1 Kings 9:14 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 9:14 mean?

1 Kings 9:14 describes how Hiram, the king of Tyre, sent King Solomon a large amount of gold—specifically, sixscore (120) talents—as part of their ongoing partnership. This verse highlights a significant transaction between the two kings during the building of Solomon’s temple and palace.

Hiram had supplied Solomon with materials and skilled workers for his building projects, and in return, Solomon gave Hiram cities in Galilee (as described in the surrounding verses). The gold sent by Hiram was a substantial sum, reflecting the scale of their alliance and the wealth involved in these royal projects. This exchange is part of a larger narrative about the cooperation and agreements between Israel and its neighbors during Solomon’s reign.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 9:14

• חִירָם (ḥîrām, "Hiram"): This is the name of the Phoenician king who played a key role in Solomon’s building efforts, showing the international connections of Israel at the time.
• שָׁלַח (šālaḥ, "sent"): This word often means to send or dispatch, emphasizing that the gold was a purposeful gift or payment, not just a casual exchange.
• מֵאָה (mê’āh, "hundred") and עֶשְׂרִים (ʿeśrîm, "twenty"): Together, these words form “sixscore” or 120, making clear the exact amount of gold involved.
• כִּכָּר (kikkār, "talent"): A “talent” was a large unit of weight, so 120 talents would have been a massive amount of gold, underlining the wealth and scale of the project.
• זָהָב (zāhāḇ, "gold"): This word simply means gold, but its use here points to the high value and significance of the transaction.

Why 1 Kings 9:14 matters

• This verse clarifies the scale of resources involved in Solomon’s building projects, showing just how much wealth and material were exchanged.
• The mention of Hiram’s gold helps explain the close relationship and mutual benefit between Israel and Tyre, which is a key theme in this part of 1 Kings.
• Understanding the amount and value of gold involved gives a clearer picture of the historical and economic context of Solomon’s reign, helping readers appreciate the grandeur described in these chapters.