1 Kings 4:18 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 4:18 mean?

1 Kings 4:18 lists Shimei, the son of Elah, as an official in the territory of Benjamin. This verse is part of a record naming those who held authority in different regions during King Solomon’s reign.

The book of 1 Kings is describing how Solomon organized his kingdom by appointing trusted officials over Israel’s various tribes and territories. This brief verse simply identifies Shimei and his family background, showing the administrative structure and the importance of Benjamin as a region in Solomon’s government.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 4:18

• שִׁמְעִי (Shim‘i, “Shimei”): This is a personal name that appears several times in the Old Testament. Here, it identifies the specific official in charge of Benjamin.
• בֵּן (ben, “son”): This word shows the family relationship, indicating that Shimei is the son of Elah.
• אֵלָה (Elah, “Elah”): The name of Shimei’s father, helping to distinguish him from others with the same name.
• בִּנְיָמִן (Binyamin, “Benjamin”): This is the name of the territory or tribe, clarifying the region Shimei was responsible for.

Why 1 Kings 4:18 matters

• This verse helps clarify the administrative divisions under Solomon, showing that his rule was organized and delegated among trusted leaders.
• By naming both Shimei and his father Elah, the text avoids confusion with other individuals named Shimei elsewhere in the Bible.
• The mention of Benjamin highlights the continued significance of this tribe and its territory within the united kingdom of Israel.