King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 10:29 Mean?

1 Kings 10:29 in the King James Version says “And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: an...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 10:29 · KJV

Context

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 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.

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 · 18 words
וַֽ֠תַּעֲלֶה1 of 18

“came up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

יֹצִֽאוּ׃2 of 18

“and went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מֶרְכָּבָ֤ה3 of 18

“And a chariot”

H4818

a chariot

מִמִּצְרַ֙יִם֙4 of 18

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בְּשֵׁ֣שׁ5 of 18

“for six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

וּמֵאָ֑ה6 of 18

“for an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

כֶּ֔סֶף7 of 18

“shekels of silver”

H3701

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

וְס֖וּס8 of 18

“and an horse”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

בַּֽחֲמִשִּׁ֣ים9 of 18

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

וּמֵאָ֑ה10 of 18

“for an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְ֠כֵן11 of 18
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

לְכָל12 of 18
H3605

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

וּלְמַלְכֵ֥י13 of 18

“and for the kings”

H4428

a king

הַֽחִתִּ֛ים14 of 18

“of the Hittites”

H2850

a chittite, or descendant of cheth

וּלְמַלְכֵ֥י15 of 18

“and for the kings”

H4428

a king

אֲרָ֖ם16 of 18

“of Syria”

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

בְּיָדָ֥ם17 of 18

“by their means”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יֹצִֽאוּ׃18 of 18

“and went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

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 10:29 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 10:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 1:42 Kings 7:6-7Hosea 12:10Malachi 1:1

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
Syria 1Region · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E89 verses across 10 books
View all places in 1 Kings 10 →

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