King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 4:13 Mean?

1 Kings 4:13 in the King James Version says “The son of Geber, in Ramothgilead ; to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; to him ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 4:13 · KJV


Context

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

14

Ahinadab the son of Iddo had Mahanaim: Mahanaim: or, to Mahanaim

15

Ahimaaz was in Naphtali; he also took Basmath the daughter of Solomon to wife:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The son of Geber, in Ramoth-gilead; 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:

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.

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 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 · 22 words
בֶּן1 of 22
H0
גֶּ֖בֶר2 of 22

The son of Geber

H1127

ben-geber, an israelite

בְּרָמֹ֣ת3 of 22
H7433

ramoth-gilad, a place east of the jordan

בַּגִּלְעָ֗ד4 of 22

in Ramothgilead

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

ל֡וֹ5 of 22
H0
חַוֹּת֩6 of 22

to him pertained the towns

H2333

by implication, an encampment or village

יָאִ֨יר7 of 22

of Jair

H2971

jair, the name of four israelites

בֶּן8 of 22

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מְנַשֶּׁ֜ה9 of 22

of Manasseh

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 22
H834

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

בַּגִּלְעָ֗ד11 of 22

in Ramothgilead

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

ל֚וֹ12 of 22
H0
חֶ֤בֶל13 of 22

to him also pertained the region

H2256

ruin

אַרְגֹּב֙14 of 22

of Argob

H709

argob, a district of palestine

אֲשֶׁ֣ר15 of 22
H834

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

בַּבָּשָׁ֔ן16 of 22

which is in Bashan

H1316

bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan

שִׁשִּׁים֙17 of 22

threescore

H8346

sixty

עָרִ֣ים18 of 22

cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

גְּדֹל֔וֹת19 of 22

great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

חוֹמָ֖ה20 of 22

with walls

H2346

a wall of protection

וּבְרִ֥יחַ21 of 22

bars

H1280

a bolt

נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃22 of 22

and brasen

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)


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 4:13 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 4:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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