TRV
Translation
King James Version
The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife:
Complete Jewish Bible
the son of Avinadav, in all the area of Dor; he had Tafat the daughter of Shlomo as his wife;
Berean Standard Bible
Ben-abinadab in Naphath-dor (Taphath, a daughter of Solomon, was his wife);
American Standard Version
Ben-abinadab, in all the height of Dor (he had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife);
World English Bible Messianic
Ben Abinadab, in all the height of Dor (he had Taphath the daughter of Solomon as wife);
Geneva Bible (1599)
The sonne of Abinadab in all the region of Dor, which had Taphath the daughter of Salomon to wife.
Young's Literal Translation
Ben-Abinadab hath all the elevation of Dor, Taphath daughter of Solomon became his wife.
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In the KJVVerse 8,856 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Kings 4 verses 1–19
1 ¶ So king Solomon was king over all Israel.
2 And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,
3 Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder.
4 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the host: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:
5 And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king's friend:
6 And Ahishar was over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute.
7 And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision.
8 And these are their names: The son of Hur, in mount Ephraim:
9 The son of Dekar, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Bethshemesh, and Elonbethhanan:
10 The son of Hesed, in Aruboth; to him pertained Sochoh, and all the land of Hepher:
11 The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife:
12 Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:
13 The son of Geber, in Ramothgilead; to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; to him also pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars:
14 Ahinadab the son of Iddo had Mahanaim:
15 Ahimaaz was in Naphtali; he also took Basmath the daughter of Solomon to wife:
16 Baanah the son of Hushai was in Asher and in Aloth:
17 Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar:
18 Shimei the son of Elah, in Benjamin:
19 Geber the son of Uri was in the country of Gilead, in the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only officer which was in the land.
Here we have,
I. Solomon upon his throne (Kg1 4:1): So king Solomon was king, that is, he was confirmed and established king over all Israel, and not, as his successors, only over two tribes. He was a king, that is, he did the work and duty of a king, with the wisdom God had given him. Those preserve the name and honour of their place that mind the business of it and make conscience of it.
II. The great officers of his court, in the choice of whom, no doubt, his wisdom much appeared. It is observable, 1. That several of them are the same that were in his father's time. Zadok and Abiathar were then priests (Sa2 20:25), so they were now; only then Abiathar had the precedency, now Zadok. Jehoshaphat was then recorder, or keeper of the great seal, so he was now. Benaiah, in his father's time, was a principal man in military affairs, and so he was now. Shisha was his father's scribe, and his sons were his, Kg1 4:3. Solomon, though a wise man, would not affect to be wiser than his father in this matter. When sons come to inherit their father's wealth, honour, and power, it is a piece of respect to their memory, caeteris paribus - where it can properly be done, to employ those whom they employed, and trust those whom they trusted. Many pride themselves in being the reverse of their good parents. 2. The rest were priests' sons. His prime-minister of state was Azariah the son of Zadok the priest. Two others of the first rank were the sons of Nathan the prophet, Kg1 4:5. In preferring them he testified the grateful respect he had for their good father, whom he loved in the name of a prophet.
III. The purveyors for his household, whose business it was to send in provisions from several parts of the country, for the king's tables and cellars (Kg1 4:7) and for his stables (Kg1 4:27, Kg1 4:28), that thus, 1. His house might always be well furnished at the best hand. Let great men learn hence good house-keeping, to be generous in spending according to their ability, but prudent in providing. It is the character of the virtuous woman that she bringeth her food from afar (Pro 31:14), not far-fetched and dear-bought, but the contrary, every thing bought where it is cheapest. 2. That thus he himself, and those who immediately attended him, might be eased of a great deal of care, and the more closely apply themselves to the business of the state, not troubled about much serving, provision for that being got ready to their hand. 3. That thus all the parts of the kingdom might be equally benefited by the taking off of the commodities that were the productions of their country and the circulating of the coin. Industry would hereby be encouraged, and consequently wealth increased, even in those tribes that lay most remote from the court. The providence of God extends itself to all places of his dominions (Psa 103:22); so should the prudence and care of princes. 4. The dividing of this trust into so many hands was prudent, that no man might be continually burdened with the care of it nor grow exorbitantly rich with the profit of it, but that Solomon might have those, in every district, who, having a dependence upon the court, would be serviceable to him and his interest as there was occasion. These commissioners of the victualling-office, not for the army or navy (Solomon was engaged in no war), but for the household, are here named, several of them only by their surnames, as great men commonly call their servants: Ben-hur, Ben-dekar, etc., though several of them have also their proper names prefixed. Two of them married Solomon's daughters, Ben-Abinadab (Kg1 4:11) and Ahimaaz (Kg1 4:15), and no disparagement to them to marry men of business. Better match with the officers of their father's court that were Israelites than with the sons of princes that were strangers to the covenant of promise. The son of Geber was in Ramoth-Gilead (Kg1 4:19), and Geber himself was in the country of Sihon and Og, which included that and Mahanaim, Kg1 4:14. He is therefore said to be the only officer in that land, because the other two, mentioned Kg1 4:13, Kg1 4:14, depended on him, and were subordinate to him.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–19. Public domain.
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Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
ON THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS 4:1
The officials elected by Solomon designate the order of the chosen ones whom Christ affirmed in his grace and appointed as rulers of his people. Indeed, twelve prefects were selected to administer the incomes of this king and his house, because just as many apostles had to be distributed over the entire world and had to be appointed as treasures of the divine mysteries, so that they might nourish with living and immortal food the Israel of God and might administer the incomes of the house of the peaceful king. Therefore, also the limits of each prefecture were clearly denoted, because, in a similar way, each apostle received a certain province: Simon preached in Rome, John in Ephesus, Matthew in Palestine and Thomas in the region of India.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Kings 4:11 provides a precise detail within the extensive administrative record of King Solomon's reign, highlighting the meticulous organization and strategic alliances that characterized his unified kingdom. This verse introduces "the son of Abinadab," one of Solomon's twelve regional governors, who was responsible for the crucial coastal territory of Dor. The unique inclusion of his marriage to Taphath, a daughter of Solomon, underscores the king's sophisticated use of familial bonds to secure loyalty, integrate key families into his centralized government, and ensure the stability and prosperity of his vast and flourishing realm.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within a detailed account of Solomon's governmental structure and prosperity, specifically within the list of his twelve district governors in 1 Kings 4:7-19. This administrative catalogue follows an introduction to Solomon's chief officials in 1 Kings 4:1-6, setting the stage for understanding the operational backbone of his kingdom. Each governor was tasked with providing provisions for the royal household for one month of the year, a system that vividly illustrates the immense logistical capacity and abundant wealth of Solomon's reign. Verse 11 stands out by uniquely mentioning a marital connection to the royal family, distinguishing this particular governor and emphasizing the strategic depth of Solomon's governance. The entire administrative section, including this verse, serves to substantiate the descriptions of unprecedented peace and prosperity found in 1 Kings 4:20-28.
Historical & Cultural Context: The ancient Near East frequently employed patronymics (e.g., "the son of Abinadab") to identify individuals, especially when their personal name was common or their lineage held particular significance. This practice emphasized their family's standing and continuity. The region of Dor, located on the Mediterranean coast south of Mount Carmel, was a highly strategic port city and a vital nexus for trade routes. Its effective administration was therefore paramount for Solomon's control over the northern part of his kingdom and for maintaining economic stability. Furthermore, royal marriages in the ancient world were rarely just personal unions; they were potent political instruments. Monarchs routinely married their daughters to influential regional leaders or foreign dignitaries to forge alliances, secure loyalty, and integrate powerful families into the fabric of their rule. Solomon's decision to marry Taphath to a district governor exemplifies this strategic use of familial ties to strengthen his centralized authority, ensuring the smooth operation and stability of his extensive kingdom.
Key Themes: The inclusion of 1 Kings 4:11 significantly contributes to several overarching themes concerning Solomon's reign within the book of Kings. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Centralized Power and Control, showcasing Solomon's organizational genius and his ability to delegate authority effectively while maintaining firm oversight. The systematic division of the kingdom into administrative districts, as detailed in 1 Kings 4:7-19, underscores his absolute rule and the efficiency of his government. Secondly, the specific detail of Taphath's marriage highlights Royal Alliances and Loyalty, revealing how Solomon strategically employed familial bonds to cement political allegiances and integrate influential regional families into his administrative framework, thereby ensuring stability and compliance. This practice was a cornerstone of his diplomatic and internal governance strategy. Thirdly, the very existence of such a sophisticated and well-oiled administrative machine, capable of sustaining the massive needs of the royal court, points to a period of unprecedented Prosperity and Order within Israel, a hallmark of Solomon's reign as described in passages like 1 Kings 4:25.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse, as part of a larger administrative list, primarily employs Catalogue or Enumeration as a literary device, systematically listing the district governors and their assigned territories. Within this broader catalogue, the specific detail of Taphath's marriage serves as a point of Emphasis, drawing particular attention to the unique nature of this governor's relationship with the king. This specific detail highlights the strategic depth of Solomon's governance, where personal relationships were leveraged for political stability and consolidation of power. The use of a Patronymic Naming convention ("the son of Abinadab") is also a common literary and cultural device of the time, emphasizing lineage and social standing rather than individual identity, and placing the individual within a recognizable family structure.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The administrative structure described in 1 Kings 4, exemplified by the detail in verse 11, reflects the practical outworking of the divine wisdom granted to Solomon by God (1 Kings 3:12). This wisdom was not merely for judging disputes but for establishing a kingdom characterized by order, peace, and prosperity. The meticulous organization and strategic alliances demonstrate a king who understood the importance of good governance, diligent stewardship, and the effective delegation of authority—principles that resonate with God's desire for order and flourishing within His creation. Solomon's reign, at this peak, serves as a testament to the blessings that flow from wise and righteous leadership, even if his later life would reveal the limitations of human wisdom apart from sustained faithfulness to God.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 4:11, while seemingly a minor administrative detail, offers profound insights into the principles of effective leadership, diligent administration, and the strategic use of relationships for the common good. Solomon's ability to organize his vast kingdom, delegate authority to trusted individuals, and secure loyalty through strategic alliances demonstrates a divinely-enabled wisdom applied to practical governance. For believers today, this passage encourages us to consider how we apply wisdom and order in our own spheres of influence—whether in our families, workplaces, churches, or personal lives. It reminds us that God values order and diligence, and that effective stewardship of resources and relationships is a tangible expression of our faith. Just as Solomon ensured the provision and stability of his kingdom through meticulous planning, we are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts, responsibilities, and relationships God has entrusted to us, working towards flourishing and well-being in our communities and for the glory of God.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is this specific detail (Taphath's marriage) included in a list of governors?
Answer: The inclusion of Taphath's marriage to the son of Abinadab is a deliberate and significant detail that goes beyond mere genealogy. It highlights Solomon's sophisticated use of strategic alliances to consolidate power and ensure loyalty across his kingdom. By marrying his daughter to a key district governor, Solomon was not just forming a personal bond but integrating a powerful regional family directly into the royal administration. This practice cemented allegiance, provided a direct line of communication and control, and underscored the extent of Solomon's authority and the stability of his reign. It reveals that Solomon's administration was not merely bureaucratic but deeply intertwined with political and familial relationships, a common and highly effective strategy for ancient Near Eastern monarchs to maintain control over vast territories, as seen in other historical records of the period. This specific detail serves to emphasize the depth of Solomon's wisdom in governance, as described throughout 1 Kings 4.
What was the strategic significance of the "region of Dor" for Solomon's kingdom?
Answer: The region of Dor, located on the Mediterranean coast, was of immense strategic importance to Solomon's kingdom. As a vital port city, it served as a crucial hub for maritime trade, connecting Israel to the broader Mediterranean world. Its control ensured access to valuable resources and trade routes, contributing significantly to the economic prosperity described throughout 1 Kings 4. Furthermore, its coastal location made it a key defensive position and a gateway to the northern territories, particularly important for securing the kingdom's borders. Placing a trusted governor, especially one linked by marriage to the royal family, in charge of such a critical region demonstrates Solomon's foresight and his meticulous approach to securing and managing his vast and flourishing kingdom.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 4:11 describes the earthly wisdom and administrative prowess of King Solomon, it ultimately points beyond him to the perfect and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. Solomon's kingdom, though vast and prosperous, was temporary and reliant on human wisdom and strategic alliances; it eventually fractured due to the king's own failures and the limitations of human governance. In contrast, Christ's kingdom is eternal, spiritual, and founded on divine wisdom and an unbreakable covenant. Solomon's administration sought to bring order and provision to a physical realm, but Christ, as the King of kings and Lord of lords, establishes a spiritual kingdom that transcends all earthly boundaries and time. Where Solomon's alliances were political, Christ's union with His people is a profound spiritual reality, making believers co-heirs with Christ and members of His body. The peace and provision Solomon offered were earthly and limited; Christ offers a peace the world cannot give and spiritual provision that satisfies eternally. Indeed, Jesus himself declared that One greater than Solomon is here, signifying that all the wisdom, order, and glory of Solomon's reign find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Him, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.