1 Kings 5:16

KJV

Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which [were] over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work.

KJV (with Strong's)

Beside the chief {H8269} of Solomon's {H8010} officers {H5324} which were over the work {H4399}, three {H7969} thousand {H505} and three {H7969} hundred {H3967}, which ruled {H7287} over the people {H5971} that wrought {H6213} in the work {H4399}.

Complete Jewish Bible

besides Shlomo's 3,300 supervisors who were in charge of the people doing the work.

Berean Standard Bible

not including his 3,300 foremen who supervised the workers.

American Standard Version

besides Solomon’s chief officers that were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, who bare rule over the people that wrought in the work.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 5:16 provides a crucial administrative detail regarding the vast workforce assembled for the construction of Solomon's magnificent Temple. This verse precisely enumerates three thousand and three hundred lower-tier supervisors, distinct from the higher-ranking chief officers, whose direct responsibility was to oversee the daily labor of the people. This specific numerical insight not only underscores the monumental scale of the Temple project but also highlights King Solomon's exceptional organizational prowess, meticulous planning, and the sophisticated administrative infrastructure required to manage such a divinely ordained and nationally significant undertaking.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Solomon's Preparations for the Temple"), which meticulously details King Solomon's extensive preparations for building the First Temple in Jerusalem. Following his secure establishment on the throne and the formation of a peaceful alliance with Hiram, King of Tyre ([1 Kings 5:1-12](/1_kings/5-1-12 "1 Kings 5:1-12 - Solomon's Alliance with Hiram")), the text shifts to the mobilization of resources and manpower. The preceding verses describe the initial levy of thirty thousand Israelite laborers ([1 Kings 5:13](/1_kings/5-13 "1 Kings 5:13 - Solomon's Labor Levy")) and the appointment of chief officers over the entire operation ([1 Kings 5:15](/1_kings/5-15 "1 Kings 5:15 - Chief Officers Appointed")). Verse 16 then introduces a further, more numerous tier of supervision, clarifying the intricate hierarchical structure designed to manage the immense day-to-day operations. This granular detailing emphasizes the transition from grand vision and resource acquisition to the practical, on-the-ground execution of the Temple project, underscoring its national, economic, and spiritual significance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple was arguably the most ambitious and complex building project in ancient Israel's history, reflecting the unparalleled political stability and economic prosperity of Solomon's reign, a golden age for the united monarchy. Large-scale construction endeavors in the ancient Near East, such as those in Egypt or Mesopotamia, invariably involved vast numbers of laborers, typically organized into highly structured hierarchies to ensure efficiency, accountability, and control. While the Israelite levy involved rotational service, suggesting a form of national corvée labor ([1 Kings 5:13-14](/1_kings/5-13-14 "1 Kings 5:13-14 - Israelite Labor Levy")), foreign residents were explicitly subjected to more direct forced labor or "bondservice" ([1 Kings 9:20-21](/1_kings/9-20-21 "1 Kings 9:20-21 - Foreign Laborers")). The administrative challenge of coordinating quarrying, timber felling, transport over long distances, and precise on-site construction for a project of this magnitude, all without modern technology, necessitated an exceptionally robust and multi-layered supervisory system. The mention of precise numbers like 3,300 speaks to the sophisticated record-keeping and administrative capabilities of Solomon's kingdom, indicating a level of governmental organization comparable to other major empires of the era.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous administrative detail presented in [1 Kings 5:16](/1_kings/5-16 "1 Kings 5:16 - Solomon's Supervisors") contributes significantly to several overarching themes developed throughout the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings "The Book of 1 Kings"):
* **Organizational Prowess and Divine Wisdom:** The sheer number of overseers—three thousand and three hundred—underscores the immense scale of the Temple project and Solomon's sophisticated administrative capabilities. This level of detail highlights the critical importance of structure, delegation, and effective management in orchestrating a large workforce. It implicitly links back to [Solomon's divinely granted wisdom](/1_kings/4-29 "1 Kings 4:29 - Solomon's Divinely Granted Wisdom"), which extended beyond judicial discernment to encompass practical leadership, governance, and the efficient execution of grand national projects.
* **Scale and Significance of the Temple Project:** The verse implicitly conveys the monumental scale of labor required for constructing the Temple. Such a large number of supervisors points to tens of thousands of laborers under their charge, reflecting the national effort and vast resources dedicated to building God's house, which was to become the central edifice for Israel's worship, national identity, and covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Order and Structure in God's Work:** The detailed enumeration of administrative tiers suggests that God's work, even when divinely inspired and commanded, often proceeds through human organization, diligent planning, and meticulous oversight. This reflects a broader biblical principle that God is a God of order, not of confusion ([1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order")), and that excellence in execution is a form of worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **officers (Hebrew, _nâtsab'_):** From H5324, this primitive root means "to station," "to appoint," or "to set over." In this context, it refers to individuals who were officially appointed or established in positions of authority. These "officers" were not merely general supervisors but specifically designated administrators, indicating a formal and structured hierarchy within Solomon's workforce. Their role was to ensure order and progress in the monumental undertaking of building the Temple.
* **ruled (Hebrew, _râdâh'_):** From H7287, this primitive root signifies "to tread down" or "to subjugate," but more broadly "to have dominion," "to prevail against," or "to rule." Here, it denotes the direct oversight and managerial authority these 3,300 individuals exercised over the laborers. They were the immediate foremen or taskmasters, responsible for directing, coordinating, and ensuring the productivity of the workers on the ground, embodying the practical application of Solomon's administrative control.
* **work (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh'_):** From H4399, this term refers to "employment," "work" (abstractly or concretely), or "ministry." It encompasses the entire scope of the Temple construction project—from quarrying and timber felling to the actual erection of the edifice. The use of this word emphasizes that the 3,300 officers were directly involved in the practical, day-to-day execution of the physical labor, ensuring that all aspects of the "work" were carried out efficiently and according to plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which [were] over the work":** This opening phrase establishes the hierarchical context. It indicates that the 3,300 supervisors mentioned here were distinct from and subordinate to a higher echelon of "chief officers" (likely the 550 mentioned in [1 Kings 9:23](/1_kings/9-23 "1 Kings 9:23 - Solomon's Chief Officers")). This implies a multi-tiered administrative structure, where authority was delegated from the highest levels down to the immediate supervisors, ensuring comprehensive oversight of the vast construction project.
* **"three thousand and three hundred":** This precise numerical figure is highly significant. It is not a rounded estimate but a specific count, suggesting meticulous record-keeping and a highly organized bureaucratic system within Solomon's administration. This large number emphasizes the sheer scale of the Temple construction, requiring an extensive network of direct supervisors to manage the tens of thousands of laborers involved.
* **"which ruled over the people that wrought in the work":** This clause defines the specific function and scope of authority of these 3,300 individuals. They were the immediate, on-the-ground managers, directly "ruling over" (i.e., overseeing, directing, and managing) the common laborers involved in the physical "work" of building the Temple. Their role was crucial for the efficient and orderly execution of tasks, ensuring that the grand vision translated into tangible progress.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [1 Kings 5:16](/1_kings/5-16 "1 Kings 5:16 - Solomon's Supervisors") is **Precision** and **Numerical Detail**. The exact figure of "three thousand and three hundred" is not merely a historical record; it serves to underscore the meticulous planning, administrative order, and immense scale that characterized Solomon's reign, particularly concerning the sacred project of the Temple. This precise detail contributes to the overall sense of **Grandeur** and **Magnitude** associated with the Temple's construction, implicitly conveying the vast resources—both human and material—devoted to it. The number itself can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a specific, large number represents the broader concept of an immensely organized and extensive workforce. It also functions as a form of **Verisimilitude**, lending credibility and historical weight to the narrative by providing concrete, verifiable-sounding data, thereby enhancing the reader's perception of the historical reality and the impressive capabilities of Solomon's kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly mundane administrative detail of numbers in [1 Kings 5:16](/1_kings/5-16 "1 Kings 5:16 - Solomon's Supervisors") carries profound theological weight, demonstrating that even the most sacred undertakings, such as constructing a dwelling place for God, require human organization, diligent planning, and effective leadership. God, who is inherently a God of order and not of confusion ([1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order")), works through structured human effort and wise stewardship. Solomon's administrative genius, divinely enabled, ensured that the vast resources and manpower were stewarded effectively for a sacred purpose. This verse reminds us that practical administration, efficient management, and clear delegation are not antithetical to spiritual work but are often vital components of fulfilling God's grand vision, reflecting a commitment to excellence and faithfulness in all endeavors undertaken for His glory. It highlights that divine blessing often manifests through human diligence and well-ordered execution.

* [Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Moses' Delegation of Authority")
* [Nehemiah 4:16-17](/nehemiah/4-16-17 "Organized Labor in Rebuilding the Wall")
* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "Let All Things Be Done Decently and in Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The administrative precision highlighted in [1 Kings 5:16](/1_kings/5-16 "1 Kings 5:16 - Solomon's Supervisors") offers profound insights for contemporary leadership, project management, and even personal stewardship. It powerfully teaches us that great visions, particularly those imbued with spiritual significance, rarely come to fruition without meticulous planning, clear delegation of responsibilities, and diligent oversight. Solomon's example demonstrates that true wisdom is not merely abstract knowledge but also practical competence in organizing people and resources effectively for a common, divinely inspired goal. For us, this means embracing the value of structure, order, and accountability in our endeavors, whether in ministry, professional life, or family management. It encourages us to identify, empower, and support those who can effectively "rule over the work" at various levels, recognizing that every role, from the grand visionary to the ground-level supervisor, is crucial for collective success. Ultimately, it calls us to steward our gifts, time, and resources with the same intentionality, excellence, and dedication that characterized the building of God's first Temple, always aiming for maximum impact and fruitfulness for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the administrative detail in this verse challenge our perception of "spiritual" work versus "practical" management, suggesting they are not mutually exclusive but often intertwined?**
* **In what areas of your life, ministry, or work could greater organization, clear delegation, and diligent oversight lead to more effective and God-honoring outcomes?**
* **What does the meticulous planning for the Temple teach us about our approach to projects undertaken for God's glory, even if they seem small or insignificant in comparison?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between the 3,300 officers mentioned here and the 550 mentioned in 1 Kings 9:23?**

Answer: The numbers refer to distinct tiers within Solomon's vast administrative structure for the Temple construction. [1 Kings 5:16](/1_kings/5-16 "1 Kings 5:16 - Solomon's Supervisors") specifies "three thousand and three hundred" officers who "ruled over the people that wrought in the work." These were the lower-level supervisors, often referred to as foremen or taskmasters, directly overseeing the daily labor of the tens of thousands of workers. In contrast, [1 Kings 9:23](/1_kings/9-23 "1 Kings 9:23 - Solomon's Chief Officers") (and [2 Chronicles 8:10](/2_chronicles/8-10 "2 Chronicles 8:10 - Chief Officers")) mentions "five hundred and fifty" chief officers. These 550 were the higher-ranking officials, likely overseeing larger divisions, districts, or specific aspects of the project, with the 3,300 reporting directly to them. This demonstrates a sophisticated, multi-layered hierarchy designed to manage a project of unprecedented scale and complexity.

**Does this verse imply forced labor or slavery for all involved in the Temple construction?**

Answer: The verse itself focuses on the administrative structure of the supervisors rather than the nature of the labor. However, other passages in [1 Kings](/1_kings "The Book of 1 Kings") clarify the composition of the workforce. [1 Kings 5:13](/1_kings/5-13 "1 Kings 5:13 - Solomon's Levy") states that Solomon raised a levy of 30,000 Israelites, who served in Lebanon in rotational shifts (one month on, two months off), suggesting a form of national service or corvée labor, likely compensated or part of their civic duty. In contrast, [1 Kings 9:20-21](/1_kings/9-20-21 "1 Kings 9:20-21 - Foreign Laborers") explicitly states that Solomon "made to pay tribute of bondservice" those non-Israelites (Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites) who remained in the land after the conquest. Therefore, while foreign residents were indeed subjected to forced labor, the Israelite contribution was a levy, and the 3,300 supervisors likely oversaw both groups, ensuring the efficient execution of the work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization and vast resources dedicated to building Solomon's physical Temple, as powerfully highlighted in [1 Kings 5:16](/1_kings/5-16 "1 Kings 5:16 - Solomon's Supervisors"), find their ultimate fulfillment and spiritual transformation in the construction of God's spiritual Temple: the Church. While Solomon built a magnificent earthly dwelling for God's presence, Jesus Christ declared Himself to be the greater Temple, whose body would be destroyed and raised in three days ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")). Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ became the foundational cornerstone upon which a new, living temple is being built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")). Believers are now the "living stones" being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), with the Holy Spirit Himself dwelling within them individually and corporately ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Temple of the Holy Spirit")). Just as Solomon's project required immense human organization and supervisory oversight, the building of the Church, both locally and universally, relies on the divinely gifted leadership and ordered efforts of its members, as seen in the appointment of deacons in the early church to manage practical needs and ensure the apostles could focus on prayer and the ministry of the word ([Acts 6:1-7](/acts/6-1-7 "Acts 6:1-7 - Appointment of Deacons")). The detailed administration in [1 Kings 5:16](/1_kings/5-16 "1 Kings 5:16 - Solomon's Supervisors") thus foreshadows the divine intentionality, perfect order, and comprehensive plan with which Christ, the ultimate Master Builder, is constructing His eternal kingdom, culminating in the New Jerusalem where God's presence is so complete that no physical temple is needed, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 9:23

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.

2 Chronicles 2:2

And Solomon told out threescore and ten thousand men to bear burdens, and fourscore thousand to hew in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.