1 Kings 4:3
1 Kings 4:3 in Multiple Translations
Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;
Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder.
Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder;
Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were scribes; Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahilud, was the recorder;
Elihoreph and Ahijah, sons of Shisha, were the king's secretaries. Jehoshaphat, son of Ahilud, kept the royal records.
Elihoreph and Ahiah the sonnes of Shisha scribes, Iehoshaphat the sonne of Ahilud, the recorder,
Elihoreph and Ahiah sons of Shisha [are] scribes; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud [is] remembrancer;
Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder;
Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehosaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder.
Elihoreph, and Ahia, the sons of Sisa, scribes: Josaphat the son of Ahilud, recorder:
Shisha’s sons Elihoreph and Ahijah were the official secretaries. Ahilud’s son Jehoshaphat was the one who announced to the people the king’s decisions.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 4:3
BAB
Word Study
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1 Kings 4:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱלִיחֹ֧רֶף
וַ/אֲחִיָּ֛ה
בְּנֵ֥י
שִׁישָׁ֖א
סֹפְרִ֑ים
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט
בֶּן
אֲחִיל֖וּד
הַ/מַּזְכִּֽיר
אֱלִיחֹ֧רֶף
ʼĔlîychôreph
H456
Elihoreph
N-proper
וַ/אֲחִיָּ֛ה
ʼĂchîyâh
H281
Ahijah
Conj | N-proper
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
שִׁישָׁ֖א
Shîyshâʼ
H7894
Shisha
N-proper
סֹפְרִ֑ים
çâphar
H5608
to recount
N-mp
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט
Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ
H3092
Jehoshaphat
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אֲחִיל֖וּד
ʼĂchîylûwd
H286
Ahilud
N-proper
הַ/מַּזְכִּֽיר
zâkar
H2142
to remember
Art | V-Hiphil
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 4:3
אֱלִיחֹ֧רֶף
ʼĔlîychôreph
H456
"Elihoreph"
N-proper
Elihoreph was a scribe in King Solomon's court, serving as a high-ranking official. His name means 'God of winter' and he was the son of Seraiah and brother of Ahijah. He is mentioned in 1 Kings as a key figure in Solomon's administration.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ki.4.3; son of: Seraiah (H8304); brother of: Ahijah (H0281) § Elihoreph = "God of winter (harvest-time)" a scribe in Solomon's court
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Elihoreph. See also: 1 Kings 4:3.
וַ/אֲחִיָּ֛ה
ʼĂchîyâh
H281
"Ahijah"
Conj | N-proper
Ahijah means brother of Jehovah, and was the name of several Israelites, including a prophet who predicted the revolt of the Northern tribes in 1 Samuel 14.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.3; son of: Ahitub (H0285); father of: Abiathar (H0054); also called Ahijah (KJV: Ahiah) at 1Sa.14.3,18; Another name of a.chi.me.lekh (אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Ahimelech" H0288G) § Ahiah or Ahijah = "brother of Jehovah (Yahu)" 1) grandson of Phinehas 2) scribe of Solomon 3) a prophet who predicted the revolt of the Northern tribes 4) father of Baasha, who usurped the Northern throne 5) grandson of Hezron (or mother of 1-4 above) 6) a Benjamite, son of Ehud 7) one of David's heroes 8) a Levite during David's time 9) a chief man under Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Ahiah, Ahijah. See also: 1 Samuel 14:3; 1 Kings 15:27; Nehemiah 10:27.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
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.
שִׁישָׁ֖א
Shîyshâʼ
H7894
"Shisha"
N-proper
Shisha was an Israelite who lived during the time of King Solomon, and he is mentioned in the Bible as the father of two royal secretaries, Elihoreph and Ahijah, in 1 Kings 4:3. He is also called Shavsha in 1 Chronicles 18:16.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17; father of: Elihoreph (H0456) and Ahijah (H0281); also called Shavsha at 1Ch.18.16; Sheva(Ketiv: Sheya) at 2Sa.20.25; Shisha at 1Ki.4.3; Another name of se.ra.yah (שְׂרָיָהוּ "Seraiah" H8304G) § Shisha = "Jehovah contends" 1) father of Elihoreph and Ahiah, the royal secretaries in the reign of Solomon 1a) apparently the same as 'Shavsha' who held the same position under David
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Shisha. See also: 1 Kings 4:3.
סֹפְרִ֑ים
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
N-mp
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט
Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ
H3092
"Jehoshaphat"
N-proper
Jehoshaphat was a king of Judah who ruled for 25 years and was known for his piety and prosperity. His name means Jehovah has judged, and he is mentioned in 2 Kings 9:2 as the son of King Asa. He was one of the best kings of Judah in the Bible.
Definition: A man of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.9.2; son of: Nimshi (H5250); father of: Jehu (H3058H) § Jehoshaphat = "Jehovah has judged" 1) son of king Asa and himself king of Judah for 25 years; one of the best, most pious, and prosperous kings of Judah 2) son of Nimshi and father of king Jehu of the northern kingdom of Israel 3) son of Ahilud and chronicler under David and Solomon 4) son of Paruah and one of the 12 commissary officers under Solomon 5) a priest and trumpeter in the time of David 6) symbolical name of a valley near Jerusalem which is the place of ultimate judgment; maybe the deep ravine which separates Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives through which the Kidron flowed
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshaphat. Compare H3146 (יוֹשָׁפָט). See also: 2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Chronicles 17:5; Joel 4:12.
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.
אֲחִיל֖וּד
ʼĂchîylûwd
H286
"Ahilud"
N-proper
Ahilud was an Israelite living during King David's time, and his sons included Jehoshaphat, a recorder, and Baana, an officer of Solomon. His name means child's brother. Ahilud is mentioned in 2 Samuel 8:16.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.16; father of: Jehoshaphat (H3092), Baana (H1195) § Ahilud = "child's brother" 1) father of Jehoshaphat, David's recorder 2) father of Baana, an officer of Solomon
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Ahilud. See also: 2 Samuel 8:16; 1 Kings 4:3; 1 Chronicles 18:15.
הַ/מַּזְכִּֽיר
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
Art | V-Hiphil
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 4:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 4:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 4:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 4:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:3
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 4:3
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 4:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:3
- Sermons on 1 Kings 4:3
Context — Solomon’s Princes
1So King Solomon ruled over Israel,
2and these were his chief officials: Azariah son of Zadok was the priest;
3Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;
4Benaiah son of Jehoiada was in charge of the army; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; 5Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the governors; Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 8:16 | Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; |
| 2 | Isaiah 62:6 | On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves, |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 18:15 | Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 18:6 | Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 20:24–25 | Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; Sheva was the scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; |
1 Kings 4:3 Summary
This verse describes some of the key officials in King Solomon's administration, including Elihoreph and Ahijah, who were secretaries, and Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud, who was the recorder. These officials played important roles in helping King Solomon manage his kingdom, similar to the way that Jesus taught his disciples to be wise stewards of the resources they had been given (Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 12:42-48). By studying this verse, we can learn about the importance of effective leadership, organization, and stewardship, and how these principles can be applied in our own lives. We can also see the value of preserving history and recording the events of our lives, as seen in the role of Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud as the recorder, and the example of the prophet Jeremiah in Jeremiah 36:1-32.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did Elihoreph and Ahijah have in King Solomon's administration?
Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries, which means they were responsible for recording and managing official documents and correspondence, similar to the role of scribes in ancient Israel, as seen in Second Chronicles 34:13 and Ezra 7:6
What is the significance of Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud being the recorder?
As the recorder, Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was likely responsible for maintaining official records and histories of King Solomon's reign, which is an important role in understanding the events of First Kings 4:3 and other biblical accounts, such as the records kept by the prophet Samuel in First Samuel 10:25
How did the roles of these officials contribute to the overall administration of King Solomon's kingdom?
The roles of Elihoreph, Ahijah, and Jehoshaphat, along with other officials mentioned in First Kings 4:1-5, demonstrate the complexity and organization of King Solomon's administration, highlighting the importance of effective leadership and management, as emphasized in Proverbs 24:3-4 and Proverbs 29:2
What can we learn from the way King Solomon organized his administration?
King Solomon's organization of his administration, as seen in First Kings 4:1-5, demonstrates the importance of wise leadership, effective delegation, and the value of recording and preserving history, as also seen in the example of King David in First Chronicles 27:1-34
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the importance of effective administration and leadership in achieving God's purposes?
- How do the roles of Elihoreph, Ahijah, and Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud relate to the broader themes of wisdom, organization, and stewardship in the Bible?
- In what ways can we apply the principles of wise administration and leadership in our own lives and communities, as seen in this verse and other biblical accounts?
- What does this verse teach us about the value of preserving history and recording the events of our lives, as seen in the role of Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud as the recorder?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 4:3
Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes,.... Their father Shisha, the same with Sheva, was scribe only in David's time; and he being dead very probably, both his sons were continued in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 4:3
Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder. Elihoreph and Ahiah , [ 'Eliychorep (H456), God is his recompense; wa-'Achiyaah (H281), brother (friend) of Yahweh].
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:3
Scribes, i.e. secretaries of state. He chose two, whereas David had but one; either because he observed some inconveniences in trusting all those matters in one hand; or because he had now much more employment than David had, this being a time of great peace and prosperity, and his empire enlarged, and his correspondencies with foreign princes more frequent. The recorder; of which See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:3
1 Kings 4:3 Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder.Ver. 3. Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha.] Otherwise called Sheva, as Martyr thinketh, trained up by their father in his own calling, and therein employed by Solomon, who had two scribes for his father’ s one, according to the amplitude of his dominion and state affairs. Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder.] Or, Remembrancer, or, chronicler, historiographer. He had the same office in David’ s days.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:3
(3) Sons of Shisha.—In 1 Chronicles 18:16 “Shavsha,” and in 2 Samuel 20:25 “Sheva,” is mentioned as the scribe of David. Probably these are variations of the same name, and the office may have become virtually hereditary. The “scribe,” or (see Margin) “secretary,” is constantly referred to as a high officer, issuing the king’s edicts and letters, and acting in his name, like our “Secretaries of State.” Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud is named in 2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Samuel 20:24, and 1 Chronicles 18:15 as having been under David also the “recorder” or “remembrancer”—probably the annalist who drew up and preserved the archives of the kingdom.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:3
Verse 3. Elihoreph and Ahiah - scribes] Secretaries to the king. Jehoshaphat - recorder] Historiographer to the king, who chronicled the affairs of the kingdom. He was in this office under David see 2 Samuel 20:24.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 4:3
3. Shisha] This name appears as Shavsha (1 Chronicles 18:16) and as Sheva (2 Samuel 20:25). A comparison of those verses with 2 Samuel 8:17, shews that the person meant was also called Seraiah, from which word the other forms are probably copyists’ corruptions. Seraiah’s office had descended to his sons, as was so often the case among the Jews. With the growth of the kingdom since David’s time the duties of the royal scribe, or secretary, would have been much increased; we can therefore understand that two persons were needed for the office instead of one. Jehoshaphat] He had held the same office in the days of David. See 2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Samuel 20:24. The duties of the recorder, or remembrancer, were to keep records of such events as were important in the history of the country. Such annals have afforded, no doubt, a good deal of the matter for Kings and Chronicles. Such was the ‘book of records of the Chronicles’ (Esther 6:1) in which Mordecai’s service was registered, and from which it was read out to Ahasuerus.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 4:3
Shisha, or Shavsha 1 Chronicles 18:16, seems also to have been called Sheva 2 Samuel 20:25, and Seraiah 2 Samuel 8:17.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:3
3. Scribes… recorder — On these words see notes at 2 Samuel 8:16-17. Solomon had different scribes, but the same recorder as his father David.
Sermons on 1 Kings 4:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's Jealousy for His People by George Warnock | George Warnock emphasizes God's deep jealousy for His people, urging them to seek the truth that leads to true freedom and deliverance. He explains that while deliverance from sin |
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The Apostasy - the Remnant Part 2 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being watchmen and warning others of impending spiritual dangers to avoid having blood on our hands. It speaks of a remnant that will turn |
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Ye Are Come to Zion - Part 8 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the burden and concerns of the Lord. The Lord's style of watchfulness and vigilance is highlighted, as He des |
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Prophetic Prayers of the Master Builder by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of having a heart that is changed by God. He encourages listeners to allow God to work in their lives and to be zealous in t |
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Removing the Stumbling Blocks - Part 1 by Dan Augsburger | This sermon focuses on the power of prayer, emphasizing the importance of interceding for others and persisting in prayer. It explores the story of Blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10, hig |
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The Importance of Prevailing Prayer by Wesley Duewel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgent need for Christians to fulfill their prophetic role as watchmen on the walls. The world is becoming increasingly sinful and God is |
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(Luke) 32 - Prayer-Father & Friend by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of prayer and admits to feeling uncertain and inadequate in understanding it. The sermon focuses on the Lord's Prayer as a foundatio |