King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 5:8 Mean?

1 Kings 5:8 in the King James Version says “And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things which thou sentest to me for: and I will do all thy desi... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 5:8 · KJV


Context

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

10

So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 19 words
שָׁלַ֖חְתָּ1 of 19

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

חִירָם֙2 of 19

And Hiram

H2438

chiram or chirom, the name of two tyrians

אֶל3 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁלֹמֹ֣ה4 of 19

to Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

לֵאמֹ֔ר5 of 19

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁמַ֕עְתִּי6 of 19

I have considered

H8085

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

אֵ֥ת7 of 19
H853

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

אֲשֶׁר8 of 19
H834

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

שָׁלַ֖חְתָּ9 of 19

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֵלָ֑י10 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲנִ֤י11 of 19
H589

i

אֶֽעֱשֶׂה֙12 of 19

to me for and I will do

H6213

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

אֶת13 of 19
H853

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

כָּל14 of 19
H3605

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

חֶפְצְךָ֔15 of 19

all thy desire

H2656

pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)

וּבַֽעֲצֵ֥י16 of 19

and concerning timber

H6086

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

אֲרָזִ֖ים17 of 19

of cedar

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

וּבַֽעֲצֵ֥י18 of 19

and concerning timber

H6086

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

בְרוֹשִֽׁים׃19 of 19

of fir

H1265

a cypress (?) tree; hence, a lance or a musical instrument (as made of that wood)


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 5:8 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 5:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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