King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 9:16 Mean?

1 Kings 9:16 in the King James Version says “For Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, and taken Gezer, and burnt it with fire, and slain the Canaanites that dwelt in t... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, and taken Gezer, and burnt it with fire, and slain the Canaanites that dwelt in the city, and given it for a present unto his daughter, Solomon's wife.

1 Kings 9:16 · KJV


Context

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.

16

For Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, and taken Gezer, and burnt it with fire, and slain the Canaanites that dwelt in the city, and given it for a present unto his daughter, Solomon's wife.

17

And Solomon built Gezer, and Bethhoron the nether,

18

And Baalath, and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, and taken Gezer, and burnt it with fire, and slain the Canaanites that dwelt in the city, and given it for a present unto his daughter, Solomon's wife.

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 · 19 words
פַּרְעֹ֨ה1 of 19

For Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

מֶֽלֶךְ2 of 19

king

H4428

a king

מִצְרַ֜יִם3 of 19

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

עָלָ֗ה4 of 19

had gone up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

וַיִּלְכֹּ֤ד5 of 19

and taken

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

אֶת6 of 19
H853

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

גֶּ֙זֶר֙7 of 19

Gezer

H1507

gezer, a place in palestine

וַיִּשְׂרְפָ֣הּ8 of 19

and burnt

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בָּאֵ֔שׁ9 of 19

it with fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וְאֶת10 of 19
H853

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

הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֛י11 of 19

the Canaanites

H3669

a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c

הַיֹּשֵׁ֥ב12 of 19

that dwelt

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בָּעִ֖יר13 of 19

in the city

H5892

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

הָרָ֑ג14 of 19

and slain

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

וַֽיִּתְּנָהּ֙15 of 19

and given

H5414

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

שִׁלֻּחִ֔ים16 of 19

it for a present

H7964

(only in plural) a dismissal, i.e., (of a wife) divorce (especially the document); also (of a daughter) dower

לְבִתּ֖וֹ17 of 19

unto his daughter

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אֵ֥שֶׁת18 of 19

wife

H802

a woman

שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃19 of 19

Solomon's

H8010

shelomah, david's successor


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 9:16 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 9:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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