King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 10:14 Mean?

1 Kings 10:14 in the King James Version says “Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 10:14 · KJV

Context

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,

15

Beside that he had of the merchantmen , and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country. governors: or, captains

16

And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of gold went to one target.

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Commentary

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

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 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.

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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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִשְׁקַ֣ל2 of 14

“Now the weight”

H4948

weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act)

זָהָֽב׃3 of 14

“of gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

אֲשֶׁר4 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּ֥א5 of 14

“that came”

H935

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

לִשְׁלֹמֹ֖ה6 of 14

“to Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בְּשָׁנָ֣ה7 of 14

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

אֶחָ֑ת8 of 14

“in one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וָשֵׁ֖שׁ9 of 14

“and six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

מֵא֛וֹת10 of 14

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שִׁשִּׁ֥ים11 of 14

“threescore”

H8346

sixty

וָשֵׁ֖שׁ12 of 14

“and six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

כִּכַּ֥ר13 of 14

“talents”

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

זָהָֽב׃14 of 14

“of gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

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 10:14 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 10:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 9:13-281 Kings 9:28

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