Dictionaries :: Copper

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Copper:

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" (2Sa 22:35; Jer 15:12). The "bow of steel" (Job 20:24; Psa 18:34) should have been "bow of copper" (or "brass," as in the R.V.). The vessels of "fine copper" of Ezr 8:27 were probably similar to those of "bright brass" mentioned in 1Ki 7:45; Dan 10:6.

Tubal-cain was the first artificer in brass and iron (Gen 4:22). Hiram was noted as a worker in brass (1Ki 7:14). Copper abounded in Palestine (Deu 8:9; Isa 60:17; 1Ch 22:3,14). All sorts of vessels in the tabernacle and the temple were made of it (Lev 6:28; Num 16:39; 2Ch 4:16; Ezr 8:27); also weapons of war (1Sa 17:5,6,38; 2Sa 21:16). Iron is mentioned only four times (Gen 4:22; Lev 26:19; Num 31:22; 35:16) in the first four books of Moses, while copper (rendered "brass") is mentioned forty times. (See BRASS.)

We find mention of Alexander (q.v.), a "coppersmith" of Ephesus (2Ti 4:14).

International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia

Copper:

kop'-er (nechosheth): The word is translated "copper" in only one passage (Ezr 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 as De 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 (compare Job 40:18). This is true also of coins as chalkos, in Mt 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.

Written by James A. Patch

Nave's Topical Bible

Copper: Incorrectly Translated Brass

Deu 8:9

Copper: Reference Concerning

See BRASS

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Copper:

(Heb. nechosheth) in the Authorized Version always rendered "brass," except in Ezra 8:27 and Jeremiah 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; 17:38; 2 Samuel 21:16).