King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 4:11 Mean?

1 Kings 4:11 in the King James Version says “The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife: The son: or, Bena Bina... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife: The son: or, Bena Binadab

1 Kings 4:11 · KJV


Context

9

The son of Dekar , in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Bethshemesh, and Elonbethhanan: The son: or, Ben Dekar

10

The son of Hesed , in Aruboth; to him pertained Sochoh, and all the land of Hepher: The son: or, Ben Heseb

11

The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife: The son: or, Bena Binadab

12

Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:

13

The son of Geber, in Ramothgilead ; to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; to him also pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars: The son: or, Ben Geber


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife:

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's administration and prosperity, 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 does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
  2. What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
בֶּן1 of 11
H0
אֲבִֽינָדָ֖ב2 of 11

The son of Abinadab

H1125

ben-abinadab, an israelite

כָּל3 of 11
H3605

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

נָ֣פַת4 of 11

in all the region

H5299

a height

דֹּ֑אר5 of 11

of Dor

H1756

dor, a place in palestine

טָפַת֙6 of 11

which had Taphath

H2955

taphath, an israelitess

בַּת7 of 11

the daughter

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה8 of 11

of Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

הָ֥יְתָה9 of 11
H1961

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

לּ֖וֹ10 of 11
H0
לְאִשָּֽׁה׃11 of 11

to wife

H802

a woman


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 4:11 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 4:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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