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 Samuel 22:35 ; Jeremiah 15:12 ). The "bow of steel" ( Job 20:24 ; Psalms 18:34 ) should have been "bow of copper" (or "brass," as in the RSV). The vessels of "fine copper" of Ezra 8:27 were probably similar to those of "bright brass" mentioned in 1 Kings 7:45 ; Daniel 10:6 .

Tubal-cain was the first artificer in brass and iron ( Genesis 4:22 ). Hiram was noted as a worker in brass ( 1 Kings 7:14 ). Copper abounded in Palestine ( Deuteronomy 8:9 ; Isaiah 60:17 ; 1 Chronicles 22:3 1 Chronicles 22:14 ). All sorts of vessels in the tabernacle and the temple were made of it ( Leviticus 6:28 ; Numbers 16:39 ; 2 Chr 4:16 ; Ezra 8:27 ); also weapons of war ( 1 Samuel 17:5 1 Samuel 17:6 1 Samuel 17:38 ; 2 Sam 21:16 ). Iron is mentioned only four times ( Genesis 4:22 ; Leviticus 26:19 ; Numbers 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 Timothy 4:14 ).

These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.