And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.

1 KINGS 10:11KJV
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1 Kings 10:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 10:11 mean?

1 Kings 10:11 describes how King Hiram’s fleet brought valuable goods to King Solomon from a distant place called Ophir, including a large supply of almug trees and precious stones. This verse highlights the wealth and resources that were brought into Israel during Solomon’s reign through international trade.

The setting is the time of King Solomon, with the narrative describing the partnership between Solomon and Hiram, king of Tyre. Hiram’s sailors are returning from Ophir, a region known for its riches, and they deliver rare materials to Solomon. These imports—especially the almug trees (a type of valuable wood) and precious stones—are part of the broader story showing Solomon’s prosperity and the splendor of his kingdom.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 10:11

  • אָלְמֻגִּים (’almuggim, transliterated “almug”): This word refers to a rare and valuable type of wood, though its exact species is debated. Its mention here emphasizes the luxury and rarity of the materials Solomon received.
  • אוֹפִיר (Ophir): This is the name of a distant land, often associated with great wealth. The repeated mention of Ophir underlines the exotic and far-reaching nature of Solomon’s trade connections.
  • רַב (rav, translated “great plenty”): This word means “abundance” or “a large quantity,” stressing just how much was brought back, not just the rarity but also the sheer volume of the goods.

Why 1 Kings 10:11 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that Solomon’s wealth was not just from local resources but also from extensive international trade, showing the global reach of his kingdom.
  • The mention of specific materials like almug trees and precious stones connects to later verses describing the construction and decoration of the temple and Solomon’s palace, giving context to the grandeur described elsewhere.
  • Understanding the partnership with Hiram and the repeated reference to Ophir highlights the importance of alliances and trade in ancient Israel’s prosperity, rather than only military or agricultural strength.