1 Kings 5:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 5:11 mean?

1 Kings 5:11 describes how King Solomon provided King Hiram of Tyre with regular, generous supplies of wheat and pure oil each year as part of their agreement. This verse shows the ongoing exchange of goods that supported their alliance and the building projects in Israel.

Solomon, the king of Israel, is giving Hiram, the king of Tyre, twenty thousand measures of wheat and twenty measures of pure oil every year for Hiram’s household. This arrangement was part of a broader partnership: Hiram supplied Solomon with cedar and other materials for building the temple, and Solomon supplied food in return. The verse highlights the scale and regularity of the provision, showing the importance of this international relationship.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 5:11

• "Measures" (כֹּר, kor): This word refers to a large unit of dry measure, often estimated at about 6 bushels or 220 liters. The use of "twenty thousand measures" emphasizes the vast quantity of wheat Solomon provided.
• "Pure" (בָּר, bar): This word means "clean" or "pure," and here it describes the high quality of the oil given. It shows that Solomon was not just sending any oil, but the best kind.
• "Year by year" (שָׁנָה, shanah): The phrase repeats the word for "year," stressing that this was not a one-time gift but an ongoing, annual commitment.

Why 1 Kings 5:11 matters

• This verse clarifies that Solomon’s alliance with Hiram was not just political but involved significant economic exchange, with Solomon providing food in return for building materials.
• The detail about the quantity and quality of goods highlights the wealth and resources of Solomon’s kingdom, as well as the value placed on maintaining good relations with neighboring nations.
• Understanding this arrangement helps explain how Solomon was able to undertake large-scale projects like building the temple, relying on international cooperation and trade.