King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 4:6 Mean?

1 Kings 4:6 in the King James Version says “And Ahishar was over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute. tribute: or, levy” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 4:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

And these are their names: The son of Hur, in mount Ephraim: The son: or, Benhur

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Ahishar was over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute.

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 temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').

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 · 8 words
וַֽאֲחִישָׁ֖ר1 of 8

“And Ahishar”

H301

achishar, an israelite

עַל2 of 8
H5921

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

הַבָּ֑יִת3 of 8

“was over the household”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וַאֲדֹֽנִירָ֥ם4 of 8

“and Adoniram”

H141

adoniram, an israelite

בֶּן5 of 8

“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

עַבְדָּ֖א6 of 8

“of Abda”

H5653

abda, the name of two israelites

עַל7 of 8
H5921

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

הַמַּֽס׃8 of 8

“was over the tribute”

H4522

properly, a burden (as causing to faint), i.e., a tax in the form of forced labor

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 4:6 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 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 20:241 Kings 9:151 Kings 12:181 Kings 5:13-14

Test Your Knowledge

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