And Ahishar was over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute.

1 KINGS 4:6KJV
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1 Kings 4:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 4:6 mean?

1 Kings 4:6 lists two officials in King Solomon’s administration: Ahishar, who was in charge of the royal household, and Adoniram son of Abda, who oversaw the collection of tribute or forced labor. The verse shows how Solomon organized his government by appointing trusted people to manage important responsibilities.

This verse is part of a longer section where the writer describes the structure of Solomon’s kingdom. The focus here is on the practical running of the palace and the management of resources and labor, highlighting the scale and complexity of Solomon’s rule. The verse is not a speech but a historical record, giving readers a glimpse into the daily workings of Israel’s monarchy.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 4:6

  • בַּיִת (bayith; “household”): This word often means a physical house, but here it refers to the management of the royal palace and its affairs. Being “over the household” meant overseeing all domestic matters, a position of great trust and influence.
  • מַס (mas; “tribute”): This word can mean forced labor, levy, or tax. In Solomon’s administration, Adoniram was responsible for organizing and collecting the labor or resources required from the people, which was a major part of supporting the king’s building projects and the kingdom’s needs.

Why 1 Kings 4:6 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Solomon’s government was highly organized, with specific officials assigned to different areas of responsibility, reflecting a sophisticated administration.
  • It highlights the importance of both domestic management (the palace) and national resources (tribute or labor), showing the balance needed to run a large kingdom.
  • The mention of tribute (mas) connects to later tensions in Israel’s history, as forced labor and heavy levies became a source of discontent among the people after Solomon’s reign.

Where else these words appear

“Adoniram” Hebrew H141 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Kings 5:14 And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home: and Adoniram was over the levy.

“Abda” Hebrew H5653 · used in 2 verses

  • Nehemiah 11:17 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

“tribute” Hebrew H4522 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 49:15 And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.
  • Judges 1:33 Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Bethshemesh, nor the inhabitants of Bethanath; but he dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Bethshemesh and of Bethanath became tributaries unto them.
  • 1 Kings 12:18 Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.