King James Version
What Does 1 Kings 5:16 Mean?
“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.”
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
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(16) **The chief of Solomon’s officers **we should certainly have supposed to have been taken from the Israelites (as clearly were the 550 named in 1Kings 9:23). But the passage in Chronicles (2Chronicles 2:18)—reckoning them at 3,600—seems to imply that they were, like the overseers of Israel in the Egyptian bondage (Exodus 5:14-15), taken from the subject races.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge