King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 5:10 Mean?

1 Kings 5:10 in the King James Version says “So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire.” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire.”

1 Kings 5:10 · KJV

Context

8

And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things which thou sentest to me for: and I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir. considered: Heb. heard

9

My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea: and I will convey them by sea in floats unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou shalt receive them: and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household. appoint: Heb. send

10

So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire.

11

And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year. measures: Heb. cors

12

And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire.

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.

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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 · 10 words
וַיְהִ֨י1 of 10
H1961

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

חִיר֜וֹם2 of 10

“So Hiram”

H2438

chiram or chirom, the name of two tyrians

נֹתֵ֣ן3 of 10

“gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִשְׁלֹמֹ֗ה4 of 10

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וַֽעֲצֵ֥י5 of 10

“trees”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

אֲרָזִ֛ים6 of 10

“cedar”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

וַֽעֲצֵ֥י7 of 10

“trees”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

בְרוֹשִׁ֖ים8 of 10

“and fir”

H1265

a cypress (?) tree; hence, a lance or a musical instrument (as made of that wood)

כָּל9 of 10
H3605

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

חֶפְצֽוֹ׃10 of 10

“according to all his desire”

H2656

pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)

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 5:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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