1 Kings 22:48
New International Version
Now Jehoshaphat built a fleet of trading ships to go to Ophir for gold, but they never set sail—they were wrecked at Ezion Geber.

New Living Translation
Jehoshaphat also built a fleet of trading ships to sail to Ophir for gold. But the ships never set sail, for they met with disaster in their home port of Ezion-geber.

English Standard Version
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they did not go, for the ships were wrecked at Ezion-geber.

Berean Standard Bible
Jehoshaphat built ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they never set sail, because they were wrecked at Ezion-geber.

King James Bible
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber.

New King James Version
Jehoshaphat made merchant ships to go to Ophir for gold; but they never sailed, for the ships were wrecked at Ezion Geber.

New American Standard Bible
Jehoshaphat built ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they did not go, because the ships were destroyed at Ezion-geber.

NASB 1995
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they did not go for the ships were broken at Ezion-geber.

NASB 1977
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they did not go for the ships were broken at Ezion-geber.

Legacy Standard Bible
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they did not go for the ships were broken at Ezion-geber.

Amplified Bible
Jehoshaphat had [large cargo] ships of Tarshish constructed to go to Ophir for gold, but they did not go, because the ships were wrecked at Ezion-geber.

Christian Standard Bible
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they did not go because the ships were wrecked at Ezion-geber.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they did not go because the ships were wrecked at Ezion-geber.

American Standard Version
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Ezion-geber.

Contemporary English Version
Jehoshaphat had seagoing ships built to sail to Ophir for gold. But they were wrecked at Ezion-Geber and never sailed.

English Revised Version
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Ezion-geber.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jehoshaphat made Tarshish-style ships to go to Ophir for gold. But they didn't go because the ships were wrecked at Ezion Geber.

Good News Translation
King Jehoshaphat had ocean-going ships built to sail to the land of Ophir for gold; but they were wrecked at Eziongeber and never sailed.

International Standard Version
Jehoshaphat had ocean-going vessels from Tarshish sail to Ophir for gold, but they never made it because they were shipwrecked at Ezion-geber.

Majority Standard Bible
Jehoshaphat built ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they never set sail, because they were wrecked at Ezion-geber.

NET Bible
Jehoshaphat built a fleet of large merchant ships to travel to Ophir for gold, but they never made the voyage because they were shipwrecked in Ezion Geber.

New Heart English Bible
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they did not go; for the ships were broken at Ezion Geber.

Webster's Bible Translation
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Ezion-geber.

World English Bible
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they didn’t go, for the ships wrecked at Ezion Geber.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, and they did not go, for the ships were broken in Ezion-Geber.

Young's Literal Translation
Jehoshaphat made ships at Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, and they went not, for the ships were broken in Ezion-Geber.

Smith's Literal Translation
Jehoshaphat built ships of Tharshish to go to Ophrah for gold: and it went not, for the ships were broken in Ezion-Geber.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But king Josaphat made navies on the sea, to sail into Ophir for gold: but they could not go, for the ships were broken in Asiongaber.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet truly, king Jehoshaphat had made a navy on the sea, which would sail to Ophir for gold. But they were unable to go, because the ships were broken down at Eziongeber.

New American Bible
Jehoshaphat made Tarshish ships to go to Ophir for gold; but in fact the ships did not go, because they were wrecked at Ezion-geber.

New Revised Standard Version
Jehoshaphat made ships of the Tarshish type to go to Ophir for gold; but they did not go, for the ships were wrecked at Ezion-geber.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Jehoshaphat built ships at Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold; but they did not go; for the ships were broken at Ezion-geber.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yushaphat made ships for Tarshish to go to Uphir for gold, and they did not go because the ships were broken in Eetsinugbar.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold; but they went not; for the ships were broken at Ezion-geber.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah
47And there was no king in Edom; a deputy served as king. 48Jehoshaphat built ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they never set sail, because they were wrecked at Ezion-geber. 49At that time Ahaziah son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, “Let my servants sail with your servants,” but Jehoshaphat refused.…

Cross References
2 Chronicles 20:35-37
Later, Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted wickedly. / They agreed to make ships to go to Tarshish, and these were built in Ezion-geber. / Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.” So the ships were wrecked and were unable to sail to Tarshish.

1 Kings 9:26-28
King Solomon also assembled a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth in Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea. / And Hiram sent his servants, sailors who knew the sea, to serve in the fleet with Solomon’s servants. / They sailed to Ophir and imported gold from there—420 talents—and delivered it to Solomon.

1 Kings 10:22
For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s fleet, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

2 Chronicles 9:21
For the king had the ships of Tarshish that went with Hiram’s servants, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

1 Kings 22:49
At that time Ahaziah son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, “Let my servants sail with your servants,” but Jehoshaphat refused.

1 Kings 10:11
(The fleet of Hiram that brought gold from Ophir also brought from Ophir a great cargo of almug wood and precious stones.

1 Kings 22:50
And Jehoshaphat rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the city of his father David. And his son Jehoram reigned in his place.

2 Chronicles 8:17-18
Then Solomon went to Ezion-geber and to Eloth on the coast of Edom. / So Hiram sent him ships captained by his servants, along with crews of experienced sailors. They went with Solomon’s servants to Ophir and acquired from there 450 talents of gold, which they delivered to King Solomon.

1 Kings 9:10-14
Now at the end of the twenty years during which Solomon built these two houses, the house of the LORD and the royal palace, / King Solomon gave twenty towns in the land of Galilee to Hiram king of Tyre, who had supplied him with cedar and cypress logs and gold for his every desire. / So Hiram went out from Tyre to inspect the towns that Solomon had given him, but he was not pleased with them. ...

1 Kings 10:18-20
Additionally, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold. / The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest. / Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom.

1 Kings 10:14-15
The weight of gold that came to Solomon each year was 666 talents, / not including the revenue from the merchants, traders, and all the Arabian kings and governors of the land.

1 Kings 10:23-25
So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. / The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. / Year after year, each visitor would bring his tribute: articles of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules.

1 Kings 10:26-29
Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. / The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills. / Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue. ...

Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 12:16-21
Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ / Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and will build bigger ones, and there I will store up all my grain and my goods. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber.

Jehoshaphat

2 Chronicles 20:35,36
And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly: …

made ships.

1 Kings 10:22
For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

2 Chronicles 9:21
For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

Psalm 48:7
Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

to Ophir

1 Kings 9:28
And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.

Psalm 45:9
Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.

they went not

2 Chronicles 20:37
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

2 Chronicles 25:7
But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim.

Ezion-geber

1 Kings 9:26
And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Eziongeber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom.

Numbers 33:35,36
And they departed from Ebronah, and encamped at Eziongaber…

Jump to Previous
Broken Built Ezion Eziongeber Ezion-Geber E'zion-Ge'ber Fleet Geber Gold Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Ophir Representative Sail Ships Tarshish Tharshish Trading Wrecked
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Broken Built Ezion Eziongeber Ezion-Geber E'zion-Ge'ber Fleet Geber Gold Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Ophir Representative Sail Ships Tarshish Tharshish Trading Wrecked
1 Kings 22
1. Ahab, seduced by false prophets, by Michaiah's word, is slain at Ramoth Gilead
37. The dogs lick up his blood, and Ahaziah succeeds him
41. Jehoshaphat's good reign
45. His acts
46. Jehoram succeeds him
51. Ahaziah's evil reign














Jehoshaphat built ships of Tarshish
Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is noted for his efforts to strengthen his kingdom economically and militarily. The phrase "ships of Tarshish" refers to large, sea-going vessels capable of long voyages, often associated with wealth and trade. Historically, Tarshish is believed to be a distant port, possibly in Spain or Sardinia, known for its rich resources. The construction of these ships indicates Jehoshaphat's ambition to expand Judah's trade networks and wealth, reflecting a king who sought prosperity for his people. The Hebrew root for "built" (בָּנָה, banah) implies not just physical construction but also establishing or fortifying, suggesting Jehoshaphat's intent to secure Judah's economic future.

to go to Ophir for gold
Ophir is a region famed for its abundant gold, mentioned several times in the Bible as a source of wealth (e.g., 1 Kings 9:28). The exact location of Ophir remains uncertain, with theories ranging from the Arabian Peninsula to India or Africa. The pursuit of gold from Ophir underscores the biblical theme of seeking material wealth, which, while beneficial, often comes with spiritual and moral challenges. The Hebrew word for "gold" (זָהָב, zahav) is frequently associated with purity and value, symbolizing both the allure and the potential pitfalls of earthly riches.

but they never set sail
This phrase highlights the futility of human plans without divine blessing. Despite Jehoshaphat's efforts and intentions, the ships did not fulfill their purpose. This serves as a reminder of the biblical principle found in Proverbs 19:21: "Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail." The Hebrew root for "set sail" (יָצָא, yatsa) means to go out or depart, emphasizing the intended journey that was never realized.

because the ships were wrecked at Ezion-geber
Ezion-geber was a port city on the Red Sea, near modern-day Aqaba, Jordan. It was a strategic location for trade and military endeavors. The wrecking of the ships at this site suggests a sudden and unexpected disaster, possibly due to a storm or navigational error. This event serves as a cautionary tale about the unpredictability of life and the importance of seeking God's guidance in all endeavors. The Hebrew word for "wrecked" (שָׁבַר, shabar) can also mean broken or shattered, symbolizing the abrupt end to Jehoshaphat's plans and the fragility of human endeavors without divine support.

(48) Ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir.--See Note on 1Kings 10:22. We note that this revival of maritime enterprise coincides with the renewed alliance through Israel with Tyre. The account in 2Chronicles 20:35-37 makes the brief narrative of these verses intelligible. The fleet was a combined fleet of Judah and Israel, built at Ezion-geber, which belonged to Judah; the alliance was denounced and judgment threatened by the prophet Eliezer. After the wreck of the fleet, manned, it would seem, by the subjects of Jehoshaphat, Ahaziah of Israel desires to renew the enterprise with the aid of Israelite and probably Tyrian sailors; but Jehoshaphat now refuses.

Verse 48. - Jehoshaphat made [The Chethib has עשר ten, obviously a clerical error for עשה made] ships of Tharshish [see note on 1 Kings 10:22] to go to Ophir [In 2 Chronicles 20:36, Tharshish is read for Ophir. Wordsworth holds that two separate fleets are intended, but this is most improbable] for gold [Evidently the great prosperity of his reign had suggested to him the idea of emulating Solomon's naval exploits, and of reviving the commerce of his people with the East]: but they went not [Heb. it went not]: for the ships were broken [Probably they were dashed by a storm against the rocks which "lie in jagged ranges on each side," Stanley] at Ezion-Geber.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Jehoshaphat
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֡ט (yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3092: Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites

built
עָשָׂה֩ (‘ā·śāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6240: Ten

ships
אֳנִיּ֨וֹת (’o·nî·yō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 591: A ship

of Tarshish
תַּרְשִׁ֜ישׁ (tar·šîš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8659: Tarshish -- a son of Javan, also a port on the Mediterranean, also a Benjamite

to go
לָלֶ֧כֶת (lā·le·ḵeṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

to Ophir
אוֹפִ֛ירָה (’ō·w·p̄î·rāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 211: Ophir -- a son of Joktan, also his descendants, also a region from which gold comes

for gold,
לַזָּהָ֖ב (laz·zā·hāḇ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

but they never
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

set sail,
הָלָ֑ךְ (hā·lāḵ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

[they]
אֳנִיּ֖וֹת (’o·nî·yō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 591: A ship

were wrecked
נִשְׁבְּר֥וּ (niš·bə·rū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7665: To break, break in pieces

at Ezion-geber.
גָּֽבֶר׃ (gā·ḇer)
Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6100: Ezion-geber -- a city on the shore of the Gulf of Aqaba


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OT History: 1 Kings 22:48 Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 22:47
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