And these were the chief of king Solomon's officers, even two hundred and fifty, that bare rule over the people.

2 CHRONICLES 8:10KJV
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2 Chronicles 8:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 8:10 mean?

2 Chronicles 8:10 describes how King Solomon appointed 250 chief officers to supervise and rule over the people. These officials held positions of authority and were responsible for managing the affairs of Solomon’s kingdom.

This verse is part of a passage listing Solomon’s administrative organization after he completed building the temple and his own palace. The writer is describing to the reader how Solomon structured his government, highlighting the number and rank of those in charge. The verse emphasizes the scale and orderliness of Solomon’s rule, showing that leadership and oversight were delegated to trusted officials.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 8:10

  • "Chief" (שָׂרִים, sarim): This word means "princes" or "leaders," indicating these were not just ordinary workers but high-ranking officials.
  • "Officers" (נֹצְבִים, notzevim): This term is often used for overseers or supervisors, suggesting these men had direct responsibility for managing people and projects.
  • "Rule" (רָדָה, radah): This verb means to have dominion or authority over, showing these officers had real governing power, not just ceremonial roles.
  • "People" (עָם, am): This word refers to the general population, making it clear these officers’ authority extended over the everyday citizens, not just other officials.

Why 2 Chronicles 8:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Solomon’s kingdom was highly organized, with a clear chain of command and a significant number of leaders to maintain order.
  • The mention of 250 chief officers highlights the scale of Solomon’s administration and the importance he placed on structured governance.
  • Understanding the roles and authority of these officials helps explain how Solomon was able to manage such large building projects and maintain stability in his reign.

Where else these words appear

“officers” Hebrew H5333 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
  • 1 Samuel 13:4 And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal.
  • 1 Kings 4:19 Geber the son of Uri was in the country of Gilead, in the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only officer which was in the land.

“rule” Hebrew H7287 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
  • Judges 14:9 And he took thereof in his hands, and went on eating, and came to his father and mother, and he gave them, and they did eat: but he told not them that he had taken the honey out of the carcase of the lion.
  • Psalms 110:2 The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.

“officers” Hebrew H5324 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • Numbers 23:6 And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he, and all the princes of Moab.
  • 1 Kings 5:16 Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work.

“fifty” Hebrew H2572 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 2 Kings 21:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah.