King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 4:16 Mean?

1 Kings 4:16 in the King James Version says “Baanah the son of Hushai was in Asher and in Aloth:” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Baanah the son of Hushai was in Asher and in Aloth:”

1 Kings 4:16 · KJV

Context

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:

16

Baanah the son of Hushai was in Asher and in Aloth:

17

Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar:

18

Shimei the son of Elah, in Benjamin:

Read 1 Kings 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Baanah the son of Hushai was in Asher and in Aloth:

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 · 5 words
בַּֽעֲנָא֙1 of 5

“Baanah”

H1195

banana, the name of four israelite

בֶּן2 of 5

“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

חוּשָׁ֔י3 of 5

“of Hushai”

H2365

chushai, an israelite

בְּאָשֵׁ֖ר4 of 5

“was in Asher”

H836

asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine

וּבְעָלֽוֹת׃5 of 5

“and in Aloth”

H1175

bealoth, a place in palestine

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 4:16 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 4:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 19:24-312 Samuel 15:32

Places in This Verse

Bealoth 2Settlement · Modern: Beer Yeroham · 30.99°N, 34.91°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in 1 Kings 4 →

Test Your Knowledge

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