King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 9:28 Mean?

1 Kings 9:28 in the King James Version says “And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.”

1 Kings 9:28 · KJV

Context

26

And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Eziongeber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom. shore: Heb. lip

27

And Hiram sent in the navy his servants, shipmen that had knowledge of the sea, with the servants of Solomon.

28

And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.

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 · 13 words
וַיָּבִ֖אוּ1 of 13

“And they came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אוֹפִ֔ירָה2 of 13

“to Ophir”

H211

ophir, the name of a son of joktan, and of a gold region in the east

וַיִּקְח֤וּ3 of 13

“and fetched”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִשָּׁם֙4 of 13
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

זָהָ֔ב5 of 13

“from thence gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

אַרְבַּע6 of 13

“four”

H702

four

מֵא֥וֹת7 of 13

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְעֶשְׂרִ֖ים8 of 13

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

כִּכָּ֑ר9 of 13

“talents”

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

וַיָּבִ֖אוּ10 of 13

“And they came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל11 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ12 of 13

“it to king”

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃13 of 13

“Solomon”

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 9:28 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 9:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 29:42 Chronicles 8:18Isaiah 13:12Job 22:241 Kings 10:11Psalms 45:9

Places in This Verse

OphirRegion · Modern: southwestern Arabia · 18.22°N, 42.50°E10 verses across 6 books
View all places in 1 Kings 9 →

Test Your Knowledge

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