And Hiram sent in the navy his servants, shipmen that had knowledge of the sea, with the servants of Solomon.

1 KINGS 9:27KJV
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1 Kings 9:27 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 9:27 mean?

1 Kings 9:27 says that King Hiram of Tyre sent his experienced sailors to join Solomon’s servants in the Israelite navy. These skilled shipmen, who understood the sea, worked together with Solomon’s men for a shared maritime venture.

This verse comes in the context of Solomon’s reign, after he finished building the temple and his palace. Solomon wanted to expand Israel’s trade and influence by sea, but the Israelites lacked seafaring experience. Hiram, whose people were expert sailors, provided this crucial help, showing a practical partnership between the two kings.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 9:27

  • "Shipmen" (אֲנָשִׁים אֲנִיּוֹת, ʾanashim ʾaniyyot): The word used here for "shipmen" refers specifically to men who are skilled in operating ships, highlighting their expertise rather than just their role as crew.
  • "Knowledge" (יָדַע, yadaʿ): This word means to know or have skill, and in this context, it emphasizes that Hiram’s men were not just sailors, but had deep understanding and practical experience with the sea.
  • "Sea" (יָם, yam): The Hebrew word for "sea" often refers to the Mediterranean, which was central to trade and travel in this region. The mention here points to the international scope of Solomon’s ambitions.

Why 1 Kings 9:27 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Solomon’s success in maritime trade depended on outside expertise, showing humility and practical wisdom in seeking help where Israel lacked experience.
  • The partnership between Hiram and Solomon is a key example of peaceful cooperation and mutual benefit between nations in the Bible.
  • Understanding the specific skills of Hiram’s men helps explain how Israel was able to launch successful trading voyages, setting the stage for the wealth and fame associated with Solomon’s reign.

Where else these words appear

“navy” Hebrew H590 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Kings 9:26 And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Eziongeber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom.
  • 1 Kings 10:11 And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.
  • 1 Kings 10:22 For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

“Hiram” Hebrew H2438 · used in 20 verses

  • 2 Samuel 5:11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.
  • 1 Kings 5:11 And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year.
  • 1 Kings 9:11 ( Now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees, and with gold, according to all his desire,) that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee.

“shipmen” Hebrew H591 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 49:13 Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.
  • Job 9:26 They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle that hasteth to the prey.
  • Isaiah 43:14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.