King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 4:5 Mean?

1 Kings 4:5 in the King James Version says “And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king's f...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 4:5 · KJV

Context

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:

6

And Ahishar was over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute. tribute: or, levy

7

And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision.

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Commentary

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

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 · 11 words
וַֽעֲזַרְיָ֥הוּ1 of 11

“And Azariah”

H5838

azarjah, the name of nineteen israelites

בֶּן2 of 11

“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

נָתָ֛ן3 of 11

“of Nathan”

H5416

nathan, the name of five israelites

עַל4 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַנִּצָּבִ֑ים5 of 11

“was over the officers”

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

וְזָב֧וּד6 of 11

“and Zabud”

H2071

given, zabud, an israelite

בֶּן7 of 11

“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

נָתָ֛ן8 of 11

“of Nathan”

H5416

nathan, the name of five israelites

כֹּהֵ֖ן9 of 11

“was principal officer”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

רֵעֶ֥ה10 of 11

“friend”

H7463

a (male) companion

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃11 of 11

“and the king's”

H4428

a king

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 4:5 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 4:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 27:332 Samuel 16:162 Samuel 15:371 Kings 4:72 Samuel 19:37-382 Samuel 12:25

Test Your Knowledge

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