREW
nchosheth. 5178, 5179. Nchushta'. 5179a . Strong's Numbers.
Library
Lo, if Some one were to Place Before YouCopper in the Lump...
... Book VI. 15 Lo, if some one were to place before youcopper in the lump?... Does it
changecopper into gold, or compel worthless earthenware to become silver?...
But Unbelievers Cry, "How Can the Flesh, which Has Been Putrified...
... And when mortal ingenuity discovers that gold has its own proper vein, and silver
another, and that a far different vein ofcopper, and diverse and distinct...
The Contrast
... Love. It is a very easy thing to toss acopper to a beggar on the street;
it is generally an easier thing than not to do it. Yet...
"Something"
... The eldest brother, the brickmaker, found that every brick he turned out whole yielded
him a tinycopper coin"onlycopper"but a great many of these small...
A Notice of Aetius, Eunomius' Master in Heresy, and of Eunomius...
... broken by a blow, and which he was to mend: but he cheated the poor creature, by
appropriating her gold trinket, and giving her instead one ofcopper, of the...
Again, in C??sarea, when the Persecution had Continued to the...
... the sea. Then passing from her to the other confessors, he condemned all of
them to thecopper mines in Ph??no in Palestine. 3. Afterwards...
That God Bestows an Abundant Supply of Whatever is Suited to the...
... It is he who has also distributed the metals, as gold, silver,copper, and the rest,
in due proportion; ordaining an abundant supply of those which would be...
The Full Measure
... In other paths you may come to a knowledge of God which is by reason; but redcopper,
though at times it looks like gold, is yet not gold, butcopper only....
Book 11 Footnotes
... [8] Dr. Hudson takes notice here, that this kind of brass orcopper, or rather mixture
of gold and brass orcopper, was called aurichalcum, and that this was...
Shoes of Iron, and Strength Sufficient: a New Year's Promise
... This promise meant that Asher should have treasures under his feet"that there should,
in fact, be mines of iron andcopper within the boundaries of the tribe...
Thesaurus
Copper (55 Occurrences)... The "bow of steel" (Job 20:24; Psalm 18:34) should have been "bow of
copper"
(or "brass, " as in the RV). The vessels of "fine
copper...Copper-worker (1 Occurrence)
Copper-worker.Copper-smith,Copper-worker. Coptic . Multi-Version
ConcordanceCopper-worker (1 Occurrence). 2 Timothy...
Copper-smith (1 Occurrence)
Copper-smith. Coppersmith,Copper-smith.Copper-worker . Multi-Version
ConcordanceCopper-smith (1 Occurrence). 2 Timothy...
Brass (168 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Which is an alloy ofcopper and zinc, was not
known till the thirteenth century. What is designated by...
Metals (1 Occurrence)
... METALS. met'-alz (Latin metallum, "metal," "mine"; Greek metallon, "mine"): The
metals known by the ancients werecopper, gold, iron, lead, silver and tin....
Utensils (72 Occurrences)
... shalt make its pots to cleanse it of the fat, its shovels, and its bowls, and its
forks, and its firepans; for all the utensils thereof thou shalt employcopper...
Brazen (42 Occurrences)
... At the present time the term brass is applied to an alloy ofcopper and
zinc or ofcopper, zinc and tin. The word translated "brass...
Connecting-rods (8 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:10 and the twenty pillars thereof, and their twenty bases ofcopper, the
hooks of the pillars and their connecting-rods of silver. (DBY)....
Coins (13 Occurrences)
... native coins until the time of the Maccabees, who struck coins after gaining their
independence about 143-141 BC These kings struck silver andcopper, or the...
Acacia-wood (27 Occurrences)
... make for the curtain five pillars of acacia-wood, and overlay them with gold; their
hooks shall be of gold; and thou shalt cast five bases ofcopper for them....
Resources
What is the Plan B morning-after pill? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the modern equivalents of biblical weights and measures? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened to the Ark of the Covenant? | GotQuestions.orgCopper: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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