2 Chronicles 9:21 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 9:21 mean?

2 Chronicles 9:21 describes how King Solomon’s ships, together with the servants of Huram, made long trading voyages to Tarshish every three years, returning with valuable and exotic goods like gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks. This verse highlights the wealth and international connections of Solomon’s kingdom.

The verse is part of a section describing Solomon’s reign and the prosperity of Israel under his rule. The writer is recounting to the reader how Solomon’s partnership with Huram (the king of Tyre) enabled regular expeditions to distant lands, bringing back treasures and rare animals that were not native to Israel. This detail emphasizes the extraordinary reach and splendor of Solomon’s court.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 9:21

• תַּרְשִׁישׁ (Tarshish): This place name is often understood as a distant port, possibly in the western Mediterranean. Its mention here suggests far-reaching trade connections.
• שָׁנָה (shanah, “years”) and שָׁלוֹשׁ (shalosh, “three”): The phrase “every three years” shows the length and scale of these voyages, underlining how rare and valuable these shipments were.
• קוֹף (qof, “apes”) and תֻּכִּיּים (tukkiyyim, “peacocks”): These words refer to exotic animals, showing that the ships brought back not just precious metals but also rare creatures, adding to the sense of wonder and luxury in Solomon’s court.

Why 2 Chronicles 9:21 matters

• This verse clears up any idea that Solomon’s wealth was only local; it shows active, international trade and cooperation with other rulers.
• The mention of specific exotic goods and animals highlights the extraordinary prosperity and cultural richness of Solomon’s reign, as described in the wider passage.
• By naming Huram’s servants and the repeated three-year voyages, the verse connects Solomon’s achievements to broader networks and alliances, not just his own efforts.