Boy Old Testament Known
Hiram
exaltation of life; a destroyer
חִירָם chi.ram
Hiram (Hebrew: חִירָם, chi.ram) means “exaltation of life; a destroyer”, by traditional interpretation. Two men in scripture bear the name; the best attested is a king. In 2025 it was given to 103 children in the United States. Around 14,456 Americans have been given it since 1880. Appears in the same passages as Boaz.
Which Hiram?
Two men in scripture bear this name. Here is each of them.
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Hiram
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Hiram
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 29 across 4 books
- Bearers
- 2 distinct people in scripture
- Testament
- Old
- Era
- United Monarchy
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 103 | Steady |
| All-time total | 14,456 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 221 in 1920 | Its highest year on record |
| Strongest state | TX | Highest share relative to births |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | 2 Samuel 5:11 |
| Last appears | 2 Chronicles 9:21 |
| Cross-references | 339 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Eliphelet co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Eliphelet.
- Elishama co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Elishama.
- Elishua co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Elishua.
- Japhia co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Japhia.
- Nepheg co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Nepheg.
- Ibhar co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Ibhar.
- Eliada co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Eliada.
- Solomon co-occurrence Appears with Solomon in 1 Kings 7.
Origin & meaning
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.7.13; also called Huram-abi (KJV: "Huram my father's") at 2Ch.2.13; 4.16;
§ Hiram, Huram = "noble"
1) the king of Tyre who sent workmen and materials to Jerusalem to build both the palace for David and the temple for Solomon
2) the chief architect and engineer of Solomon's temple sent by King Hiram to Solomon
Hiram, a skilled craftsman from Tyre, was commissioned by Solomon to create the bronze furnishings for the temple.
The biblical story
Hiram, also known as Huram or Huram-abi, was a highly skilled craftsman from Tyre who was commissioned by King Solomon to create the bronze furnishings for the First Temple in Jerusalem. He is mentioned in 1 Kings 7 and 2 Chronicles 2 and 4.
Hiram was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a craftsman from Tyre (1Ki.7.14; 2Ch.2.14). He was renowned for his expertise in working with bronze, as well as his skill in engraving, designing, and executing various artistic works.
King Solomon requested that Hiram, the king of Tyre, send him this skilled craftsman to assist in the construction of the temple (2Ch.2.13-14). Hiram the craftsman was then sent to Jerusalem, where he created the bronze pillars, the bronze Sea (a large basin), the bronze stands, and various other bronze furnishings for the temple (1Ki.7.15-45; 2Ch.4.11-16).
The detailed descriptions of Hiram's work in the biblical text underscore the importance and magnificence of the temple furnishings. His contributions were integral to the beauty and functionality of the temple, and his skill and artistry were highly valued by both Solomon and the people of Israel.
Key verses
Hiram appears in 6 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
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And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre.
1 Kings 7:13 -
And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basons. So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he made king Solomon for the house of the Lord:
1 Kings 7:40 -
And the pots, and the shovels, and the basons: and all these vessels, which Hiram made to king Solomon for the house of the Lord, were of bright brass.
1 Kings 7:45 -
And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father’s,
2 Chronicles 2:13 -
And Huram made the pots, and the shovels, and the basons. And Huram finished the work that he was to make for king Solomon for the house of God;
2 Chronicles 4:11
Show all 6 references
1 Kings (3)
- 1 Kings 7:13
- 1 Kings 7:40
- 1 Kings 7:45
2 Chronicles (3)
- 2 Chronicles 2:13
- 2 Chronicles 4:11
- 2 Chronicles 4:16