King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 5:7 Mean?

1 Kings 5:7 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 5:7 · KJV


Context

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

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 21 words
וַיְהִ֞י1 of 21
H1961

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

כִּשְׁמֹ֧עַ2 of 21

heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

חִירָ֛ם3 of 21

And it came to pass when Hiram

H2438

chiram or chirom, the name of two tyrians

אֶת4 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דִּבְרֵ֥י5 of 21

the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה6 of 21

of Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וַיִּשְׂמַ֣ח7 of 21

that he rejoiced

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

מְאֹ֑ד8 of 21

greatly

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר9 of 21

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בָּר֤וּךְ10 of 21

Blessed

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

יְהוָה֙11 of 21

be the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הַיּ֔וֹם12 of 21

this day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֲשֶׁ֨ר13 of 21
H834

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

נָתַ֤ן14 of 21

which hath given

H5414

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

לְדָוִד֙15 of 21

unto David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בֵּ֣ן16 of 21

son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חָכָ֔ם17 of 21

a wise

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

עַל18 of 21
H5921

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

הָעָ֥ם19 of 21

people

H5971

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

הָרָ֖ב20 of 21

over this great

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

הַזֶּֽה׃21 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that


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 5:7 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 5:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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