King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 9:22 Mean?

1 Kings 9:22 in the King James Version says “But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen: but they were men of war, and his servants, and his princes, ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 9:22 · KJV

Context

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.

23

These were the chief of the officers that were over Solomon's work, five hundred and fifty, which bare rule over the people that wrought in the work.

24

But Pharaoh's daughter came up out of the city of David unto her house which Solomon had built for her: then did he build Millo.

Read 1 Kings 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 16 words
וּמִבְּנֵי֙1 of 16

“But 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל2 of 16

“of Israel”

H3478

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

לֹֽא3 of 16
H3808

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

נָתַ֥ן4 of 16

“make”

H5414

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

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה5 of 16

“did Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וַֽעֲבָדָיו֙6 of 16

“and his servants”

H5650

a servant

כִּי7 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הֵ֞ם8 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אַנְשֵׁ֣י9 of 16
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הַמִּלְחָמָ֗ה10 of 16

“of war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וַֽעֲבָדָיו֙11 of 16

“and his servants”

H5650

a servant

וְשָׂרֵ֥י12 of 16

“and his princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

וְשָֽׁלִישָׁ֔יו13 of 16

“and his captains”

H7991

a triple, i.e., (as an officer) a general of the third rank (upward, i.e., the highest)

וְשָׂרֵ֥י14 of 16

“and his princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

רִכְבּ֖וֹ15 of 16

“of his chariots”

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וּפָֽרָשָֽׁיו׃16 of 16

“and his horsemen”

H6571

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

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 9:22 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 9:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 25:392 Chronicles 8:9-101 Kings 4:1-271 Samuel 8:11-12

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