King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 5:1 Mean?

1 Kings 5:1 in the King James Version says “And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of h... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David.

1 Kings 5:1 · KJV


Context

1

And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David.

2

And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,

3

Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of preparations for building the temple, 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 23 words
וַ֠יִּשְׁלַח1 of 23

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

חִירָ֛ם2 of 23

And Hiram

H2438

chiram or chirom, the name of two tyrians

לְמֶ֖לֶךְ3 of 23

him king

H4428

a king

צ֤וֹר4 of 23

of Tyre

H6865

tsor, a place in palestine

אֶת5 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲבָדָיו֙6 of 23

his servants

H5650

a servant

אֶל7 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה8 of 23

unto Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

כִּ֣י9 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁמַ֔ע10 of 23

for he had heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

כִּ֥י11 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֹת֛וֹ12 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מָֽשְׁח֥וּ13 of 23

that they had anointed

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

לְמֶ֖לֶךְ14 of 23

him king

H4428

a king

תַּ֣חַת15 of 23
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

אָבִ֑יהוּ16 of 23

in the room of his father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

כִּ֣י17 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֹהֵ֗ב18 of 23

a lover

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

הָיָ֥ה19 of 23
H1961

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

חִירָ֛ם20 of 23

And Hiram

H2438

chiram or chirom, the name of two tyrians

לְדָוִ֖ד21 of 23

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

כָּל22 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיָּמִֽים׃23 of 23

was ever

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso


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 5:1 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 5:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study