And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.

1 KINGS 9:28KJV
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1 Kings 9:28 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 9:28 mean?

1 Kings 9:28 describes how Solomon’s men traveled to a place called Ophir and brought back a large amount of gold—specifically, four hundred and twenty talents—which they delivered to King Solomon. This verse highlights the wealth and resources that Solomon’s kingdom was able to access through overseas ventures.

In the context of 1 Kings, this event takes place during Solomon’s reign, as he is building up the kingdom’s prosperity and reputation. The verse is part of a passage describing Solomon’s trading activities and alliances, showing how he expanded Israel’s influence and wealth by sending ships and men to distant lands.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 9:28

  • אוֹפִיר (Ophir, Ophir): This name refers to a distant region famous for its gold. The exact location is uncertain, but in the ancient world, Ophir was legendary for its riches.
  • כִּכָּר (kikkar, talents): A "talent" was a large unit of weight, often used for precious metals. Four hundred and twenty talents would have been an enormous amount, emphasizing the scale of Solomon’s wealth.
  • זָהָב (zahav, gold): The Hebrew word for gold here underscores the main commodity being imported, which was highly valued and a symbol of prosperity and power.

Why 1 Kings 9:28 matters

  • This verse shows the extent of Solomon’s international trade and the practical means by which his kingdom gained wealth, not just through tribute or conquest but through organized expeditions.
  • The mention of Ophir and the specific amount of gold helps underline the historical and legendary reputation of Solomon’s reign as a time of great abundance.
  • By connecting this verse to the broader narrative, readers see how Solomon’s wisdom and alliances led to tangible benefits for Israel, setting the stage for the temple’s splendor and the kingdom’s high status in the region.

Where else these words appear

“Ophir” Hebrew H211 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 10:29 And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab: all these were the sons of Joktan.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:23 And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan.
  • Job 22:24 Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.

“talents” Hebrew H3603 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 13:10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.
  • 2 Samuel 12:30 And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:4 Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal: