King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 10:12 Mean?

1 Kings 10:12 in the King James Version says “And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the LORD, and for the king's house, harps also and psalter...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the LORD, and for the king's house, harps also and psalteries for singers: there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day. pillars: or, rails: Heb. a prop”

1 Kings 10:12 · King James Version


Context

10

And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.

11

And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.

12

And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the LORD, and for the king's house, harps also and psalteries for singers: there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day. pillars: or, rails: Heb. a prop

13

And king Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. So she turned and went to her own country, she and her servants. of his: Heb. according to the hand of king Solomon

14

Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the LORD, and for the king's house, harps also and psalteries for singers: there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
  2. What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ1 of 23

“made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ2 of 23

“And the king”

H4428

a king

אֶת3 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲצֵ֤י4 of 23

“trees”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

אַלְמֻגִּים֙5 of 23

“no such almug”

H484

almug (i.e., probably sandle-wood) sticks

מִסְעָ֤ד6 of 23

“pillars”

H4552

a balustrade (for stairs)

וּלְבֵ֣ית7 of 23

“for the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָה֙8 of 23

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וּלְבֵ֣ית9 of 23

“for the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ10 of 23

“And the king”

H4428

a king

וְכִנֹּר֥וֹת11 of 23

“harps”

H3658

a harp

וּנְבָלִ֖ים12 of 23

“also and psalteries”

H5035

a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)

לַשָּׁרִ֑ים13 of 23

“for singers”

H7891

to sing

לֹ֣א14 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

בָא15 of 23

“there came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כֵ֞ן16 of 23
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

עֲצֵ֤י17 of 23

“trees”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

אַלְמֻגִּים֙18 of 23

“no such almug”

H484

almug (i.e., probably sandle-wood) sticks

וְלֹ֣א19 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִרְאָ֔ה20 of 23

“nor were seen”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

עַ֖ד21 of 23
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַיּ֥וֹם22 of 23

“unto this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּֽה׃23 of 23
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 10:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 10:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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