King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 4:24 Mean?

1 Kings 4:24 in the King James Version says “For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this s... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.

1 Kings 4:24 · KJV


Context

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.

24

For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.

25

And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon. safely: Heb. confidently

26

And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.

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 · 19 words
כִּי1 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ה֞וּא2 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

רֹדֶ֣ה׀3 of 19

For he had dominion

H7287

to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off

בְּכָל4 of 19
H3605

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

עֲבָרָ֖יו5 of 19

on this side

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

הַנָּהָ֑ר6 of 19

the river

H5104

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

מִתִּפְסַח֙7 of 19

from Tiphsah

H8607

tiphsach, a place in mesopotamia

וְעַד8 of 19
H5704

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

עַזָּ֔ה9 of 19

even to Azzah

H5804

azzah, a place in palestine

בְּכָל10 of 19
H3605

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

מַלְכֵ֖י11 of 19

over all the kings

H4428

a king

עֲבָרָ֖יו12 of 19

on this side

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

הַנָּהָ֑ר13 of 19

the river

H5104

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

וְשָׁל֗וֹם14 of 19

and he had peace

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

הָ֥יָה15 of 19
H1961

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

ל֛וֹ16 of 19
H0
מִכָּל17 of 19
H3605

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

עֲבָרָ֖יו18 of 19

on this side

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

מִסָּבִֽיב׃19 of 19

round about

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around


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 4:24 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 4:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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