1 Kings 4:21
And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.
Original Language Analysis
הָיָ֤ה
H1961
הָיָ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַמַּמְלָכ֔וֹת
over all kingdoms
H4467
הַמַּמְלָכ֔וֹת
over all kingdoms
Strong's:
H4467
Word #:
5 of 20
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
6 of 20
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַנָּהָר֙
from the river
H5104
הַנָּהָר֙
from the river
Strong's:
H5104
Word #:
7 of 20
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
of the Philistines
H6430
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
of the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
9 of 20
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
וְעַ֖ד
H5704
וְעַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
10 of 20
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
גְּב֣וּל
and unto the border
H1366
גְּב֣וּל
and unto the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
מַגִּשִׁ֥ים
they brought
H5066
מַגִּשִׁ֥ים
they brought
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
13 of 20
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
מִנְחָ֛ה
presents
H4503
מִנְחָ֛ה
presents
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
14 of 20
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
וְעֹֽבְדִ֥ים
and served
H5647
וְעֹֽבְדִ֥ים
and served
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
15 of 20
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Genesis 15:18In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:Joshua 1:4From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.Psalms 68:29Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.Exodus 23:31And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.1 Kings 4:24For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's administration and prosperity, 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.