King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 5:16 Mean?

1 Kings 5:16 in the King James Version says “Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work.”

1 Kings 5:16 · KJV

Context

14

And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home: and Adoniram was over the levy.

15

And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens, and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains;

16

Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work.

17

And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house.

18

And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house. stonesquares: or, Giblites

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work.

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 · 15 words
לְ֠בַד1 of 15
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

מִשָּׂרֵ֨י2 of 15

“Beside the chief”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַנִּצָּבִ֤ים3 of 15

“officers”

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

לִשְׁלֹמֹה֙4 of 15

“of Solomon's”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עַל6 of 15
H5921

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

בַּמְּלָאכָֽה׃7 of 15

“in the work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

וּשְׁלֹ֣שׁ8 of 15

“and three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

אֲלָפִ֖ים9 of 15

“thousand”

H505

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

וּשְׁלֹ֣שׁ10 of 15

“and three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

מֵא֑וֹת11 of 15

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

הָֽרֹדִ֣ים12 of 15

“which ruled”

H7287

to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off

בָּעָ֔ם13 of 15

“over the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָֽעֹשִׂ֖ים14 of 15

“that wrought”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בַּמְּלָאכָֽה׃15 of 15

“in the work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of 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 5:16 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 5:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 9:232 Chronicles 2:2

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