Old Testament
1 Kings 7:47
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, we see King Solomon overseeing the construction of the temple and the vast amount of bronze used for its furnishings.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Solomon did not weigh any of the items because there were so many of them, and the weight of the bronze was not determined.
And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because they were exceeding many: neither was the weight of the brass found out.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see King Solomon overseeing the construction of the temple and the vast amount of bronze used for its furnishings. The sheer number of items made it impractical to weigh them all. Solomon chose not to focus on the exact weight, which suggests that the value of these items was not in their measurement but in their purpose. This reflects a deeper understanding that sometimes, the significance of our efforts and resources cannot be quantified. Instead of getting bogged down by details, Solomon prioritized the overall vision and mission of the temple. This decision highlights the importance of focusing on what truly matters rather than getting lost in minutiae. It teaches us that in our own lives, we should recognize when to let go of the need for precision and instead embrace the bigger picture. By doing so, we can channel our energy into meaningful actions that contribute to our goals and values, just as Solomon did with the temple's construction. His example encourages us to find balance between detail and purpose. Explore related fear.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Kings 7:47 to your life
In our daily lives, we often get caught up in the details and lose sight of our main goals. Like Solomon, we should learn to prioritize what truly matters. Embrace the bigger picture and focus on actions that align with your values. This approach can lead to more meaningful outcomes and fulfillment in your endeavors. Remember, not everything needs to be measured to be valuable or impactful.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 7:47 mean?
1 Kings 7:47 describes King Solomon's decision not to weigh the vast amount of bronze used for the temple's furnishings. This indicates that the quantity was so great that it was impractical to measure, emphasizing that the value of these items lies in their purpose rather than their weight.
How does 1 Kings 7:47 apply to our lives today?
The verse teaches us to prioritize what truly matters in our lives and to focus on our main goals rather than getting bogged down by details. It encourages us to embrace the bigger picture and recognize that not everything needs to be measured to be valuable.
What themes are present in 1 Kings 7:47?
Key themes in this verse include the value of purpose, the importance of focusing on a vision, prioritizing what matters, and the idea of letting go of unnecessary details in pursuit of meaningful goals.

The Book of 1 Kings
1 Kings 1: Solomon Becomes King
As King David is old and frail, his fourth son, Adonijah, makes a bid for the throne. He gathers the support of Joab, David's long-time military commander, and Abiathar the priest, and begins to act as king, complete with a royal procession. However, he does not invite the prophet Nathan, the priest Zadok, Benaiah (the captain of David's personal guard), or his own half-brother, Solomon.
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