Question 1

What does 1 Kings 4:22 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Kings 4:22 describes the daily food supply required for King Solomon’s household: thirty measures of fine flour and sixty measures of meal. This verse highlights the enormous quantity of provisions needed each day to support Solomon’s royal court. The verse is part of a passage listing the wealth and organization of Solomon’s reign. The writer is describing to the reader just how large and prosperous Solomon’s kingdom was by showing the scale of food needed for his palace staff, officials, and guests. This detail helps paint a picture of Solomon’s impressive resources and the daily operations of his administration.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 4:22

Accepted Answer

The word for "provision" is לֶחֶם (lechem), often translated as "bread" or "food," but here it refers more broadly to all the daily supplies needed for the royal household. "Measures" is סָה (cor, transliterated as kor), a large unit of dry measure in ancient Israel. Thirty kors of fine flour and sixty kors of meal show the vast scale of Solomon’s daily needs. "Fine flour" is סֹלֶת (solet), which refers to the highest quality, sifted flour, used for special or important meals. "Meal" is קֶמַח (qemach), a more common, coarser ground grain, showing both luxury and everyday provision in the palace.

Question 3

Why 1 Kings 4:22 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clears up any idea that Solomon’s court was small or modest; the quantities listed are enormous, showing the scale of his administration. The verse emphasizes the prosperity and organization of Solomon’s reign, fitting into a larger section that describes his wisdom, wealth, and the stability of his kingdom. By listing both fine flour and meal, the verse hints at the diversity of people and needs within Solomon’s household, from the highest officials to everyday workers.

1 Kings 4:22 (KJV)