King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 10:27 Mean?

1 Kings 10:27 in the King James Version says “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 va...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 10:27 · KJV

Context

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

28

And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price. And Solomon: Heb. And the going forth of the horses which was Solomon's

29

And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means. by their: Heb. by their hand

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 13 words
נָתַ֛ן1 of 13

“made”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

הַמֶּ֧לֶךְ2 of 13

“And the king”

H4428

a king

אֶת3 of 13
H853

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

הַכֶּ֛סֶף4 of 13

“silver”

H3701

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

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם5 of 13

“to be in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

כָּֽאֲבָנִ֑ים6 of 13

“as stones”

H68

a stone

וְאֵ֣ת7 of 13
H853

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

הָֽאֲרָזִ֗ים8 of 13

“and cedars”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

נָתַ֛ן9 of 13

“made”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

כַּשִּׁקְמִ֥ים10 of 13

“he to be as the sycomore trees”

H8256

a sycamore (usually the tree)

אֲשֶׁר11 of 13
H834

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

בַּשְּׁפֵלָ֖ה12 of 13

“that are in the vale”

H8219

lowland, i.e., (with the article) the maritime slope of palestine

לָרֹֽב׃13 of 13

“for abundance”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

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 10:27 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 10:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 22:24-252 Chronicles 9:272 Chronicles 1:15-17Deuteronomy 17:17

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
ShephelahRegion · Modern: Shephelah · 31.69°N, 34.88°E19 verses across 9 books
View all places in 1 Kings 10 →

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