1 Kings 5:2 — Word Study
WLCוַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה אֶל־ חִירָ֖ם לֵאמֹֽר׃
BSAAnd SolomonShᵉlômôh [the king of Israel, successor of David]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח | and he sent | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה | Solomon | Noun proper masculine |
| אֶל־ | to | Preposition |
| חִירָ֖ם | Hiram | Noun proper masculine |
| לֵאמֹֽר׃ | saying | Preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | And Solomon relayed this message to Hiram: |
| KJV | And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, |
| ASV | And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, |
| YLT | and Solomon sendeth unto Hiram, saying, |
| WEB | Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, |
| BBE | And Solomon sent back word to Hiram, saying, |
Where they part company is in the choice of verbs for שָׁלַח — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence is structured around a main action with two phrases providing additional context.
5 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, AdamClarke & more — read them ›
clause
subjectלֶחֶם
verbהָיָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — 1 Kings 5:2
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Solomon's Communication with Hiramgenerated
1 Kings 5:2 describes Solomon sending a message to Hiram, the king of Tyre, indicating a diplomatic relationship between Israel and Tyre. This moment follows Hiram's previous friendship with David, suggesting continuity in alliances. The context highlights Solomon's role as a leader reaching out to neighboring rulers, which is crucial for the construction of the temple and the establishment of peace.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 2:3 | Then Solomon sent word to Hiram king of Tyre: “Do for me as you did for my father David when you sent him cedars to build himself a house to live in. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 1 reference, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — שָׁלַח, shalachgenerated
The Hebrew word שָׁלַח (shalach) is a primitive root meaning 'to send' and encompasses a variety of actions such as sending away, stretching out, or letting go. This word is often used in contexts involving communication or movement, indicating a significant action taken by the sender.
In this verse, the use of שָׁלַח emphasizes Solomon's authority as he communicates with Hiram. The verb's parsing as a sequential imperfect indicates that this action is part of a narrative progression, showing the unfolding events of Solomon's reign.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the term relayed.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח (vai.yishlach), meaning 'and he sent', governs the clause, indicating Solomon's action. The structure is straightforward, with the subject (Solomon) followed by the action (sending) and the recipient (Hiram).
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on Solomon's action first, establishing him as the initiator of this communication, which is central to the narrative.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates the Hebrew verb שָׁלַח as ταῦτα (tauta), meaning 'these things'. This choice reflects a broader interpretation of the message being communicated, suggesting that what is sent encompasses more than just words.
This translation indicates a possible expansion of the original Hebrew meaning, emphasizing the importance of the message in the context of Solomon's reign.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
1 Kings 5:2 tells us that Solomon sent a message to Hiram. This action shows Solomon's role as a king reaching out to a neighboring ruler, continuing the friendship established by his father, David.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It indicates an effort to maintain diplomatic relations and seek assistance from Hiram, which was important for the construction of the temple.
Hiram was a key ally who provided materials and labor for the building projects of both David and Solomon.
It shows that effective communication and alliances were vital for a king's success in governance and construction.
It sets the stage for the collaboration between Israel and Tyre, which was crucial for the temple's construction and the establishment of Solomon's reign.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What can we learn from Solomon's approach to communicating with other leaders?
- How important are alliances in leadership roles, and how can we apply this in our own lives?
- In what ways can effective communication impact our relationships?
- What steps can we take to build and maintain friendships, similar to the one between David and Hiram?
Commentators on this verse — 5 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 1 Kings 5:2 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd Solomon sent to Hiram,.... A letter, either by the hand of his ambassadors when they returned, as Kimchi thinks, or by ambassadors Solomon sent on purpose.
Read John Gill on 1 Kings 5 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, No JFB commentary on these verses.
Read Robert Jamieson on 1 Kings 5 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments1 Kings 5:2 And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,Ver. 2. And Solomon sent to Hiram.] By the same messengers, say some. Rather by ambassadors of his own.
Read John Trapp on 1 Kings 5 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 2. Solomon sent to Hiram] Made an interchange of ambassadors and friendly greetings. Josephus tells us that the correspondence between Hiram and Solomon was preserved in the archives of the Tyrians even in his time. But this, like many other assertions of the same author, is worthy of little credit.
Read AdamClarke on 1 Kings 5 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges2. Solomon sent to Hiram] Josephus (l. c.) says that the message was by letter, as was also Hiram’s answer. That Hiram wrote his reply is mentioned 2 Chronicles 2:11. Josephus also states that copies of these two letters still remained not only preserved in the Jewish records, but also among the Tyrians so that anybody wishing to test his statements might, if he wished, refer to them.
Read Cambridge on 1 Kings 5 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
And Solomon relayed this message to Hiram:
Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,
And Solomon relayed this message to Hiram:
Solomon then sent this message to Hiram:
Tyndale line
And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,
And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,
And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,
And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,
Also Salomon sent to Hiram, saying,
Strictly literal
And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,
and Solomon sendeth unto Hiram, saying,
and Solomon sends to Hiram, saying,
(5:16) And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,
Solomon sent word to Hiram, saying,
From the Latin
And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying:
Simplified
So Solomon sent this message back to Hiram,
And Solomon sent back word to Hiram, saying,
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text reads וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה אֶל־ חִירָ֖ם לֵאמֹֽר׃. The Septuagint matches three of the five words, indicating a close relationship between the two texts, though the word order and specific articles differ.
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה אֶל־ חִירָ֖ם לֵאמֹֽר׃
3 of the 5 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in 1 Kings 5:2
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word שָׁלַח (shalach) is a primitive root meaning 'to send' with a wide range of applications. It can refer to sending away, stretching out (especially a hand), or letting go. The entries indicate various forms, including sending off, casting out, and setting free. Notably, it can also imply divorce or being sent away in a marital context.
שָׁלַח 814 vb. send
Qal
send: human subj.
send: subj. י׳ (God)
stretch out, esp. acc. hand
rarely send away: human subj.
let loose
Niph. letters were sent
Pi.
send off, away, human subj.
send away, subj. י׳
give over
cast out
send out, forth
let go, set free
shoot forth branches
let down
shoot
Phrases
Pu. be sent off (started on journey); be put away, divorced, of wife; be impelled(?)
Hiph. and I (י׳) will send
base
H7971 שָׁלַח send .. send: human subj.
. send: subj. י׳ (God)
. stretch out, esp. acc. hand
. rarely send away: human subj.
. let loose
. letters were sent
. . send off, away, human subj.
. . send away, subj. י׳
. give over
. cast out
. send out, forth
. let go, set free
. shoot forth branches
. let down
. shoot
. Phrases
. be sent off (started on journey); be put away, divorced, of wife; be impelled(?)
. and I (י׳) will send
7971 shalach shaw-lakh'
a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great
variety of applications):--X any wise, appoint, bring (on the
way), cast (away, out), conduct, X 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).
שָׁלַח (sha.lach) — to send: depart.
: 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
שָׁלַח (sha.lach) — to send: let go.
: let_go/free
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
Hc/Vqw3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
שְׁלֹמֹה (Shlomoh) refers to Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, known as a king of Judah. The name means 'peaceful' and he is recognized as the third king of Israel, credited with authorship of Proverbs and Song of Songs. He is first mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:14.
שְׁלֹמֹה 293 n.pr.m. Solomon
base
H8010 שְׁלֹמֹה
8010 Shlomoh shel-o-mo'
from 7965; peaceful; Shelomah, David's successor:--Solomon.
see HEBREW for 07965
שְׁלֹמֹה (she.lo.moh) — Solomon.
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
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
sol'-o-mun (shelomoh; New Testament Solomon):
I. EARLY LIFE
1. Name and Meaning
2. Sources
3. Birth and Upbringing
4. His Accession
5. Closing Days of David
II. REIGN OF SOLOMON
1. His Vision
2. His Policy
3. Its Results
4. Alliance with Tyre
5. Alliance with Egypt
6. Domestic Troubles
III. HIS BUILDINGS
1. The Temple
2. The Palace
3. Other Buildings
4. The Corvee
IV. HIS CHARACTER
1. Personal Qualities
2. His Wisdom
3. His Learning
4. Trade and Commerce
5. Officers of State
6. Wives
7. Revenues
8. Literary Works
LITERATURE
I. Early Life.
Solomon was the son of David and Bath-sheba, and became the 3rd king of Israel.
1. Name and Meaning:
He was so named by his mother (2Sa 12:24, Qere; see TEXT AND MANUSCRIPTS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT; TEXT OF THE OLD TESTAMENT), but by the prophet Nathan, or by his father (Vulgate), he was called Jedidiah--"loved of Yahweh." The name…
Solomon
Peaceful, (Heb. Shelomoh), David’s second son by Bathsheba, i.e., the first after their legal marriage (2 Sam. 12). He was probably born about B.C. 1035 (1 Chr. 22:5; 29:1). He succeeded his father on the throne in early manhood, probably about sixteen or eighteen years of age. Nathan, to whom his education was intrusted, called him Jedidiah, i.e., “beloved of the Lord” (2 Sam. 12:24, 25). He was the first king of Israel “born in the purple.” His father chose him as his successor, passing over the claims of his elder sons: “Assuredly Solomon my son shall reign after me.” His history is recorded in 1 Kings 1-11 and 2 Chr. 1-9. His elevation to the throne took place before his father’s death, and was hastened on mainly by Nathan and Bathsheba, in consequence of the rebellion…
(peaceful). I. Early life and occasion to the throne . --Solomon was the child of David’s old age, the last born of all his sons. (1 Chronicles 3:5) The yearnings of the "man of war" led him to give to the new-horn infant the name of Solomon (Shelomoth, the peaceful one). Nathan, with a marked reference to the meaning of the king’s own name (David, the darling, the beloved one), calls the infant Jedidiah (Jedid’yah), that is, the darling of the Lord. (2 Samuel 11:24,25) He was placed under the care of Nathan from his earliest infancy. At first, apparently, there was no distinct purpose to make him the heir. Absalom was still the king’s favorite son, (2 Samuel 13:37; 18:33) and was looked on by the people as the destined…
Peaceful, the son and successor of David, born of Bathsheba, B. C. 1033. The prophet Nathan called him Jedidiah, "beloved of the Lord," 2Sa 12:25 and he was a child of promise, 1Ch 22:9,10. At the age of eighteen he received from David the throne which his brother Adonijah had endeavored to usurp. Scripture records his earnest and pious petition for wisdom from above, that he might govern that great people well; and the bestowal of the wisdom, with numerous other blessings in its train, Mt 6:33. His unequalled learning and sagacity soon became renowned throughout the East, and continue so even to this day. In every kind of temporal prosperity he was preeminently favored. His unquestioned dominion extended from the Euphrates to…
The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),
prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place
Where the limit is actually entered, into
Of direction towards anything
Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
Of rule or standard according to (rare)
Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
base
H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place
. Where the limit is actually entered, into
. Of direction towards anything
. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
. Of rule or standard according to (rare)
. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
413 'el ale
(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});
a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but
occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or
among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,
against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,
by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,
over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,
with(-in).
אֶל (el) — to(wards).
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)
HR — PrepositionHR
חִירָם (Chiyram) refers to Hiram, a name associated with two notable figures from Tyre during the time of David and Solomon. The entries describe him as both the king of Tyre, who provided materials and labor for the construction of David's palace and Solomon's temple, and as an architect sent by the king. The name is noted to mean 'noble'.
חִירָם n.pr.m. Hiram (abbr. fr. foregoing [a.ck.ax]); חִירוֹם; also חוּרָם
king of Tyre, contemp. of David & Solomon
H2438 חִירָם, חוּרָם
2438 Chiyram khee-rawm'
or Chiyrowm {khee-rome'}; another form of 2361; Chiram or
Chirom, the name of two Tyrians:--Hiram, Huram.
see HEBREW for 02361
חִירָם (chi.ram) — Hiram.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.5.11
Also named: chu.ram (חוּרָם "Hiram" H2361)
§ 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
חִירָם (chi.ram) — Hiram.
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
HNpm — Noun proper masculineHNpm
hi'-ram (chiram; Septuagint Chiram, but Cheiram, in 2Sa 5:11; 1Ch 14:1): There is some confusion regarding the form of this name. In the books of Samuel and Kings the prevailing form is "Hiram" (chiram); but in 1Ki 5:10,18 margin (Hebrew 24,32); 7:40 margin "Hirom" (chirom) is found. In Chronicles the form of the word is uniformly "Huram" (churam).
(1) A king of Tyre who lived on most friendly terms with both David and Solomon. After David had taken the stronghold of Zion, Hiram sent messengers and workmen and materials to build a palace for him at Jerusalem (2Sa 5:11; 1Ch 14:1). Solomon, on his accession to the throne…
Hiram
High-born. (1.) Generally “Huram,” one of the sons of Bela (1 Chr. 8:5).
(2.) Also “Huram” and “Horam,” king of Tyre. He entered into an alliance with David, and assisted him in building his palace by sending him able workmen, and also cedar-trees and fir-trees from Lebanon (2 Sam. 5:11; 1 Chr. 14:1). After the death of David he entered into a similar alliance with Solomon, and assisted him greatly in building the temple (1 Kings 5:1; 9:11; 2 Chr. 2:3). He also took part in Solomon’s traffic to the Eastern Seas (1 Kings 9:27; 10:11;
exaltation of life; a destroyer
1. Called HURAM, king of Tyre
Builds a house for David 2Sa 5:11; 1Ch 14:1; 2Ch 2:3
Helps Solomon in building the temple 1Ki 5; 2Ch 2:3-16
Dissatisfied with the cities given to him by Solomon 1Ki 9:11-13
Makes presents of gold and sailors to Solomon 1Ki 9:14,26-28; 10:11
2. Also called HURAM
An artificer sent by King Hiram to execute the artistic work of the interior of the temple 1Ki 7:13-45; 2Ch 2:13; 4:11-16
אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.
אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say
Qal
Say
Say in the heart (= think)
Promise
Command (esp. late)
Niph. be said, told
Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
Hithp. act proudly, boast
base
H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say
. Say in the heart (= think)
. Promise
. Command (esp. late)
. be said, told
. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
. act proudly, boast
559 'amar aw-mar'
a primitive root; to say (used with great
latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,
certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),
commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X
expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,
publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X
suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),
utter, X verily, X yet.
אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.
1) to say, speak, utter
1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called
1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly
1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch
Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
HR/Vqcc — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHR/Vqcc