King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 4:3 Mean?

1 Kings 4:3 in the King James Version says “Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder. scribes: or, secretaries ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder. scribes: or, secretaries recorder: or, remembrancer”

1 Kings 4:3 · KJV

Context

1

So king Solomon was king over all Israel.

2

And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest, priest: or, chief officer

3

Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder. scribes: or, secretaries recorder: or, remembrancer

4

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the host: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:

5

And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king's friend:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder.

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 · 9 words
אֱלִיחֹ֧רֶף1 of 9

“Elihoreph”

H456

elichoreph, an israelite

וַֽאֲחִיָּ֛ה2 of 9

“and Ahiah”

H281

achijah, the name of nine israelites

בֶּן3 of 9

“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

שִׁישָׁ֖א4 of 9

“of Shisha”

H7894

shisha, an israelite

סֹֽפְרִ֑ים5 of 9

“scribes”

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֥ט6 of 9

“Jehoshaphat”

H3092

jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem

בֶּן7 of 9

“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

אֲחִיל֖וּד8 of 9

“of Ahilud”

H286

achilud, an israelite

הַמַּזְכִּֽיר׃9 of 9

“the recorder”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

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 4:3 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 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 8:162 Samuel 20:24-251 Chronicles 18:6Isaiah 62:61 Chronicles 18:15

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