King James Version
What Does 1 Kings 9:13 Mean?
“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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd 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.
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.
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
- How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 15 wordsמָ֚ה2 of 15
H4100properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
הֶֽעָרִ֣ים3 of 15
“What cities”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶׁר5 of 15
H834who, 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”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לִּ֖י7 of 15
H0אָחִ֑י8 of 15
“me my brother”
H251a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וַיִּקְרָ֤א9 of 15
“And he called”
H7121to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
לָהֶם֙10 of 15
H0עַ֖ד13 of 15
H5704as 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”
H3117a 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
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