King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 9:13 Mean?

1 Kings 9:13 in the King James Version says “And he said, What cities are these which thou hast given me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabul unto this ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said, What cities are these which thou hast given me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabul unto this day. Cabul: that is, displeasing, or, dirty”

1 Kings 9:13 · KJV

Context

11

( Now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees, and with gold, according to all his desire,) that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee.

12

And Hiram came out from Tyre to see the cities which Solomon had given him; and they pleased him not. pleased: Heb. were not right in his eyes

13

And he said, What cities are these which thou hast given me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabul unto this day. Cabul: that is, displeasing, or, dirty

14

And Hiram sent to the king sixscore talents of gold.

15

And this is the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer.

Read 1 Kings 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said, What cities are these which thou hast given me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabul unto this day.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of god's covenant with solomon and his building projects, 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 did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
  2. What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר1 of 15

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מָ֚ה2 of 15
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

הֶֽעָרִ֣ים3 of 15

“What cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הָאֵ֔לֶּה4 of 15
H428

these or those

אֲשֶׁר5 of 15
H834

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

נָתַ֥תָּה6 of 15

“are these which thou hast given”

H5414

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

לִּ֖י7 of 15
H0
אָחִ֑י8 of 15

“me my brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וַיִּקְרָ֤א9 of 15

“And he called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לָהֶם֙10 of 15
H0
אֶ֣רֶץ11 of 15

“them the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כָּב֔וּל12 of 15

“of Cabul”

H3521

cabul, the name of two places in palestine

עַ֖ד13 of 15
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַיּ֥וֹם14 of 15

“unto 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

הַזֶּֽה׃15 of 15
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 9:13 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 9:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 19:27Amos 1:91 Kings 5:1-2

Places in This Verse

Cabul 2Region · Modern: Kabul · 32.87°N, 35.21°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in 1 Kings 9 →

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Kings 9 with CommentaryAll 1 Kings ChaptersComplete 1 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes