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 Kings 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 Kings 7:14). Copper abounded in Palestine (Deut. 8:9; Isa. 60:17; 1 Chr. 22:3, 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, 6, 38; 2 Sam. 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 (2 Tim. 4:14).

Heb. nechosheth, in the Authorized Version always rendered “brass,” except in (Ezra 8:27) and Jere 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 17:5,6,38; 2 Samuel 21:16)

COP'PER, a well-known metal, once as "precious as gold." Ezr 8:27; 2 Tim 4:14. The word translated "copper" in Ezra is elsewhere improperly rendered Brass, which see.

COP'PER, a well-known metal, once as "precious as gold." Ezr 8:27; 2 Tim 4:14. The word translated "copper" in Ezra is elsewhere improperly rendered Brass, which see.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A common metal of a reddish color, both ductile and malleable, and very tenacious. It is one of the best conductors of heat and electricity. Symbol Cu. Atomic weight 63.3. It is one of the most useful metals in itself, and also in its alloys, brass and bronze.

2. A coin made of copper; a penny, cent, or other minor coin of copper. [Colloq.] My friends filled my pockets with coppers. Franklin.

3. A vessel, especially a large boiler, made of copper.

4. pl. Specifically (Naut.),

5. the boilers in the galley for cooking; as, a ship's coppers.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To cover or coat with copper; to sheathe with sheets of copper; as, to copper a ship.