King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 10:2 Mean?

1 Kings 10:2 in the King James Version says “And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

1 Kings 10:2 · KJV


Context

1

And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.

2

And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

3

And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not. questions: Heb. words

4

And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

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 · 24 words
וַתָּבֹא֙1 of 24

And she came

H935

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

יְרֽוּשָׁלְַ֗מָה2 of 24

to Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

בְּחַיִל֮3 of 24

train

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

כָּבֵ֣ד4 of 24

great

H3515

heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)

מְאֹ֖ד5 of 24

and very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

גְּ֠מַלִּים6 of 24

with camels

H1581

a camel

נֹֽשְׂאִ֨ים7 of 24

that bare

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

בְּשָׂמִ֧ים8 of 24

spices

H1314

fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant

וְזָהָ֛ב9 of 24

gold

H2091

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

רַב10 of 24

much

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

מְאֹ֖ד11 of 24

and very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וְאֶ֣בֶן12 of 24

stones

H68

a stone

יְקָרָ֑ה13 of 24

and precious

H3368

valuable (objectively or subjectively)

וַתָּבֹא֙14 of 24

And she came

H935

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

אֶל15 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה16 of 24

to Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וַתְּדַבֵּ֣ר17 of 24

she communed

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלָ֔יו18 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֵ֛ת19 of 24
H853

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

כָּל20 of 24
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר21 of 24
H834

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

הָיָ֖ה22 of 24
H1961

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

עִם23 of 24
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

לְבָבָֽהּ׃24 of 24

with him of all that was in her heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)


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 10:2 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 10:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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