King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 10:25 Mean?

1 Kings 10:25 in the King James Version says “And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, ho...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.”

1 Kings 10:25 · King James Version

Context

23

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

24

And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. sought to: Heb. sought the face of

25

And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.

26

And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.

27

And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycomore trees that are in the vale, for abundance. made: Heb. gave

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.

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?

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְהֵ֣מָּה1 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מְבִאִ֣ים2 of 16

“And they brought”

H935

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

אִ֣ישׁ3 of 16

“every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִנְחָת֡וֹ4 of 16

“his present”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

וּכְלֵ֨י5 of 16

“and vessels”

H3627

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

כֶסֶף֩6 of 16

“of silver”

H3701

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

וּכְלֵ֨י7 of 16

“and vessels”

H3627

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

זָהָ֤ב8 of 16

“of gold”

H2091

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

וּשְׂלָמוֹת֙9 of 16

“and garments”

H8008

a dress

וְנֵ֣שֶׁק10 of 16

“and armour”

H5402

military equipment, i.e., (collectively) arms (offensive or defensive), or (concretely) an arsenal

וּבְשָׂמִ֔ים11 of 16

“and spices”

H1314

fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant

סוּסִ֖ים12 of 16

“horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

וּפְרָדִ֑ים13 of 16

“and mules”

H6505

a mule (perhaps from his lonely habits)

דְּבַר14 of 16

“a rate”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

בְּשָׁנָֽה׃15 of 16

“by year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

בְּשָׁנָֽה׃16 of 16

“by year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

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 10:25 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 10:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 72:10Matthew 2:11Isaiah 66:20Job 42:11Psalms 72:15Esther 8:14

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