1 Kings 4:21
New International Version
And Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These countries brought tribute and were Solomon’s subjects all his life.

New Living Translation
Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River in the north to the land of the Philistines and the border of Egypt in the south. The conquered peoples of those lands sent tribute money to Solomon and continued to serve him throughout his lifetime.

English Standard Version
Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.

Berean Standard Bible
And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.

King James Bible
And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.

New King James Version
So Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.

New American Standard Bible
Now Solomon was ruling over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt; they brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.

NASB 1995
Now Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt; they brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.

NASB 1977
Now Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt; they brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt; they brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.

Amplified Bible
Now Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the [Euphrates] River to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt; they brought tribute (money) and served Solomon all the days of his life.

Christian Standard Bible
Solomon ruled all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines and as far as the border of Egypt. They offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines and as far as the border of Egypt. They offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.

American Standard Version
And Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought tribute, and served Solomon all the days of his life.

Contemporary English Version
Solomon ruled every kingdom between the Euphrates River and the land of the Philistines down to Egypt. These kingdoms paid him taxes as long as he lived.

English Revised Version
And Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Solomon ruled all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the country of the Philistines and as far as the Egyptian border. These kingdoms paid taxes and were subject to Solomon as long as he lived.

Good News Translation
Solomon's kingdom included all the nations from the Euphrates River to Philistia and the Egyptian border. They paid him taxes and were subject to him all his life.

International Standard Version
Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the territory of the Philistines and south to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon throughout his lifetime.

Majority Standard Bible
And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.

NET Bible
Solomon ruled all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms paid tribute as Solomon's subjects throughout his lifetime.

New Heart English Bible
And Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms, from the River, and to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.

World English Bible
Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Solomon has been ruling over all the kingdoms, from the River [to] the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt: they are bringing a present near, and serving Solomon, all [the] days of his life.

Young's Literal Translation
And Solomon hath been ruling over all the kingdoms, from the River to the land of the Philistines and unto the border of Egypt: they are bringing nigh a present, and serving Solomon, all days of his life.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Solomon was ruling over all kingdoms from the river to the land of the rovers, and even to the bound of Egypt: they were bringing a gift and serving Solomon all the days of his life.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Solomon had under him all the kingdoms from the river to the land of the Philistines,. even to the border of Egypt: and they brought him presents, and served him, all the days of his life.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now Solomon had, in his dominion, all the kingdoms, from the river to the land of the Philistines, even to the border of Egypt. And they offered gifts to him, and they served him all the days of his life.

New American Bible
Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines, down to the border of Egypt; they paid Solomon tribute and served him as long as he lived.

New Revised Standard Version
Solomon was sovereign over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, even to the border of Egypt; they brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the river which is in the land of the Philistines as far as the border of Egypt; and his subjects brought presents and served Solomon all the days of his life.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Solomon was authorized in the entire Kingdom from the river of the land of the Philistines and unto the borders of Egypt, and they were bringing gifts and they were serving Solomon all the days of his life.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt; they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Wealth
20The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore, and they were eating and drinking and rejoicing. 21And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. 22Solomon’s provisions for a single day were thirty cors of fine flour, sixty cors of meal,…

Cross References
Genesis 15:18
On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates—

Joshua 1:4
Your territory shall extend from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great River Euphrates—all the land of the Hittites—and west as far as the Great Sea.

Psalm 72:8-11
May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth. / May the nomads bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust. / May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. ...

2 Chronicles 9:26
He reigned over all the kings from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 11:24
Every place where the sole of your foot treads will be yours. Your territory will extend from the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the Western Sea.

2 Samuel 8:3
David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who had marched out to restore his dominion along the Euphrates River.

2 Samuel 8:6
Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

1 Kings 10:24-25
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.

Isaiah 60:6-7
Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. / All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house.

Ezekiel 27:15
The men of Dedan were your clients; many coastlands were your market; they paid you with ivory tusks and ebony.

Matthew 2:1-2
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, / asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

Luke 1:32-33
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, / and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!”

Revelation 11:15
Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.”

Revelation 21:24-26
By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory. / Its gates will never be shut at the end of the day, because there will be no night there. / And into the city will be brought the glory and honor of the nations.

Romans 15:12
And once more, Isaiah says: “The Root of Jesse will appear, One who will arise to rule over the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will put their hope.”


Treasury of Scripture

And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.

Solomon

1 Kings 4:24
For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.

Genesis 15:18
In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

Exodus 23:31
And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.

brought

1 Samuel 10:27
But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

2 Kings 17:3
Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and gave him presents.

2 Chronicles 17:5
Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.

Jump to Previous
Border Countries Edge Egypt Euphra'tes Far Kingdoms Life Nigh Offerings Philistines Present Presents Reigned River Ruled Ruler Servants Served Serving Solomon Solomon's Subjects Tribute
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Border Countries Edge Egypt Euphra'tes Far Kingdoms Life Nigh Offerings Philistines Present Presents Reigned River Ruled Ruler Servants Served Serving Solomon Solomon's Subjects Tribute
1 Kings 4
1. Solomon's princes
7. His twelve officers for provision
20. The peace and largeness of his kingdom
22. His daily provision
26. His stable
29. His wisdom














So Solomon reigned
The phrase "So Solomon reigned" signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would succeed him and establish a kingdom of peace and prosperity. The Hebrew root for "reigned" is "מָלַךְ" (malak), which means to rule or have dominion. This highlights Solomon's God-given authority and the divine legitimacy of his kingship. Solomon's reign is a type of Christ's future reign, symbolizing peace and wisdom.

over all the kingdoms
This phrase indicates the vastness of Solomon's dominion. The Hebrew word for "kingdoms" is "מַמְלָכָה" (mamlakah), which refers to territories or realms under a king's rule. Historically, this reflects the peak of Israel's territorial expansion, a fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant where God promised to make Abraham's descendants a great nation.

from the Euphrates
The Euphrates River, one of the great rivers of the ancient Near East, marks the northeastern boundary of Solomon's kingdom. It is significant in biblical history as a symbol of God's promise to Abraham regarding the extent of the land his descendants would inherit (Genesis 15:18). This geographical reference underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the extent of Solomon's influence.

to the land of the Philistines
The Philistines were long-time adversaries of Israel, and their land represents the western boundary of Solomon's kingdom. The inclusion of this territory under Solomon's rule signifies a period of peace and dominance over former enemies, showcasing the strength and stability of his reign.

and as far as the border of Egypt
This phrase marks the southern boundary of Solomon's kingdom. Egypt was a powerful neighbor, and having control up to its border indicates a significant level of influence and security. This also reflects the political alliances Solomon maintained, including his marriage to Pharaoh's daughter, which helped secure peace and prosperity.

They brought tribute
The act of bringing tribute signifies the acknowledgment of Solomon's authority by surrounding nations. The Hebrew word for "tribute" is "מִנְחָה" (minchah), which can mean a gift or offering. This reflects the respect and submission of other nations to Solomon's wisdom and leadership, as well as the economic prosperity of his reign.

and served Solomon
The phrase "and served Solomon" indicates the loyalty and subservience of these kingdoms to Solomon. The Hebrew root "עָבַד" (avad) means to work or serve, suggesting a relationship of vassalage where these nations recognized Solomon's supremacy and contributed to the wealth and stability of his kingdom.

all the days of his life
This phrase emphasizes the duration of Solomon's peaceful and prosperous reign. It suggests a period of sustained stability and blessing, a testament to Solomon's wisdom and God's favor. It also foreshadows the eventual decline after Solomon's death, reminding readers of the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and the need for faithfulness to God.

(21) And Solomon reigned.--His dominion is described as extending on the south to the land of the Philistines and the border of Egypt, including what we call Arabia (see Psalm 72:10, and comp. 1Kings 10:15); on the east to "the river" Euphrates, as far north as Tiphsah (the Greek Thapsacus); on the west it would, of course, be bounded by the sea; and on the north it extended far beyond Damascus, probably up to the borders of the Assyrian Empire. It seems also clear that the Syrian Kingdoms (like the kingdom of Tyre), were allies on a footing of some dependence, though not exactly tributaries. This extension of dominion was the fruit of the warlike energy of the two preceding reigns. As in all ancient Eastern empires, it represented, not an organised monarchy, but the supremacy of a dominant kingdom' over tributaries gathered round--"the kings on this side the river" who "brought presents"--apparently at that time numerous, and ruling over small territories. Such an empire would rise rapidly, and as rapidly fall to pieces; and in Solomon's case it was sustained less by military power than by the peaceful forces of wealth and policy, and was largely dependent on his own personal ascendancy.

Verse 21. - And Solomon reigned [Heb. was reigning] over all kingdoms [Heb. the kingdoms. That is, as suzerain, as is explained presently. So that Psalm 72:10, 11 had its fulfilment] from the river [i.e., the Euphrates, the river of that region: so called Genesis 31:21; Exodus 23:31; 2 Samuel 10:16. In Genesis 15:18 it is called "the great river, the river Euphrates." Similarly Joshua 1:4] unto [not in the Hebrew. It is found in the parallel passage, 2 Chronicles 9:26, and perhaps we may safely supply it here. Its omission may have been occasioned by the recurrence of the same word (עַד) presently. Some would render, "reigned... over the land," etc., supplying בְּ in thought from above. But "unto" seems to be required after "from." Cf. ver. 24] the land of the Philistines [this, i.e., the Mediterranean shore, was the western border of his realm], and unto the border of Egypt [this was his southern boundary. We have here a reference to Genisis 15:18, the promise which now first received its fulfilment]: they brought presents [i.e., tribute. Similar expressions, 2 Samuel 8:2; 2 Kings 17:3, 4, and especially Psalm 72:10. What the presents were we are told 1 Kings 10:25, where, however, see note], and served Solomon all the days of his life. The daily consumption of the royal household is now related to show the grandeur and luxury of the court. And it agreed well with the greatness of the kingdom. The lavish provision of Oriental palaces was evidently a subject of wonder and of boasting to the ancients, as the inscriptions and monuments show.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And Solomon
וּשְׁלֹמֹ֗ה (ū·šə·lō·mōh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

reigned
מוֹשֵׁל֙ (mō·wō·šêl)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 4910: To rule, have dominion, reign

over all
בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the kingdoms
הַמַּמְלָכ֔וֹת (ham·mam·lā·ḵō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4467: Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign

from
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the [Euphrates]
הַנָּהָר֙ (han·nā·hār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5104: A stream, prosperity

to the land
אֶ֣רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of the Philistines,
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים (pə·liš·tîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

as far as
וְעַ֖ד (wə·‘aḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the border
גְּב֣וּל (gə·ḇūl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed

of Egypt.
מִצְרָ֑יִם (miṣ·rā·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

[These kingdoms] offered
מַגִּשִׁ֥ים (mag·gi·šîm)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5066: To draw near, approach

tribute
מִנְחָ֛ה (min·ḥāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4503: A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering

and served
וְעֹבְדִ֥ים (wə·‘ō·ḇə·ḏîm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5647: To work, to serve, till, enslave

Solomon
שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה (šə·lō·mōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the days
יְמֵ֥י (yə·mê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3117: A day

of his life.
חַיָּֽיו׃ (ḥay·yāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life


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OT History: 1 Kings 4:21 Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 4:20
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