King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 4:21 Mean?

1 Kings 4:21 in the King James Version says “And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: the... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 4:21 · KJV


Context

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.

22

And Solomon's provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flour, and threescore measures of meal, provision: Heb. bread measures: Heb. cors

23

Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 20 words
שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה1 of 20

And Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

הָיָ֤ה2 of 20
H1961

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

מוֹשֵׁל֙3 of 20

reigned

H4910

to rule

בְּכָל4 of 20
H3605

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

הַמַּמְלָכ֔וֹת5 of 20

over all kingdoms

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

מִן6 of 20
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַנָּהָר֙7 of 20

from the river

H5104

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

אֶ֣רֶץ8 of 20

unto the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים9 of 20

of the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וְעַ֖ד10 of 20
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

גְּב֣וּל11 of 20

and unto the border

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

מִצְרָ֑יִם12 of 20

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

מַגִּשִׁ֥ים13 of 20

they brought

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

מִנְחָ֛ה14 of 20

presents

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

וְעֹֽבְדִ֥ים15 of 20

and served

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

אֶת16 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה17 of 20

And Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

כָּל18 of 20
H3605

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

יְמֵ֥י19 of 20

all the days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

חַיָּֽיו׃20 of 20

of his life

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin


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 4:21 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 4:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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