The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife:

1 KINGS 4:11KJV
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1 Kings 4:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 4:11 mean?

1 Kings 4:11 states that the son of Abinadab was appointed over the entire region of Dor, and he was married to Taphath, who was a daughter of King Solomon. This verse highlights both the administrative organization of Solomon’s kingdom and a family connection through marriage.

This verse is part of a list describing the officials Solomon appointed to oversee different regions of Israel. The mention of Taphath, Solomon’s daughter, as the wife of this official shows how Solomon used family ties to strengthen loyalty and alliances within his administration. The region of Dor was an important coastal area, so this appointment would have carried significant responsibility.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 4:11

  • דּוֹר (Dor, H1756): This is the name of a coastal region in ancient Israel. Its mention shows the geographic reach of Solomon’s rule and the importance of this territory.
  • תַּפַּת (Taphath, H2955): This is the personal name of Solomon’s daughter. Naming her directly in the verse draws attention to the political and familial strategy behind the marriage.
  • אִשָּׁה (ishah, H802): This word means "wife." Its use here clarifies that the relationship between the official and Taphath was a formal marriage, not just a casual connection.

Why 1 Kings 4:11 matters

  • This verse shows how Solomon combined political power with family alliances, marrying his daughters to key officials to secure their loyalty.
  • The verse highlights the administrative structure of Solomon’s kingdom, showing that trusted individuals—often with personal ties—were placed in charge of important regions.
  • By naming both the region and the family connection, the verse emphasizes the careful planning behind Solomon’s governance and the integration of family into political strategy.

Where else these words appear

“region” Hebrew H5299 · used in 4 verses

  • Joshua 11:2 And to the kings that were on the north of the mountains, and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of Dor on the west,
  • Joshua 12:23 The king of Dor in the coast of Dor, one; the king of the nations of Gilgal, one;
  • Isaiah 30:28 And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err.

“Dor” Hebrew H1756 · used in 6 verses

  • Joshua 11:2 And to the kings that were on the north of the mountains, and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of Dor on the west,
  • Joshua 12:23 The king of Dor in the coast of Dor, one; the king of the nations of Gilgal, one;
  • Judges 1:27 Neither did Manasseh drive out the inhabitants of Bethshean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.