King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 5:11 Mean?

1 Kings 5:11 in the King James Version says “And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil: thu... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 5:11 · KJV


Context

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.

13

And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men. levy: Heb. tribute of men


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 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.

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 · 19 words
שְׁלֹמֹ֛ה1 of 19

And Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

יִתֵּ֧ן2 of 19

gave

H5414

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

לְחִירָ֖ם3 of 19

Hiram

H2438

chiram or chirom, the name of two tyrians

וְעֶשְׂרִ֥ים4 of 19

and twenty

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

אֶ֨לֶף5 of 19

thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

כֹּ֖ר6 of 19

measures

H3734

properly, a deep round vessel, i.e., (specifically) a cor or measure for things dry

חִטִּים֙7 of 19

of wheat

H2406

wheat, whether the grain or the plant

מַכֹּ֣לֶת8 of 19

for food

H4361

nourishment

לְבֵית֔וֹ9 of 19

to his household

H1004

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

וְעֶשְׂרִ֥ים10 of 19

and twenty

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

כֹּ֖ר11 of 19

measures

H3734

properly, a deep round vessel, i.e., (specifically) a cor or measure for things dry

שֶׁ֣מֶן12 of 19

oil

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

כָּתִ֑ית13 of 19

of pure

H3795

beaten, i.e., pure (oil)

כֹּֽה14 of 19
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

יִתֵּ֧ן15 of 19

gave

H5414

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

שְׁלֹמֹ֛ה16 of 19

And Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

לְחִירָ֖ם17 of 19

Hiram

H2438

chiram or chirom, the name of two tyrians

בְשָׁנָֽה׃18 of 19

by year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

בְשָׁנָֽה׃19 of 19

by year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)


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 5:11 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 5:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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