1 Kings 4 8

1 Kings 4:8 kjv

And these are their names: The son of Hur, in mount Ephraim:

1 Kings 4:8 nkjv

These are their names: Ben-Hur, in the mountains of Ephraim;

1 Kings 4:8 niv

These are their names: Ben-Hur?in the hill country of Ephraim;

1 Kings 4:8 esv

These were their names: Ben-hur, in the hill country of Ephraim;

1 Kings 4:8 nlt

These are the names of the twelve governors: Ben-hur, in the hill country of Ephraim.

1 Kings 4 verses

1 Kings 4 8 Meaning

This verse identifies one of King Solomon's twelve administrative officers responsible for provisioning the royal household. Specifically, it names the officer as "the son of Hur" (Ben-Hur) and assigns his jurisdiction to the geographically and politically significant region of "Mount Ephraim." It highlights Solomon's meticulously organized and extensive kingdom, structured to ensure the continuous supply and prosperity of his vast administration.

1 Kings 4 8 Context

1 Kings chapter 4 provides a detailed account of King Solomon's wise rule, administrative organization, and the unprecedented peace and prosperity of his kingdom. Following the establishment of his primary government officials in 1 Kgs 4:1-6, verses 7-19 specifically list the twelve regional officers appointed by Solomon. These officers were responsible for gathering provisions for the king and his expansive court on a rotational basis, each for one month of the year. Verse 8 introduces the first of these officers, "the son of Hur," overseeing the vital area of Mount Ephraim. This administrative structure underscored Solomon's logistical acumen and the centralizing power of his monarchy, contrasting with the more tribal and decentralized structure that existed prior. Mount Ephraim, being a historically significant and fertile region in the northern part of Israel, was a crucial inclusion in this system.

1 Kings 4 8 Word analysis

• the son of Hur: Hebrew: בֶּן־חוּר (Ben-Chur).
  • בן (ben): Means "son of." This is a common Hebrew patronymic, indicating a descendant or belonging to a certain lineage or family. In this context, it functions as part of the individual's name, implying "Ben-Hur" was his actual designation. It emphasizes his identity through his father, suggesting a potentially known or established family. The name "Hur" means "noble" or "free," but this specific "Ben-Hur" is not necessarily related to other Biblical Hurs, such as the companion of Moses and Aaron (Ex 17:10).
• in mount Ephraim: Hebrew: בְּהַר אֶפְרָיִם (be-har Ephrayim).
  • בְּ (be-): "In," a preposition indicating location within a geographical area.
  • הַר (har): "Mount," "mountain," or "hill country." This refers to the rugged central highland region, known for its strategic importance, fertile valleys, and a significant tribal population. It denotes a specific geographical district.
  • אֶפְרָיִם (Ephrayim): "Ephraim." The name of one of the dominant Israelite tribes, descendants of Joseph's son, Ephraim. Their territory was central to ancient Israel, historically powerful, and frequently mentioned as a prominent, sometimes contentious, tribal entity. This region played a major role in Israelite history, from Joshua's conquest to the era of the judges and prophets, later symbolizing the northern kingdom after the split (as seen in Hosea, for example). Placing an officer here demonstrated the consolidation of royal authority over even historically influential tribal territories.

1 Kings 4 8 Bonus section

The appointment of twelve district officers, one for each month, speaks to an ingenious and equitable method of tax collection or resource gathering, ensuring that no single district bore the burden continuously, yet the royal needs were met consistently throughout the year. The choice of Mount Ephraim as a district emphasizes its historical and agricultural significance. It was a region of great strategic value and fertility, making it a critical asset for sustaining the burgeoning kingdom. This administrative organization under Solomon signifies a pinnacle of unified governance in Israelite history, preceding the later division of the kingdom, a division in which the tribe of Ephraim would play a dominant and symbolic role as the representative of the northern kingdom.

1 Kings 4 8 Commentary

1 Kings 4:8 is a brief but revealing verse that highlights the meticulous and comprehensive nature of King Solomon's administration. It points to a highly organized governmental system where the kingdom was divided into distinct districts, each overseen by a loyal officer tasked with supporting the royal court. The specific mention of "the son of Hur" over "Mount Ephraim" not only identifies a key administrative figure but also underscores the strategic importance and effective integration of vital territories into the central monarchical structure. This system of provisioning illustrates Solomon's vast resources, his commitment to establishing a stable and well-supported kingdom, and his remarkable administrative wisdom in managing a powerful and prosperous nation.