King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 10:15 Mean?

1 Kings 10:15 in the King James Version says “Beside that he had of the merchantmen , and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 10:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

And he made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three pound of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.

Read 1 Kings 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
לְבַד֙1 of 10
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

מֵֽאַנְשֵׁ֣י2 of 10

“Beside that he had of the merchantmen”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

הַתָּרִ֔ים3 of 10
H8446

to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring

וּמִסְחַ֖ר4 of 10

“and of the traffick”

H4536

trade

הָרֹֽכְלִ֑ים5 of 10

“of the spice merchants”

H7402

to travel for trading

וְכָל6 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַלְכֵ֥י7 of 10

“and of all the kings”

H4428

a king

הָעֶ֖רֶב8 of 10

“of Arabia”

H6153

dusk

וּפַח֥וֹת9 of 10

“and of the governors”

H6346

a prefect (of a city or small district)

הָאָֽרֶץ׃10 of 10

“of the country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 10:15 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 10:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 21:13Galatians 4:252 Chronicles 9:13-141 Chronicles 9:24Psalms 72:10

Places in This Verse

Arabia 1Region · Modern: Arabian Peninsula · 23.00°N, 46.00°E6 verses across 5 books
View all places in 1 Kings 10 →

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