King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 4:19 Mean?

1 Kings 4:19 in the King James Version says “Geber the son of Uri was in the country of Gilead, in the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Basha...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Geber the son of Uri was in the country of Gilead, in the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only officer which was in the land.”

1 Kings 4:19 · KJV

Context

17

Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar:

18

Shimei the son of Elah, in Benjamin:

19

Geber the son of Uri was in the country of Gilead, in the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only officer which was in the land.

20

Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.

21

And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.

Read 1 Kings 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Geber the son of Uri was in the country of Gilead, in the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only officer which was in the land.

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 · 16 words
גֶּ֥בֶר1 of 16

“Geber”

H1398

geber, the name of two israelites

בֶּן2 of 16

“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

אֻרִ֖י3 of 16

“of Uri”

H221

uri, the name of three israelites

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃4 of 16

“in the country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

גִּלְעָ֑ד5 of 16

“of Gilead”

H1568

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

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃6 of 16

“in the country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

סִיח֣וֹן׀7 of 16

“of Sihon”

H5511

sichon, an amoritish king

מֶ֣לֶךְ8 of 16

“king”

H4428

a king

הָֽאֱמֹרִ֗י9 of 16

“of the Amorites”

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

וְעֹג֙10 of 16

“and of Og”

H5747

og, a king of bashan

מֶ֣לֶךְ11 of 16

“king”

H4428

a king

הַבָּשָׁ֔ן12 of 16

“of Bashan”

H1316

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

וּנְצִ֥יב13 of 16

“officer”

H5333

something stationary, i.e., a prefect, a military post, a statue

אֶחָ֖ד14 of 16

“and he was the only”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 16
H834

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

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃16 of 16

“in the country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 4:19 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 4:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 2:26-3:17Joshua 13:9-12Numbers 21:21-35

Places in This Verse

BashanRegion · Modern: Saham al Jawlan · 32.78°N, 35.93°E53 verses across 15 books
Gilead 1Region · Modern: Tell edh Dhahab esh Sherqiyeh · 32.19°N, 35.69°E86 verses across 21 books
View all places in 1 Kings 4 →

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Kings 4 with CommentaryAll 1 Kings ChaptersComplete 1 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes