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” (2 Sam 22:35; Jer 15:12). The “bow of steel” (Job 20:24; Ps 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 Kgs 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 (1 Kgs 7:14). Copper abounded in Palestine (Deut 8:9; Isa 60:17; 1 Chr 22:3, 1 Chr 22:14). All sorts of vessels in the tabernacle and the temple were made of it (Lev 6:28; Num 16:39; 2 Chr 4:16; Ezra 8:27); also weapons of war (1 Sam 17:5, 1 Sam 17:6, 1 Sam 17:38; 2 Sam 21:16). Iron is mentioned only four times (Gen 4:22; Lev 26:19; Num 31:22; Num 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 (2 Tim 4:14).
From Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897), by Matthew George Easton.
