נְחֹשֶׁת
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e. coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
Definition
נְחֹשֶׁת primarily refers to copper, a reddish-brown metal that was one of the earliest metals worked by humanity. In the Bible, it denotes the raw material (Genesis 4:22), items crafted from it like the altar in the Tabernacle (Exodus 27:2), and even copper coins or money (Matthew 10:9 in the LXX context). Figuratively, it symbolizes something inferior or common when compared to precious metals like silver or gold, as seen in Isaiah 60:17. In some contexts, it can refer to bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, used for weapons and tools, or poetically to 'chains' or 'fetters' (Judges 16:21, 2 Kings 25:7).
Biblical Usage
נְחֹשֶׁת appears 119 times, predominantly in the Pentateuch's descriptions of the Tabernacle's construction (e.g., Exodus 25-27) and in historical books for military gear and temple furnishings (1 Kings 7, 2 Chronicles 4). It is used for practical items like mirrors (Exodus 38:8), musical instruments (1 Chronicles 15:19), and city gates (Psalm 107:16). Prophetic books employ it metaphorically for judgment or baseness, as in Jeremiah's 'brasen wall' (Jeremiah 1:18) and Ezekiel's description of Israel as stubborn 'brass' (Ezekiel 22:18).
Etymology
Derived from the root נ־ח־שׁ (n-ḥ-š), which relates to divination or enchantment (as in נָחָשׁ, H5175, 'serpent' or 'to practice divination'), though the connection to metal is debated. It is a variant of נְחוּשָׁה (H5154), both meaning 'copper' or 'bronze.' The term reflects the ancient Near Eastern mastery of metallurgy, with cognates in other Semitic languages like Akkadian 'erû' (copper).
Semantic Range
נְחֹשֶׁת holds theological significance as a symbol of God's provision and human craftsmanship in worship, notably in the Tabernacle where it represented accessibility (the bronze altar for sacrifices) and judgment. Its figurative use underscores themes of human sinfulness and stubbornness before God (Isaiah 48:4, Jeremiah 6:28), contrasting with the purity of gold and silver representing divine holiness. Understanding this enriches readings of passages where 'bronze' signifies strength in weakness, as in God making Jeremiah a 'fortified city... and a bronze wall' (Jeremiah 1:18).
In ancient Israel, copper/bronze was essential for tools, weapons, and sacred objects, reflecting technological advancement and economic value. Unlike modern precision, biblical 'brass' often implied alloys, with copper mined in regions like Edom (Deuteronomy 8:9). Its use in the Tabernacle and Temple highlighted its durability and commonality, making divine worship tangible. The metal's association with chains (e.g., Samson's fetters in Judges 16:21) also illustrated its role in captivity and judgment.
זָהָב (zāhāv, H2091) — gold, representing purity and divinity, contrasted with נְחֹשֶׁת's commonality. כֶּסֶף (keseph, H3701) — silver, often symbolizing redemption or value, finer than copper. בַּרְזֶל (barzel, H1270) — iron, denoting strength and weaponry, harder and more durable than bronze.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →