1 Kings 10:10
And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.
Original Language Analysis
נָֽתְנָ֥ה
And she gave
H5414
נָֽתְנָ֥ה
And she gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 23
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מֵאָ֥ה
an hundred
H3967
מֵאָ֥ה
an hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
3 of 23
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
כִּכַּ֣ר
talents
H3603
כִּכַּ֣ר
talents
Strong's:
H3603
Word #:
5 of 23
a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l
זָהָ֗ב
of gold
H2091
זָהָ֗ב
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
6 of 23
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
כַבֹּ֨שֶׂם
and of spices
H1314
כַבֹּ֨שֶׂם
and of spices
Strong's:
H1314
Word #:
7 of 23
fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant
מְאֹ֖ד
very
H3966
מְאֹ֖ד
very
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כַבֹּ֨שֶׂם
and of spices
H1314
כַבֹּ֨שֶׂם
and of spices
Strong's:
H1314
Word #:
14 of 23
fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant
הַה֥וּא
no more such
H1931
הַה֥וּא
no more such
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
15 of 23
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עוֹד֙
H5750
עוֹד֙
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
16 of 23
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
18 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָֽתְנָ֥ה
And she gave
H5414
נָֽתְנָ֥ה
And she gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
19 of 23
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
1 Kings 10:2And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.Matthew 2:11And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.Psalms 72:15And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised.Psalms 72:10The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.Exodus 30:34And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight:Genesis 43:11And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:1 Kings 9:14And Hiram sent to the king sixscore talents of gold.
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 did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- 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 she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, 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.