חִירָם (chi.ram)
chi.ram
Hiram
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name ḥîrām, meaning "noble," refers to two distinct figures in the narrative of Israel’s United Monarchy. The first is a king of Tyre who established a diplomatic alliance with David and later Solomon, supplying cedar wood, skilled craftsmen, and gold for the construction of the royal palace and the Temple (2 Samuel 5:11; 1 Kings 5:1). This Hiram facilitated the architectural ambitions of Jerusalem through material support and political goodwill.
A second individual, also named ḥîrām but spelled with a different vowel pattern in Hebrew, served as the chief artisan sent by the Tyrian king. Described as a widow’s son from the tribe of Naphtali with exceptional skill in bronze work, he crafted the elaborate furnishings for the Temple (1 Kings 7:13-14). While the sources distinguish these two men—one a monarch, the other an engineer—they share a name that underscores the high status associated with Tyrian expertise in ancient Israelite history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hiram appears in Scripture as a reminder that God often uses unexpected partners to advance His purposes. Whether referring to the Tyrian king who supplied cedar for Solomon’s Temple or the skilled artisan who crafted its bronze furnishings, this figure illustrates how divine plans extend beyond national borders. The construction of the holy place relied on international cooperation and specialized talent, showing that God values expertise and goodwill from all nations.
For believers today, Hiram’s story encourages appreciation for the diverse gifts within the community of faith. Just as Solomon needed Tyrian resources to build the Temple, the Church benefits from varied skills and perspectives. This narrative invites us to recognize how God weaves together different talents and relationships to accomplish His work, fostering unity through shared purpose rather than uniformity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hiram11×
- to/ Hiram1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חִירָ֖ם2×
- לְ/חִירָם֙1×
- חִירָם֙1×
- חִירָ֨ם1×
- חִירָ֤ם1×
- חִירָ֣ם1×
- חִירָ֛ם1×
- חִירָ֗ם1×
- חִירָ֔ם1×
- חִירָ֑ם1×
- חִיר֔וֹם1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 7:13
King Solomon sent and brought Hiram out of Tyre.
This verse introduces the artisan Hiram, highlighting his specific role as a master worker brought from Tyre to execute the detailed bronze work for the Temple.
-
II Samuel 5:11
Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, with cedar trees, carpenters, and masons; and they built David a house.
Here the political Hiram initiates a covenant relationship with David, providing essential materials that demonstrate God’s provision through foreign alliances.
-
I Kings 9:14
Hiram sent to the king one hundred twenty talents of gold.
The mention of Hiram sending gold shows his continued financial support for Solomon, reflecting the reciprocal nature of their diplomatic agreement.