King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 10:21 Mean?

1 Kings 10:21 in the King James Version says “And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon. none: or, there was no silver in them

1 Kings 10:21 · KJV


Context

19

The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays. behind: Heb. on the hinder part thereof stays: Heb. hands

20

And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom. the like: Heb. so

21

And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon. none: or, there was no silver in them

22

For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. ivory: or, elephants' teeth

23

So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְ֠כֹל1 of 20
H3605

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

כְּלֵ֛י2 of 20

and all the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

מַשְׁקֵ֨ה3 of 20

drinking

H4945

properly, causing to drink, i.e., a butler; by implication (intransitively), drink (itself); figuratively, a well-watered region

הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ4 of 20

And all king

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה5 of 20

Solomon's

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

זָהָ֣ב6 of 20

gold

H2091

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

וְכֹ֗ל7 of 20
H3605

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

כְּלֵ֛י8 of 20

and all the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

בֵּֽית9 of 20

of the house

H1004

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

יַ֥עַר10 of 20

of the forest

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

הַלְּבָנ֖וֹן11 of 20

of Lebanon

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

זָהָ֣ב12 of 20

gold

H2091

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

סָג֑וּר13 of 20

were of pure

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

אֵ֣ין14 of 20
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

כֶּ֗סֶף15 of 20

none were of silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

לֹ֥א16 of 20
H3808

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

נֶחְשָׁ֛ב17 of 20

accounted

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

בִּימֵ֥י18 of 20

of in the days

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

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה19 of 20

Solomon's

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

לִמְאֽוּמָה׃20 of 20

it was nothing

H3972

properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing


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 10:21 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 10:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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