1 Kings 4:33
And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּר֙
And he spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּר֙
And he spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 21
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָֽעֵצִים֒
of trees
H6086
הָֽעֵצִים֒
of trees
Strong's:
H6086
Word #:
3 of 21
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
4 of 21
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָאֶ֙רֶז֙
from the cedar tree
H730
הָאֶ֙רֶז֙
from the cedar tree
Strong's:
H730
Word #:
5 of 21
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בַּלְּבָנ֔וֹן
that is in Lebanon
H3844
בַּלְּבָנ֔וֹן
that is in Lebanon
Strong's:
H3844
Word #:
7 of 21
lebanon, a mountain range in palestine
וְעַד֙
H5704
וְעַד֙
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
8 of 21
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יֹצֵ֖א
that springeth out
H3318
יֹצֵ֖א
that springeth out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
11 of 21
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וַיְדַבֵּר֙
And he spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּר֙
And he spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
13 of 21
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַבְּהֵמָ֣ה
also of beasts
H929
הַבְּהֵמָ֣ה
also of beasts
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
15 of 21
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָע֔וֹף
and of fowl
H5775
הָע֔וֹף
and of fowl
Strong's:
H5775
Word #:
17 of 21
a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
18 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָרֶ֖מֶשׂ
and of creeping things
H7431
הָרֶ֖מֶשׂ
and of creeping things
Strong's:
H7431
Word #:
19 of 21
a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal
Cross References
Psalms 92:12The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.Psalms 51:7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.2 Kings 19:23By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel.
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 he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes.
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.