King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 9:20 Mean?

1 Kings 9:20 in the King James Version says “And all the people that were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, which were not of the c... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And all the people that were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, which were not of the children of Israel,

1 Kings 9:20 · KJV


Context

18

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

19

And all the cities of store that Solomon had, and cities for his chariots, and cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion. that which: Heb. the desire of Solomon which he desired

20

And all the people that were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, which were not of the children of Israel,

21

Their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel also were not able utterly to destroy, upon those did Solomon levy a tribute of bondservice unto this day.

22

But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen: but they were men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all the people that were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, which were not of the children of Israel,

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 · 14 words
כָּל1 of 14
H3605

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

הָ֠עָם2 of 14

And all the people

H5971

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

הַנּוֹתָ֨ר3 of 14

that were left

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

מִן4 of 14
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָֽאֱמֹרִ֜י5 of 14

of the Amorites

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

הַֽחִתִּ֤י6 of 14

Hittites

H2850

a chittite, or descendant of cheth

הַפְּרִזִּי֙7 of 14

Perizzites

H6522

a perizzite, one of the canaanitish tribes

הַֽחִוִּ֣י8 of 14

Hivites

H2340

a chivvite, one of the indigenous tribes of palestine

וְהַיְבוּסִ֔י9 of 14

and Jebusites

H2983

a jebusite or inhabitant of jebus

אֲשֶׁ֛ר10 of 14
H834

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

לֹֽא11 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

מִבְּנֵ֥י12 of 14

which were not of the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל13 of 14

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הֵֽמָּה׃14 of 14
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)


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 9:20 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 9:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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