1 Kings 5:15

1 Kings 5:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Solomon had 70,000 porters and 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains,

King James Version KJV

And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens, and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains;

American Standard Version ASV

And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens, and fourscore thousand that were hewers in the mountains;

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then he had seventy thousand for the work of transport, and eighty thousand stone-cutters in the mountains;

Free Bible Version FBV

Solomon had 70,000 porters and 80,000 stonecutters in the hill country,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Salomon had seuentie thousand that bare burdens, and fourescore thousand masons in the mountaine,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And king Solomon hath seventy thousand bearing burdens, and eighty thousand hewing in the mountain,

World English Bible WEB

Solomon had seventy thousand who bore burdens, and eighty thousand who were stone cutters in the mountains,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Solomon had seventy thousand that bore burdens, and eighty thousand hewers in the mountains;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Solomon had seventy thousand to carry burdens, and eighty thousand to hew stones in the mountain:

Translation for Translators T4T

Solomon also forced 80,000 men to cut stones in the hilly area and 70,000 men to haul the stones to Jerusalem.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 5:15

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 5:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ֠/יִּשְׁלַח חִירָ֨ם מֶֽלֶךְ צ֤וֹר אֶת עֲבָדָי/ו֙ אֶל שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה כִּ֣י שָׁמַ֔ע כִּ֥י אֹת֛/וֹ מָשְׁח֥וּ לְ/מֶ֖לֶךְ תַּ֣חַת אָבִ֑י/הוּ כִּ֣י אֹהֵ֗ב הָיָ֥ה חִירָ֛ם לְ/דָוִ֖ד כָּל הַ/יָּמִֽים

וַ֠/יִּשְׁלַח shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

חִירָ֨ם Chîyrâm H2438 Hiram N-proper

מֶֽלֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms

צ֤וֹר Tsôr H6865 Tyre N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

עֲבָדָי/ו֙ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה Shᵉlômôh H8010 Solomon N-proper

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

שָׁמַ֔ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Perf-3ms

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj

אֹת֛/וֹ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

מָשְׁח֥וּ mâshach H4886 to anoint V-Qal-Perf-3cp

לְ/מֶ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Prep | N-ms

תַּ֣חַת tachath H8478 underneath Prep

אָבִ֑י/הוּ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

אֹהֵ֗ב ʼâhab H157 to love V-Qal

הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3ms

חִירָ֛ם Chîyrâm H2438 Hiram N-proper

לְ/דָוִ֖ד Dâvid H1732 David Prep | N-proper

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הַ/יָּמִֽים yôwm H3117 day Art | N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 5:15

וַ֠/יִּשְׁלַח shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

חִירָ֨ם Chîyrâm H2438 "Hiram" N-proper

Hiram was a king of Tyre who helped build the palace for David and the temple for Solomon, and was also the name of the chief architect of Solomon's temple.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.7.13; also called Huram-abi (KJV: "Huram my father's") at 2Ch.2.13; 4.16; § Hiram, Huram = "noble" 1) the king of Tyre who sent workmen and materials to Jerusalem to build both the palace for David and the temple for Solomon 2) the chief architect and engineer of Solomon's temple sent by King Hiram to Solomon

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: Hiram, Huram. See also: 2 Samuel 5:11; 1 Kings 7:40; 2 Chronicles 9:10.

מֶֽלֶךְ 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.

צ֤וֹר Tsôr H6865 "Tyre" N-proper

Tyre refers to a city on the Mediterranean coast, mentioned in the Bible as a major Phoenician city, translated as Tyre or Tyrus, meaning a rock. It appears in books like Matthew and Acts. The city was an important trade center.

Definition: § Tyre or Tyrus = "a rock" the Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Tyre, Tyrus. See also: Joshua 19:29; Jeremiah 27:3; Psalms 45:13.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

עֲבָדָי/ו֙ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה Shᵉlômôh H8010 "Solomon" N-proper

Shelomoh, or Solomon, was a king of Judah and successor of his father David, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:14 and known for his wisdom.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.5.14; son of: David (H1732) and Bathsheba (H1339); brother of: Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727) and Nathan (H5416); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); married to daughter_of_Pharaoh (H6547P) and Naamah (H5279A); father of: Taphath (H2955), Basemath (H1315) and Rehoboam (H7346); also called Jedidiah at 2Sa.12.25; § Solomon = "peace" son of David by Bathsheba and 3rd king of Israel; author of Proverbs and Song of Songs

Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: Solomon. See also: 2 Samuel 5:14; 1 Kings 9:25; 2 Chronicles 7:8.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

שָׁמַ֔ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

אֹת֛/וֹ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מָשְׁח֥וּ mâshach H4886 "to anoint" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To anoint means to rub oil on someone or something, often to set them apart for a special purpose, like when Samuel anointed David as king in 1 Samuel 16:13. It's a way of showing respect and consecrating someone or something.

Definition: 1) to smear, anoint, spread a liquid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to smear 1a2) to anoint (as consecration) 1a3) to anoint, consecrate 1b) (Niphal) to be anointed

Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: anoint, paint. See also: Genesis 31:13; 1 Samuel 16:3; Psalms 45:8.

לְ/מֶ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Prep | N-ms

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.

תַּ֣חַת tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep

This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.

Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.

אָבִ֑י/הוּ ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

אֹהֵ֗ב ʼâhab H157 "to love" V-Qal

To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.

Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)

Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.

הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

חִירָ֛ם Chîyrâm H2438 "Hiram" N-proper

Hiram was a king of Tyre who helped build the palace for David and the temple for Solomon, and was also the name of the chief architect of Solomon's temple.

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: Hiram, Huram. See also: 2 Samuel 5:11; 1 Kings 7:40; 2 Chronicles 9:10.

לְ/דָוִ֖ד Dâvid H1732 "David" Prep | N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הַ/יָּמִֽים yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 5:15

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Context — Solomon’s Labor Force

13Then King Solomon conscripted a labor force of 30,000 men from all Israel. 14He sent them to Lebanon in monthly shifts of 10,000 men, so that they would spend one month in Lebanon and two months at home. And Adoniram was in charge of the forced labor.

15Solomon had 70,000 porters and 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains,

16not including his 3,300 foremen who supervised the workers. 17And the king commanded them to quarry large, costly stones to lay the foundation of the temple with dressed stones.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Kings 9:20–22	As for all the people who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)— their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction —Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery, because they were his men of war, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry.
2	2 Chronicles 2:17–18	Solomon numbered all the foreign men in the land of Israel following the census his father David had conducted, and there were found to be 153,600 in all. Solomon made 70,000 of them porters, 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains, and 3,600 supervisors.
3	2 Chronicles 8:7–9	As for all the people who remained of the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)— their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to destroy—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slave labor, because they were his men of war, his officers and captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry.
4	Ezra 2:58	The temple servants and descendants of the servants of Solomon numbered 392 in all.
5	Nehemiah 7:60	The temple servants and descendants of the servants of Solomon numbered 392 in all.
6	Nehemiah 7:57	The descendants of the servants of Solomon: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Sophereth, the descendants of Perida,

1 Kings 5:15 Summary

In 1 Kings 5:15, we see that Solomon had a huge workforce of 70,000 porters and 80,000 stonecutters to help build the temple. This shows us that big projects require many people working together, just like the construction of the tabernacle in Exodus 35:30-35. We can apply this principle to our own lives by working together with others to serve God and build His kingdom, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 3:9-17. By using our unique skills and talents, we can all contribute to something much bigger than ourselves, for God's glory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the porters and stonecutters in 1 Kings 5:15 responsible for?

The porters and stonecutters were likely responsible for transporting and cutting the stones used in the construction of the temple, as mentioned in 1 Kings 5:17, where it says the king commanded them to quarry large, costly stones to lay the foundation of the temple with dressed stones, similar to the preparations for the tabernacle in Exodus 35:35.

Why did Solomon have such a large workforce?

Solomon had a large workforce to accomplish the massive task of building the temple, as described in 1 Kings 5:13-18, and to fulfill the plans God had given to his father, David, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 28:11-12.

How did the organization of the workforce relate to the overall construction of the temple?

The organization of the workforce, with 70,000 porters, 80,000 stonecutters, and 3,300 foremen, as mentioned in 1 Kings 5:15-16, suggests a well-planned and efficient system, allowing for the successful completion of the temple, as seen in 1 Kings 6:1-38, where the construction of the temple is described in detail.

What can we learn from Solomon's use of a large workforce for the temple construction?

We can learn about the importance of planning, organization, and teamwork in achieving a common goal, as emphasized in Proverbs 24:3-4, and the value of using our talents and skills to serve God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7.

Reflection Questions

How can I use my own skills and talents to serve God and contribute to the building of His kingdom, just like the porters and stonecutters contributed to the construction of the temple?
What are some ways I can work together with others to accomplish a common goal, just like the workers in 1 Kings 5:15-16?
How can I apply the principles of planning and organization from 1 Kings 5:13-18 to my own life and work, to be more effective in serving God?
What can I learn from Solomon's example about the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in my own endeavors, as mentioned in 1 Kings 3:5-14?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 5:15

And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens,.... Seventy thousand to carry the stones from the mountains out of which they were dug, and which were near Jerusalem, to the city;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 5:15

And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home: and Adoniram was over the levy. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 5:15

Either of timber, or rather of stones; for Hiram had taken care of the timber.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 5:15

1 Kings 5:15 And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens, and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains;Ver. 15. That bare burdens.] Under which expression are also contained wagoners, mariners, horse keepers, mule drivers, &c. Hewers in the mountains.] Hewers both of stone and of wood. Eupolemus counteth upon many more.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 5:15

Verse 15. Threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens] These were all strangers, or proselytes, dwelling among the Israelites; as we learn from the parallel place, 1Kg 2:17-18.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 5:15

15. threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens] The Chronicler (2 Chronicles 2:17) points out that these 70,000 were of the strangers that dwelt in the land of Israel. These the king compelled to do the harder and more menial work, and the whole number of these non-Israelites was called out for work. Their number is stated in Chronicles to have been 153,600; of these 70,000 were bearers of burdens, 80,000 hewers in the mountains and the other 3600 (see Chronicles l. c.) were overseers to set the people a-work.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 5:15

That bare burdens ... - Compare the marginal references. These laborers, whose services were continuous, consisted of “strangers” - “the people that were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites,

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 5:15

15. Threescore and ten thousand — These, and the others mentioned in this verse and the following, were not Israelites, but foreigners dwelling in the land. The whole number, according to 2 Chronicles 2:17, was 153,600.

Sermons on 1 Kings 5:15

	Sermon	Description
	(1 Kings) Building Temples by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the completion of the temple that Solomon built according to God's instructions. The speaker highlights the attention to detail and the use of

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