Meaning
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" (2Sam 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 1Kings 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 (1Kings 7:14). Copper abounded in Palestine (Deut 8:9; Isa 60:17; 1Chr 22:3, 14). All sorts of vessels in the tabernacle and the temple were made of it (Lev 6:28; Num 16:39; 2Chr 4:16; Ezra 8:27); also weapons of war (1Sam 17:5, 6, 38; 2Sam 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 (2Tim 4:14).
