And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.

2 CHRONICLES 9:4KJV
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2 Chronicles 9:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 9:4 mean?

2 Chronicles 9:4 describes the Queen of Sheba’s amazement at the impressive order, wealth, and rituals she observed in King Solomon’s court, especially the way his servants, officials, and cupbearers were dressed and behaved, as well as the special way Solomon approached the house of the LORD. The verse says she was so overwhelmed by what she saw that she was left breathless.

The setting is a royal visit: the Queen of Sheba has come to Jerusalem to see King Solomon’s wisdom and prosperity for herself. She witnesses not only Solomon’s wisdom but also the detailed organization and splendor of his palace and religious practices. The verse highlights how the visible details of Solomon’s court—down to the food, the seating, the uniforms, and the ceremonial ascent to the temple—left a powerful impression on a foreign ruler.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 9:4

  • "meat" (אֹכֶל, 'okhel; H3978) refers to the food served at Solomon’s table, pointing to abundance and careful provision, not just luxury.
  • "sitting" (מוֹשָׁב, moshav; H4186) describes the arrangement or seating of Solomon’s servants, suggesting a well-ordered and hierarchical court.
  • "ascent" (עֲלִיָּה, aliyah; H5944) is the special way or staircase Solomon used to go up to the house of the LORD, hinting at a unique or ceremonial passage that impressed the Queen.
  • "spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach; H7307) is often understood as “breath” or “spirit,” so “there was no more spirit in her” means she was left in awe, almost breathless with wonder.

Why 2 Chronicles 9:4 matters

  • This verse clears up that the Queen of Sheba was not just impressed by Solomon’s wisdom in conversation, but also by the visible order, beauty, and ritual of his entire kingdom.
  • The details about food, clothing, and ceremony emphasize that Solomon’s reign was marked by both spiritual devotion and practical excellence.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that Solomon’s reputation for wisdom and splendor was confirmed by an outside observer, fulfilling earlier promises about his kingdom’s greatness.

Where else these words appear

“attendance” Hebrew H4612 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Kings 10:5 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.
  • 1 Chronicles 23:28 Because their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God;
  • 2 Chronicles 35:15 And the singers the sons of Asaph were in their place, according to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer; and the porters waited at every gate; they might not depart from their service; for their brethren the Levites prepared for them.

“apparel” Hebrew H4403 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Kings 10:5 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.
  • Job 27:16 Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;
  • Ezekiel 16:13 Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.

“ascent” Hebrew H5944 · used in 20 verses

  • Judges 3:20 And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat.
  • 1 Kings 17:23 And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth.
  • 2 Chronicles 3:9 And the weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. And he overlaid the upper chambers with gold.

“meat” Hebrew H3978 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:40 Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel.
  • Isaiah 62:8 The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured: