1 Kings 4:19
1 Kings 4:19 in Multiple Translations
Geber son of Uri in the land of Gilead, including the territories of Sihon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Bashan. There was also one governor in the land of Judah.
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.
Geber the son of Uri, in the land of Gilead, the country of Sihon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only officer that was in the land.
Geber, the son of Uri, in the land of Gilead, the country of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan; and one overseer had authority over all the overseers who were in the land.
Geber son of Uri in the land of Gilead (the former country of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and of Og, king of Bashan. There was also a governor who was over the land of Judah).
Geber the sonne of Vri in the countrey of Gilead, the land of Sihon King of the Amorites, and of Og King of Bashan, and was officer alone in the land.
Geber Ben-Uri [is] in the land of Gilead, the land of Sihon king of the Amorite, and of Og king of Bashan: and one officer who [is] in the land.
Geber the son of Uri, in the land of Gilead, the country of Sihon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only officer who was in the land.
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 who was in the land.
Gaber the son of Uri, in the land of Galaad, in the land of Sehon the king of the Amorrhites and of Og the king of Basan, over all that were in that land.
Uri’s son Geber, for the Gilead region, the land that Sihon the king of the Amor people-group formerly ruled, and the Bashan area, which was the area that Og formerly ruled. In addition to all those, Solomon appointed one governor for the territory of the tribe of Judah.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 4:19
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 4:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גֶּ֥בֶר
בֶּן
אֻרִ֖י
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
גִּלְעָ֑ד
אֶ֜רֶץ
סִיח֣וֹן
מֶ֣לֶךְ
הָ/אֱמֹרִ֗י
וְ/עֹג֙
מֶ֣לֶךְ
הַ/בָּשָׁ֔ן
וּ/נְצִ֥יב
אֶחָ֖ד
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
בָּ/אָֽרֶץ
גֶּ֥בֶר
Geber
H1398
Geber
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אֻרִ֖י
ʼÛwrîy
H221
Uri
N-proper
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
גִּלְעָ֑ד
Gilʻâd
H1568
Gilead
N-proper
אֶ֜רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
סִיח֣וֹן
Çîychôwn
H5511
Sihon
N-proper
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
הָ/אֱמֹרִ֗י
ʼĔmôrîy
H567
Amorite
Art | Ngmsa
וְ/עֹג֙
ʻÔwg
H5747
Og
Conj | N-proper
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
הַ/בָּשָׁ֔ן
Bâshân
H1316
Bashan
Art | N-proper
וּ/נְצִ֥יב
nᵉtsîyb
H5333
garrison
Conj | N-ms
אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בָּ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 4:19
גֶּ֥בֶר
Geber
H1398
"Geber"
N-proper
Geber was the name of two Israelites, one of whom was an officer of Solomon, overseeing Gilead, as mentioned in 1 Kings 4:19. His name means 'warrior'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ki.4.19; son of: Uri (H0221H) § Geber = "warrior" the son of Uri, an officer of Solomon, overseer of Gilead
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Geber. See also: 1 Kings 4:19.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֻרִ֖י
ʼÛwrîy
H221
"Uri"
N-proper
Uri was a common name in ancient Israel, meaning fiery, and was given to several notable Israelites, including a prince of Judah and a gatekeeper during the time of Ezra, as recorded in Ezra 10:24 and 1 Chronicles 4:19.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.24 § Uri = "fiery" 1) a prince of Judah, a son of Hur who was used by God to prepare the tabernacle 2) an officer (or the father of an officer) of Solomon in Gilead 3) a porter or gatekeeper in time of Ezra who took a foreign woman as wife
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Uri. See also: Exodus 31:2; 1 Kings 4:19; Ezra 10:24.
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
גִּלְעָ֑ד
Gilʻâd
H1568
"Gilead"
N-proper
Gilead refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, also the name of three Israelites. It means 'rocky region' and is sometimes called 'Mount Gilead'.
Definition: Gilead = "rocky region" a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: Gilead, Gileadite. See also: Genesis 31:21; 1 Samuel 11:9; Psalms 60:9.
אֶ֜רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
סִיח֣וֹן
Çîychôwn
H5511
"Sihon"
N-proper
Sihon was an Amorite king who lived during the time of the Israelites' wilderness journey. He was defeated by Moses in Transjordan, as recorded in Numbers 21:21. His name means warrior.
Definition: A king of Amorites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.21.21 § Sihon = "warrior" king of the Amorites at the time of the conquest and defeated by Moses in Transjordan
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Sihon. See also: Numbers 21:21; Deuteronomy 29:6; Psalms 135:11.
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
הָ/אֱמֹרִ֗י
ʼĔmôrîy
H567
"Amorite"
Art | Ngmsa
An Amorite is a member of a Canaanite tribe, first mentioned in Genesis 10:16, descended from Canaan. The Israelites displaced them as they entered the Promised Land.
Definition: Someone descended from Amor(?), first mentioned at Gen.10.16; descended from Canaan (H3667); along with Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577) § Amorite = "a sayer" one of the peoples of east Canaan and beyond the Jordan, dispossessed by the Israelite incursion from Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: Amorite. See also: Genesis 10:16; Joshua 9:1; Psalms 135:11.
וְ/עֹג֙
ʻÔwg
H5747
"Og"
Conj | N-proper
Og was a powerful king of Bashan, mentioned in Numbers 21, and was one of the last giants of the Rephaim. His name means long-necked and he is known for his strength. Og was defeated by the Israelites.
Definition: A man of Bashan living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.21.33 § Og = "long-necked" the Amorite king of Bashan and one of the last representatives of the giants of Rephaim
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Og. See also: Numbers 21:33; Deuteronomy 31:4; Psalms 135:11.
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
הַ/בָּשָׁ֔ן
Bâshân
H1316
"Bashan"
Art | N-proper
Bashan was a fertile region east of the Jordan River, given to the half-tribe of Manasseh. It was known for its fruitfulness and is mentioned in the Bible as a significant area.
Definition: § Bashan = "fruitful" a district east of the Jordan known for its fertility which was given to the half-tribe of Manasseh
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Bashan. See also: Numbers 21:33; Joshua 21:27; Psalms 22:13.
וּ/נְצִ֥יב
nᵉtsîyb
H5333
"garrison"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a garrison or military post, like the ones established by King Solomon. It appears in 1 Kings 4:19, where Solomon's administrative districts are listed. This word describes a place of military strength and control.
Definition: 1) set over, something placed, pillar, prefect, garrison, post 1a) pillar 1b) prefect, deputy
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: garrison, officer, pillar. See also: Genesis 19:26; 2 Samuel 8:14; 2 Chronicles 17:2.
אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בָּ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 4:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 4:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 4:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 4:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:19
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:19
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 4:19
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 4:19
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:19
Context — Solomon’s Twelve Officers
17Jehoshaphat son of Paruah in Issachar;
18Shimei son of Ela in Benjamin;
19Geber son of Uri in the land of Gilead, including the territories of Sihon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Bashan. There was also one governor in the land of Judah.
20The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore, and they were eating and drinking and rejoicing. 21And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 2:26–17 | — |
| 2 | Joshua 13:9–12 | The area from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, the whole plateau of Medeba as far as Dibon, and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites who reigned in Heshbon, as far as the border of the Ammonites; also Gilead and the territory of the Geshurites and Maacathites, all of Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salecah— the whole kingdom of Og in Bashan, who had reigned in Ashtaroth and Edrei and had remained as a remnant of the Rephaim. Moses had struck them down and dispossessed them, |
| 3 | Numbers 21:21–35 | Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, “Let us pass through your land. We will not cut through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King’s Highway until we have passed through your territory.” But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and went out to confront Israel in the wilderness. When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel. And Israel put him to the sword and took possession of his land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok—but only up to the border of the Ammonites, because it was fortified. Israel captured all the cities of the Amorites and occupied them, including Heshbon and all its villages. Heshbon was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab and taken all his land as far as the Arnon. That is why the poets say: “Come to Heshbon, let it be rebuilt; let the city of Sihon be restored. For a fire went out from Heshbon, a blaze from the city of Sihon. It consumed Ar of Moab, the rulers of Arnon’s heights. Woe to you, O Moab! You are destroyed, O people of Chemosh! He gave up his sons as refugees, and his daughters into captivity to Sihon king of the Amorites. But we have overthrown them; Heshbon is destroyed as far as Dibon. We demolished them as far as Nophah, which reaches to Medeba. ” So Israel lived in the land of the Amorites. After Moses had sent spies to Jazer, Israel captured its villages and drove out the Amorites who were there. Then they turned and went up the road to Bashan, and Og king of Bashan and his whole army came out to meet them in battle at Edrei. But the LORD said to Moses, “Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, along with all his people and his land. Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.” So they struck down Og, along with his sons and his whole army, until no remnant was left. And they took possession of his land. |
1 Kings 4:19 Summary
This verse tells us about the leaders that King Solomon appointed to help him govern his kingdom. Geber son of Uri was in charge of the land of Gilead, which included the territories of two former kings, Sihon and Og. There was also a governor in the land of Judah, which shows that Solomon had a system of leaders to help him manage the kingdom, similar to the system described in Exodus 18:13-27. This reminds us that good leaders know how to delegate responsibilities and trust others to help them, as seen in (Proverbs 24:3-4) and (Matthew 25:14-30).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Geber son of Uri being in charge of the land of Gilead?
Geber son of Uri was a governor appointed by King Solomon to oversee the land of Gilead, which included the territories of Sihon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Bashan, as mentioned in 1 Kings 4:19, this is a result of the conquests mentioned in Deuteronomy 3:1-17 and Numbers 21:21-35.
Why is there a governor in the land of Judah when Solomon is already the king?
The presence of a governor in the land of Judah, as mentioned in 1 Kings 4:19, indicates that King Solomon had appointed regional leaders to help him manage the vast kingdom, similar to the system described in Exodus 18:13-27 and Deuteronomy 1:9-18.
What can we learn from the way Solomon organized his kingdom?
The organization of Solomon's kingdom, as seen in 1 Kings 4:7-19, demonstrates the importance of wise leadership, delegation of responsibilities, and the value of a well-structured system, as also emphasized in Proverbs 24:3-4 and Proverbs 27:23-27.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of 1 Kings?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of 1 Kings, which highlights the reign of King Solomon, his wisdom, and the prosperity of Israel during his rule, as also seen in 1 Kings 3:12-14 and 1 Kings 10:1-13.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from the way Solomon delegated responsibilities to his governors, and how can I apply this to my own life?
- How does the mention of the conquests of Sihon and Og in this verse remind me of God's faithfulness and power, as seen in Numbers 21:21-35 and Deuteronomy 3:1-17?
- What does the presence of a governor in the land of Judah reveal about the importance of local leadership and governance, and how can I support and pray for my own local leaders?
- In what ways can I, like King Solomon, use my own gifts and resources to serve and bless others, as encouraged in Matthew 25:14-30 and 1 Peter 4:10-11?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 4:19
Geber the son of Uri [was] in the country of Gilead,.... Which was beyond Jordan, and inhabited by the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh; this must be understood of all the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 4:19
Baanah the son of Hushai was in Asher and in Aloth: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:19
In the country of Gilead, i.e. in the remaining part of that land of Gilead, which was mentioned above, . In the land, or rather, in that land; for the Hebrew points intimate that the emphatical article is there understood, to wit, in all Gilead, excepting the parcels mentioned before, in all the territories of Sihon and Og; which because they were of large extent, and yet all committed to this one man, it is here noted concerning him as his privilege above the rest, whose jurisdictions were of a narrower extent.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:19
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.Ver. 19. He was the only officer.] Sitarchus unus, the arch-prefect.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:19
(19) The twelfth division was on the east of Jordan, south of the seventh, including the pastoral country of Reuben and part of Gad on the borders of Moab, probably occupied by the royal flocks and herds. In place of the reading of the text, “and he was the only officer in the land”—which yields very little meaning, for in each of the divisions there was but one governor—the LXX. here reads, “and Naseph (or an officer), one only in the land of Judah.” The reading seems probable; for it will be noticed that in the enumeration the territory of Judah is otherwise altogether omitted. It supplies accordingly here the mention of a special governor, over and above the twelve, for the royal tribe. It has been thought that as Judah was the home province, it was under no other government than that of the king’s officers at Jerusalem; but for purposes of revenue it seems hardly likely that it should have been excepted from the general system. Possibly Azariah, who was over the officers residing at the Court, may have been its territorial governor. In some MSS. of the Greek Version, 1 Kings 4:27-28 immediately follow 1 Kings 4:19, and (as 1 Kings 4:20-21 are omitted) they form a link between 1 Kings 4:7-19 and 1 Kings 4:22-23, in a very natural order.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 4:19
19. in the country of Gilead] Geber had the oversight of that part of Gilead which lay south of the district assigned to Ben-Geber (1 Kings 4:13). This comprised all the kingdom of Sihon and part of the kingdom of Og (Deut. chh. 2. 3), and was a very extensive province, but on account of its rugged character was probably thinly populated. The extent of it may account for the notice which follows that Geber was the only officer, though the country was so large.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 4:19
The meaning of the last clause is somewhat doubtful. On the whole, our King James Version may well stand as nearly correct.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:19
19. The country of Gilead — The vast mountainous tract east of the Jordan, and south of Bashan. Here it is spoken of as including at least a part of Bashan. See on Deuteronomy 3:13, and references.