1 Kings 9:21

1 Kings 9:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

Their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel also were not able utterly to destroy, upon those did Solomon levy a tribute of bondservice unto this day.

American Standard Version ASV

their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel were not able utterly to destroy, of them did Solomon raise a levy of bondservants unto this day.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Their children who were still in the land, and whom the children of Israel had not been able to put to complete destruction, them did Solomon put to forced work, to this day.

Free Bible Version FBV

who remained in the land—those whom the Israelites were unable to destroy completely—were conscripted by Solomon to work as forced laborers, as they continue to do to this day.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

To wit, their children that were left after them in the lande, whome the children of Israel were not able to destroy, those did Salomon make tributaries vnto this day.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

their sons who are left behind them in the land, whom the sons of Israel have not been able to devote — he hath even lifted up [on] them a tribute of service unto this day.

World English Bible WEB

their children who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel were not able utterly to destroy—of them Solomon raised a levy of bondservants to this day.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel also were not able utterly to destroy, upon those did Solomon levy a tribute of bond-service to this day.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Their children, that were left in the land, to wit, such as the children of Israel had not been able to destroy, Solomon made tributary unto this day.

Translation for Translators T4T

Their descendants still lived in Israel. It was those people whom Solomon forced to become his slaves to build all those places, and they are still slaves.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 9:21

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 9:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB בְּנֵי/הֶ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר נֹתְר֤וּ אַחֲרֵי/הֶם֙ בָּ/אָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֧ר לֹֽא יָכְל֛וּ בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְ/הַֽחֲרִימָ֑/ם וַ/יַּעֲלֵ֤/ם שְׁלֹמֹה֙ לְ/מַס עֹבֵ֔ד עַ֖ד הַ/יּ֥וֹם הַ/זֶּֽה

בְּנֵי/הֶ֗ם bên H1121 son N-mp | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

נֹתְר֤וּ yâthar H3498 to remain V-Niphal-Perf-3cp

אַחֲרֵי/הֶם֙ ʼachar H310 after Prep | Suff

בָּ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs

אֲשֶׁ֧ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יָכְל֛וּ yâkôl H3201 be able V-Qal-Perf-3cp

בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 son N-mp

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

לְ/הַֽחֲרִימָ֑/ם châram H2763 to devote/destroy Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

וַ/יַּעֲלֵ֤/ם ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

שְׁלֹמֹה֙ Shᵉlômôh H8010 Solomon N-proper

לְ/מַס maç H4522 taskworker Prep | N-ms

עֹבֵ֔ד ʻâbad H5647 to serve V-Qal

עַ֖ד ʻad H5704 till Prep

הַ/יּ֥וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּֽה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 9:21

בְּנֵי/הֶ֗ם bên H1121 "son" N-mp | Suff

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.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר 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.

נֹתְר֤וּ yâthar H3498 "to remain" V-Niphal-Perf-3cp

The Hebrew word 'yâthar' means to remain or be left, and can also mean to excel or have more than enough, often translated as 'remain' or 'preserve'.

Definition: 1) to be left over, remain, remain over, leave 1a) (Qal) remainder (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be left over, remain over, be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, leave 1c2) to save over, preserve alive 1c3) to excel, show pre-eminence 1c4) to show excess, have more than enough, have an excess

Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: excel, leave (a remnant), left behind, too much, make plenteous, preserve, (be, let) remain(-der, -ing, -nant), reserve, residue, rest. See also: Genesis 30:36; 2 Samuel 9:1; Psalms 79:11.

אַחֲרֵי/הֶם֙ ʼachar H310 "after" Prep | Suff

Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.

Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after

Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.

בָּ/אָ֔רֶץ 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.

אֲשֶׁ֧ר 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.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יָכְל֛וּ yâkôl H3201 "be able" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)

Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.

בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 "son" N-mp

Definition: : child/son

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

לְ/הַֽחֲרִימָ֑/ם châram H2763 "to devote/destroy" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

To devote or destroy something, like the objects the Israelites were told to destroy in Deuteronomy 7:26.

Definition: 1) to ban, devote, destroy utterly, completely destroy, dedicate for destruction, exterminate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to prohibit (for common use), ban 1a2) to consecrate, devote, dedicate for destruction 1a3) to exterminate, completely destroy 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be put under the ban, be devoted to destruction 1b2) to be devoted, be forfeited 1b3) to be completely destroyed

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: make accursed, consecrate, (utterly) destroy, devote, forfeit, have a flat nose, utterly (slay, make away). See also: Exodus 22:19; Joshua 11:21; Isaiah 11:15.

וַ/יַּעֲלֵ֤/ם ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

שְׁלֹמֹה֙ 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.

לְ/מַס maç H4522 "taskworker" Prep | N-ms

A taskworker is someone forced to perform labor as a form of tax or tribute. This practice involved gangs of laborers working under the supervision of taskmasters, often in a state of serfdom or slavery. It is mentioned in the Bible as a burden imposed on people.

Definition: 1) gang or body of forced labourers, task-workers, labour band or gang, forced service, task-work, serfdom, tributary, tribute, levy, taskmasters, discomfited 1a) labour-band, labour-gang, slave gang 1b) gang-overseers 1c) forced service, serfdom, tribute, enforced payment

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: discomfited, levy, task(-master), tribute(-tary). See also: Genesis 49:15; 1 Kings 5:27; Proverbs 12:24.

עֹבֵ֔ד ʻâbad H5647 "to serve" V-Qal

To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.

Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve

Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.

עַ֖ד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

הַ/יּ֥וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms

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.

הַ/זֶּֽה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 9:21

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Context — Solomon’s Additional Achievements

19as well as all the store cities that Solomon had for his chariots and horses —whatever he desired to build in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and throughout the land of his dominion. 20As for all the people who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)—

21their 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.

22But 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. 23They were also the chief officers over Solomon’s projects: 550 supervisors over the people who did the work.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Joshua 17:12	But the descendants of Manasseh were unable to occupy these cities, because the Canaanites were determined to stay in this land.
2	Judges 1:21	The Benjamites, however, failed to drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the Benjamites.
3	Joshua 15:63	But the descendants of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the descendants of Judah.
4	Genesis 9:25–26	he said, “Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.” He also declared: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the servant of Shem.
5	Ezra 2:55–58	The descendants of the servants of Solomon: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Sophereth, the descendants of Peruda, the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, and the descendants of Ami. 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,
7	Nehemiah 11:3	These are the heads of the provinces who settled in Jerusalem. (In the villages of Judah, however, each lived on his own property in their towns—the Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants, and descendants of Solomon’s servants—
8	1 Kings 9:15	This is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon imposed to build the house of the LORD, his own palace, the supporting terraces, and the wall of Jerusalem, as well as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.
9	Judges 1:27–35	At that time Manasseh failed to drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, Megiddo, and their villages; for the Canaanites were determined to dwell in that land. When Israel became stronger, they pressed the Canaanites into forced labor, but they never drove them out completely. Ephraim also failed to drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer; so the Canaanites continued to dwell among them in Gezer. Zebulun failed to drive out the inhabitants of Kitron and Nahalol; so the Canaanites lived among them and served as forced laborers. Asher failed to drive out the inhabitants of Acco, Sidon, Ahlab, Achzib, Helbah, Aphik, and Rehob. So the Asherites lived among the Canaanite inhabitants of the land, because they did not drive them out. Naphtali failed to drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and Beth-anath. So the Naphtalites also lived among the Canaanite inhabitants of the land, but the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and Beth-anath served them as forced laborers. The Amorites forced the Danites into the hill country and did not allow them to come down into the plain. And the Amorites were determined to dwell in Mount Heres, Aijalon, and Shaalbim. But when the house of Joseph grew in strength, they pressed the Amorites into forced labor.
10	Psalms 106:34–36	They did not destroy the peoples as the LORD had commanded them, but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them.

1 Kings 9:21 Summary

This verse, 1 Kings 9:21, tells us that Solomon made the descendants of the people who were already living in the land, and who the Israelites couldn't destroy, work for him as forced laborers. This was a way for Solomon to use the people and resources available to him to build his projects, similar to how God instructed the Israelites to use the foreigners in their midst, as seen in Leviticus 25:44-46. It also shows that Solomon followed the biblical pattern of distinguishing between Israelites and foreigners, not making any Israelite a slave, as seen in Exodus 21:1-11 and Leviticus 25:39-55. By understanding this, we can learn about using our resources wisely and respecting the differences between people, as taught in Proverbs 10:4-5 and Matthew 25:14-30.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Solomon conscript the descendants of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites as forced laborers?

Solomon conscripted these people because the Israelites were unable to devote them to destruction as instructed in Deuteronomy 20:16-18, and this was a way to utilize their labor while keeping them in subjection, as seen in 1 Kings 9:21, similar to the instructions given in Leviticus 25:44-46 regarding foreign slaves.

How does this verse relate to the concept of slavery in the Bible?

This verse shows that Solomon, following the pattern of the Law given in Exodus 21:1-11 and Leviticus 25:39-55, distinguished between Israelites and foreigners, not making any Israelite a slave but using foreigners as laborers, highlighting the biblical distinction between slavery and servitude.

What can we infer about the extent of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan from this verse?

The fact that there were still descendants of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites in the land, as mentioned in 1 Kings 9:20-21, suggests that the Israelites did not fully complete the conquest of Canaan as instructed in Joshua 1:1-6 and Judges 1:1-36.

How does Solomon's action in this verse reflect his character and priorities?

Solomon's conscription of these people as forced laborers, as seen in 1 Kings 9:21, indicates his pragmatic approach to utilizing the resources available to him to achieve his building projects, as described in 1 Kings 9:15-19, while also respecting the distinction between Israelites and foreigners in accordance with biblical law, such as in Exodus 12:43-49.

Reflection Questions

What does this verse reveal about God's sovereignty over the nations and how He uses different groups of people to achieve His purposes, as seen in Isaiah 46:9-11 and Romans 11:25-36?
How does this passage challenge or reinforce your understanding of the biblical concept of work and labor, particularly in relation to 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 and Colossians 3:22-25?
In what ways can we apply the principle of using available resources wisely, as seen in Solomon's actions, to our own lives and service to God, considering Proverbs 10:4-5 and Matthew 25:14-30?
What does this verse teach us about the importance of remembering and respecting the biblical distinctions between different groups of people, such as Israelites and foreigners, as addressed in Ephesians 2:11-22 and Galatians 3:28?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 9:21

Their children that were left after them in the land,.... The posterity of those left unsubdued in the times of Joshua: whom the children of Israel also were not able utterly to destroy; in later

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 9:21

And all the cities of store that Solomon had, and cities for his chariots, and cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 9:21

He used them as bond-men, and imposed burdens and bodily labours upon them. See . Hence some think they are called Solomon’ s servants, ,58. Quest. Why did not Solomon destroy them, as God had commanded, when now it was fully in his power to do so? Answ. First, The command of destroying them, , did chiefly, if not only, concern that generation of Canaanites who lived in or near the time of the Israelites’ entering into Canaan. Secondly, That command seems not to be absolute and universal, but conditional, and with some exception for those who should submit to them, and embrace the true religion, as may be gathered both from , and from the history of the Gibeonites, Joshua 9, whom Joshua did not sin in sparing, when he had sworn to do so; and Saul did sin in endeavouring to destroy them. But if God’ s command had been absolute, the oaths of Joshua, and of the princes, could not have obliged them, nor dispensed with such a command.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 9:21

1 Kings 9:21 Their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel also were not able utterly to destroy, upon those did Solomon levy a tribute of bondservice unto this day.Ver. 21. Were not able utterly to destroy.] Once they could, but did not; afterwards they would have done it, but were not able.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 9:21

Verse 21. A tribute of bond-service] He made them do the most laborious part of the public works, the Israelites being generally exempt. When Sesostris, king of Egypt, returned from his wars, he caused temples to be built in all the cities of Egypt, but did not employ one Egyptian in the work, having built the whole by the hands of the captives which he had taken in his wars. Hence he caused this inscription to be placed upon each temple: - Ουδειςεγχωριοςειςαυταμεμοχθηκε . No native has laboured in these. Diodor. Sic. Bibl., lib. i., c. 56. It appears that Solomon might with propriety have placed a similar inscription on most of his works.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 9:21

21. whom the children of Israel also were not able utterly to destroy] There is no word to represent ‘also’ in the original, nor does the English sentence require it. The utter destruction spoken of here is that which had been decreed upon them by God’s judgement, and which Israel was to be the agent in executing. upon those did Solomon levy a tribute of bondservice] The Hebrew noun îí here rendered ‘tribute’ is applied in a concrete sense to the ‘renderers of the tribute.’ The verb also here is literally ‘he caused to go up.’ As the narrative in this verse is dealing entirely with the persons it is better to render (as R.V.) of these did Solomon raise a levy of bondservants. Theirs was slave service, such as is alluded to in Joshua 16:10. unto this day] A faithful copying by the compiler of the Books of Kings from some earlier record which lay before him, and which noted the continuation of this forced service for some time after the reign of Solomon.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 9:21

See 1 Kings 5:15 note.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 9:21

21. Levy a tribute of bondservice — A considerable portion of the levies of men employed by Solomon in his public works was doubtless drawn from the ranks of the subjugated nations.

Sermons on 1 Kings 9:21

	Sermon	Description
	Laying Hold of Our Promised Land by Jason Neil	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of gathering together as God's people, as Jesus promises to be present when they meet. The speaker encourages the audience to
	(Revelation) Part 1 the Scarlet Womans Future Judgement by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Revelation Chapter 17 and the woman mentioned in the text. The woman is described as sitting upon many waters, representing peoples, nations
	Come Over Into Macedonia by Charles Alexander	In this sermon, the speaker begins by mentioning that he is under orders to confine his remarks to ten minutes. He expresses his gratitude for being in Canada for the first time an
	Answers for Modern Science Questions by Ken Ham	This sermon emphasizes the biblical perspective on race, explaining that all humans belong to one biological race but can be divided into two spiritual races based on their relatio
	The Abrahamic Covenant by A.W. Pink	A.W. Pink explores the significance of the Abrahamic Covenant, emphasizing Abraham's unique role as 'the friend of God' and the father of all believers. He highlights how the coven
	Our Daily Homily - Judges by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the persistent nature of evil habits in our lives, likening them to the Canaanites who resisted being dislodged from the land. He reminds us that as believers