King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 9:4 Mean?

2 Chronicles 9:4 in the King James Version says “And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his ...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her. cupbearers: or, butlers”

2 Chronicles 9:4 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

2

And Solomon told her all her questions: and there was nothing hid from Solomon which he told her not.

3

And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built,

4

And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her. cupbearers: or, butlers

5

And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom: report: Heb. word acts: or, sayings

6

Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Queen of Sheba and Solomon's Wealth point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וּמַֽאֲכַ֣ל1 of 19

“And the meat”

H3978

an eatable (including provender, flesh and fruit)

שֻׁלְחָנ֡וֹ2 of 19

“of his table”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

וּמוֹשַׁ֣ב3 of 19

“and the sitting”

H4186

a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population

עֲבָדָיו֩4 of 19

“of his servants”

H5650

a servant

וּמַֽעֲמַ֨ד5 of 19

“and the attendance”

H4612

(figuratively) a position

מְשָֽׁרְתָ֜יו6 of 19

“of his ministers”

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

וּמַלְבּ֣וּשֵׁיהֶ֔ם7 of 19

“also and their apparel”

H4403

a garment, or (collectively) clothing

וּמַשְׁקָיו֙8 of 19
H4945

properly, causing to drink, i.e., a butler; by implication (intransitively), drink (itself); figuratively, a well-watered region

וּמַלְבּ֣וּשֵׁיהֶ֔ם9 of 19

“also and their apparel”

H4403

a garment, or (collectively) clothing

וַֽעֲלִיָּת֔וֹ10 of 19

“and his ascent”

H5944

something lofty, i.e., a stair-way; also a second-story room (or even one on the roof); figuratively, the sky

אֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 19
H834

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

יַֽעֲלֶ֖ה12 of 19

“by which he went up”

H5927

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

בֵּ֣ית13 of 19

“into the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֑ה14 of 19

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְלֹא15 of 19
H3808

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

הָ֥יָה16 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

ע֛וֹד17 of 19
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

בָּ֖הּ18 of 19
H0
רֽוּחַ׃19 of 19

“there was no more spirit”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 9:4 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 2 Chronicles 9:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 119:81Nehemiah 1:11Psalms 143:71 Kings 10:5Ezekiel 44:3Luke 12:37

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