King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 4:28 Mean?

1 Kings 4:28 in the King James Version says “Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto the place where the officers were, every man acco...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto the place where the officers were, every man according to his charge. dromedaries: or, mules, or, swift beasts”

1 Kings 4:28 · KJV

Context

26

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

27

And those officers provided victual for king Solomon, and for all that came unto king Solomon's table, every man in his month: they lacked nothing.

28

Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto the place where the officers were, every man according to his charge. dromedaries: or, mules, or, swift beasts

29

And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.

30

And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto the place where the officers were, every man according to his charge.

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 · 12 words
וְהַשְּׂעֹרִ֣ים1 of 12

“Barley”

H8184

barley (as villose)

וְהַתֶּ֔בֶן2 of 12

“also and straw”

H8401

properly, material, i.e., (specifically) refuse haum or stalks of grain (as chopped in threshing and used for fodder)

לַסּוּסִ֖ים3 of 12

“for the horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

וְלָרָ֑כֶשׁ4 of 12

“and dromedaries”

H7409

a relay of animals on a post-route (as stored up for that purpose); by implication, a courser

יָבִ֗אוּ5 of 12

“brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל6 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּקוֹם֙7 of 12

“they unto the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 12
H834

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

יִֽהְיֶה9 of 12
H1961

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

שָּׁ֔ם10 of 12
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אִ֖ישׁ11 of 12

“where the officers were every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כְּמִשְׁפָּטֽוֹ׃12 of 12

“according to his charge”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

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 4:28 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 4:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 8:10Esther 8:14Micah 1:13

Test Your Knowledge

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