King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 9:23 Mean?

1 Kings 9:23 in the King James Version says “These were the chief of the officers that were over Solomon's work, five hundred and fifty, which bare rule over the peo...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 9:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And three times in a year did Solomon offer burnt offerings and peace offerings upon the altar which he built unto the LORD, and he burnt incense upon the altar that was before the LORD. So he finished the house. upon the altar that: Heb. upon it, etc

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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
אֵ֣לֶּה׀1 of 14
H428

these or those

שָׂרֵ֣י2 of 14

“These were the chief”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַנִּצָּבִ֗ים3 of 14

“of the officers”

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר4 of 14
H834

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

עַל5 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בַּמְּלָאכָֽה׃6 of 14

“in the work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

לִשְׁלֹמֹ֔ה7 of 14

“that were over Solomon's”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים8 of 14

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

וַֽחֲמֵ֣שׁ9 of 14

“five”

H2568

five

מֵא֑וֹת10 of 14

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

הָֽרֹדִ֣ים11 of 14

“which bare rule”

H7287

to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off

בָּעָ֔ם12 of 14

“over the people”

H5971

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

הָֽעֹשִׂ֖ים13 of 14

“that wrought”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בַּמְּלָאכָֽה׃14 of 14

“in the work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

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 9:23 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 9:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 5:162 Chronicles 8:102 Chronicles 2:18

Test Your Knowledge

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

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