King James Version
What Does 1 Kings 4:3 Mean?
“Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder. scribes: or, secretaries recorder: or, remembrancer”
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:
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(3) **Sons of Shisha.**—In 1Chronicles 18:16 “Shavsha,” and in 2Samuel 20:25 “Sheva,” is mentioned as the scribe of David. Probably these are variations of the same name, and the office may have become virtually hereditary. The “scribe,” or (see Margin) “secretary,” is constantly referred to as a high officer, issuing the king’s edicts and letters, and acting in his name, like our “Secretaries of State.”
**Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud **is named in 2Samuel 8:16; 2Samuel 20:24, and 1Chronicles 18:15 as having been under David also the *“*recorder” or “remembrancer”—probably the annalist who drew up and preserved the archives of the kingdom.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge