King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 5:6 Mean?

1 Kings 5:6 in the King James Version says “Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that there is not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians. appoint: Heb. say

1 Kings 5:6 · KJV


Context

4

But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.

5

And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name. purpose: Heb. say

6

Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that there is not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians. appoint: Heb. say

7

And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that there is not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians.

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 · 29 words
וְעַתָּ֡ה1 of 29
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

צַוֵּה֩2 of 29

Now therefore command

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

לִכְרָת3 of 29

thou that they hew

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

לִ֨י4 of 29
H0
אֲרָזִ֜ים5 of 29

me cedar trees

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

מִן6 of 29
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַלְּבָנ֗וֹן7 of 29

out of Lebanon

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙8 of 29

and my servants

H5650

a servant

יִֽהְי֣וּ9 of 29
H1961

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

עִם10 of 29
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙11 of 29

and my servants

H5650

a servant

וּשְׂכַ֤ר12 of 29

hire

H7939

payment of contract; concretely, salary, fare, maintenance; by implication, compensation, benefit

עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙13 of 29

and my servants

H5650

a servant

אֶתֵּ֣ן14 of 29

and unto thee will I give

H5414

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

לְךָ֔15 of 29
H0
כְּכֹ֖ל16 of 29
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר17 of 29
H834

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

תֹּאמֵ֑ר18 of 29

according to all that thou shalt appoint

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כִּ֣י׀19 of 29
H3588

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

אַתָּ֣ה20 of 29
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יֹדֵ֥עַ21 of 29

for thou knowest

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֣י22 of 29
H3588

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

אֵ֥ין23 of 29
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בָּ֛נוּ24 of 29
H0
אִ֛ישׁ25 of 29

that there is not among us any

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יֹדֵ֥עַ26 of 29

for thou knowest

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

לִכְרָת27 of 29

thou that they hew

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

עֵצִ֖ים28 of 29

timber

H6086

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

כַּצִּֽדֹנִֽים׃29 of 29

like unto the Sidonians

H6722

a tsidonian or inhabitant of tsidon


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 5:6 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 5:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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