CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Kings 4:2 and these were his chief officials: Azariah son of Zadok was the priest;</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/4-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/11_1Ki_04_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 4:2 - Solomon's Princes" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and these were his chief officials: Azariah son of Zadok was the priest;" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_kings/4-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_kings/4-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_kings/">1 Kings</a> > <a href="/1_kings/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_kings/4-1.htm" title="1 Kings 4:1">◄</a> 1 Kings 4:2 <a href="/1_kings/4-3.htm" title="1 Kings 4:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_kings/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_kings/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />And these were his chief officials: Azariah son of Zadok—the priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_kings/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />and these were his high officials: Azariah son of Zadok was the priest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_kings/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and these were his high officials: Azariah the son of Zadok was the priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />and these were his chief officials: Azariah son of Zadok was the priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And these <i>were</i> the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And these <i>were</i> his officials: Azariah the son of Zadok, the priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />These were his officials: Azariah the son of Zadok <i>was</i> the priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />These were his officials: Azariah the son of Zadok was the priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And these were his officials: Azariah the son of Zadok <i>was</i> the priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />These were his officials: Azariah the son of Zadok <i>was</i> the priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />These were his [chief] officials: Azariah the son of Zadok was the <i>high</i> priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and these were his officials: Azariah son of Zadok, priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and these were his officials: Azariah son of Zadok, priest; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And these were the princes whom he had: Azariah the son of Zadok, the priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok, the priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />these were his officials: [Azariah], son of Zadok, was the [chief] priest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and these were his high officials: The priest: Azariah son of Zadok <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Here's a list of his officials: Zadok's son Azariah was priest, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />and these were his chief officials: Azariah son of Zadok was the priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />These were his officials: Azariah son of Zadok was the priest. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />These were the officials whom he had: Azariah the son of Zadok, the priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />These were the princes whom he had: Azariah the son of Zadok, the priest; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and these [are] the heads whom he has: Azariah son of Zadok [is] the priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and these are the heads whom he hath: Azariah son of Zadok is the priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And these the chiefs which were to him: Azariah, son of Zadok the priest;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And these were the princes which he had: Azarias the son of Sadoc the priest: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And these were the leaders that he had: Azariah, the son of Zadok, the priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and these were the officials he had in his service: Azariah, son of Zadok, the priest; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and these were his high officials: Azariah son of Zadok was the priest;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And these were the princes whom he had: Azariah the son of Zadok the priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And these were his Princes: Azarayah, son of Tsadoq the Priest<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And these were the princes whom he had: Azariah the son of Zadok, the priest;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And these <i>are</i> the princes which he had; Azarias son of Sadoc.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/4-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=1439" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/4.htm">Solomon's Princes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>So King Solomon ruled over Israel, <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: wə·’êl·leh (Conj-w:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">and these</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: haś·śā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">were his chief officials:</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5838.htm" title="5838: ‘ă·zar·yā·hū (N-proper-ms) -- Or mazaryahuw; from azar and Yahh; Jah has helped; Azarjah, the name of nineteen Israelites.">Azariah</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇen- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/6659.htm" title="6659: ṣā·ḏō·wq (N-proper-ms) -- The name of several Isr. From tsadaq; just; Tsadok, the name of eight or nine Israelites.">of Zadok</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: hak·kō·hên (Art:: N-ms) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">was the priest;</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/27-32.htm">1 Chronicles 27:32-34</a></span><br />David’s uncle Jonathan was a counselor; he was a man of insight and a scribe. Jehiel son of Hachmoni attended to the sons of the king. / Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend. / Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah, then by Abiathar. Joab was the commander of the king’s army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/8-15.htm">2 Samuel 8:15-18</a></span><br />Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people: / Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; / Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">2 Samuel 20:23-26</a></span><br />Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; / Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; / Sheva was the scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-8.htm">1 Kings 1:8-10</a></span><br />But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men would not join Adonijah. / And Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened calves near the stone of Zoheleth, which is next to En-rogel. He invited all his royal brothers and all the men of Judah who were servants of the king. / But he did not invite Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, the mighty men, or his brother Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-35.htm">1 Kings 2:35</a></span><br />And the king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada in Joab’s place over the army, and he appointed Zadok the priest in Abiathar’s place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-28.htm">1 Kings 3:28</a></span><br />When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/5-1.htm">1 Kings 5:1-5</a></span><br />Now when Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king in his father’s place, he sent envoys to Solomon; for Hiram had always been a friend of David. / And Solomon relayed this message to Hiram: / “As you are well aware, due to the wars waged on all sides against my father David, he could not build a house for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD had put his enemies under his feet. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/9-22.htm">1 Kings 9:22-23</a></span><br />But 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. / They were also the chief officers over Solomon’s projects: 550 supervisors over the people who did the work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/10-8.htm">1 Kings 10:8</a></span><br />How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">1 Kings 12:6-8</a></span><br />Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/9-7.htm">2 Chronicles 9:7</a></span><br />How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/26-11.htm">2 Chronicles 26:11-14</a></span><br />Uzziah had an army ready for battle that went out to war by assigned divisions, as recorded by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officers. / The total number of family leaders of the mighty men of valor was 2,600. / Under their authority was an army of 307,500 trained for war, a powerful force to support the king against his enemies. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Proverbs 11:14</a></span><br />For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Proverbs 15:22</a></span><br />Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Proverbs 24:6</a></span><br />Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21</a></b></br> Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place <i>such</i> over them, <i>to be</i> rulers of thousands, <i>and</i> rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/8-15.htm">2 Samuel 8:15-18</a></b></br> And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">2 Samuel 20:23-26</a></b></br> Now Joab <i>was</i> over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada <i>was</i> over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites: … </p><p class="hdg">Azariah</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/6-8.htm">1 Chronicles 6:8-10</a></b></br> And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Ahimaaz, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/27-17.htm">1 Chronicles 27:17</a></b></br> Of the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of the Aaronites, Zadok:</p><p class="hdg">priest.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/2-17.htm">Azariah</a> <a href="/daniel/2-17.htm">Azari'ah</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-4.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-4.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-4.htm">High</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-9.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-35.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-6.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-35.htm">Zadok</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm">Azariah</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm">Azari'ah</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-4.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-16.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-17.htm">High</a> <a href="/1_kings/9-22.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-1.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-4.htm">Zadok</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-1.htm">Solomon's princes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-7.htm">His twelve officers for provision</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">The peace and largeness of his kingdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-22.htm">His daily provision</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-26.htm">His stable</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">His wisdom</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>and these were his chief officials:</b><br>This phrase introduces the list of key figures in King Solomon's administration, highlighting the organization and structure of his government. Solomon's reign is marked by wisdom and prosperity, and his officials played crucial roles in maintaining the kingdom's stability. The mention of "chief officials" reflects the importance of leadership and delegation in governance, a principle seen throughout the Bible, such as in <a href="/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21-22</a>, where Moses appoints leaders to help judge the people.<p><b>Azariah son of Zadok was the priest;</b><br>Azariah, identified as the son of Zadok, serves as a priest during Solomon's reign. Zadok was a prominent priest during the time of David and Solomon, known for his loyalty and righteousness (<a href="/2_samuel/8-17.htm">2 Samuel 8:17</a>). The priesthood was a vital institution in Israel, responsible for religious duties and maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people. Azariah's role signifies the continuation of Zadok's priestly line, which is significant as the Zadokite priesthood is later emphasized in Ezekiel's vision of the future temple (<a href="/ezekiel/44-15.htm">Ezekiel 44:15</a>). This continuity underscores the importance of faithfulness and divine appointment in spiritual leadership.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/azariah.htm">Azariah</a></b><br>Azariah is identified as the son of Zadok and serves as a priest. His role signifies the continuation of the priestly line and the importance of spiritual leadership in Solomon's administration.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/z/zadok.htm">Zadok</a></b><br>Zadok was a high priest during the reigns of David and Solomon. His lineage is significant in maintaining the priestly duties and upholding the religious laws of Israel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon's_administration.htm">Solomon's Administration</a></b><br>This verse is part of a larger passage detailing the organization of King Solomon's officials, highlighting the structured and well-ordered nature of his reign.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_leadership.htm">The Importance of Godly Leadership</a></b><br>Azariah's role as a priest under Solomon underscores the necessity of spiritual guidance in governance. Leaders today should seek wisdom and guidance from God in their decision-making processes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/heritage_and_faithfulness.htm">Heritage and Faithfulness</a></b><br>The mention of Azariah as the son of Zadok highlights the importance of a godly heritage. Believers are encouraged to pass down their faith and values to future generations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/order_and_structure_in_god's_kingdom.htm">Order and Structure in God's Kingdom</a></b><br>Solomon's organized administration reflects God's desire for order. In our personal lives and communities, we should strive for organization and structure that honors God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/continuity_of_god's_plan.htm">Continuity of God's Plan</a></b><br>The priestly line from Zadok to Azariah shows the continuity of God's plan through generations. Trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises over time.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_azariah_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Azariah in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/solomon's_horse_stalls_count.htm">How many stalls of horses did Solomon have? (1 Kings 4:26 vs. 2 Chronicles 9:25)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_40,000_stalls_in_1_kings,_4,000_in_2_chron.htm">Why does 1 Kings 4:26 mention 40,000 stalls for Solomon's horses, while 2 Chronicles 9:25 records only 4,000?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_2_chr_9_25_and_1_kgs_4_26_differ.htm">Why do the numbers listed in 2 Chronicles 9:25 about Solomon's horses and chariots differ from related passages like 1 Kings 4:26?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">And these were.</span>--The officers described are of two classes--those attached to Solomon's Court, and those invested with local authority.<p><span class= "bld">The princes </span>are evidently Solomon's high counsellors and officers, "eating at the king's table." The word is derived from a root which means to "set in order." It is significant that whereas in the lists of David's officers in <a href="/context/2_samuel/8-16.htm" title="And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;">2Samuel 8:16-18</a>; <a href="/context/2_samuel/20-23.htm" title="Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:">2Samuel 20:23-26</a>, the captain of the host stands first, and is followed in one list by the captain of the body-guard, both are here preceded by the peaceful offices of the priests, scribes, and the recorder.<p><span class= "bld">Azariah the son of Zadok the priest.</span>--In <a href="/context/1_chronicles/6-9.htm" title="And Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan,">1Chronicles 6:9-10</a>, we find Azariah described as the son of Ahimaaz, and so grandson of Zadok; and the note in <a href="/1_kings/4-10.htm" title="The son of Hesed, in Aruboth; to him pertained Sochoh, and all the land of Hepher:">1Kings 4:10</a> (which is apparently out of its right place) seems to show that he was high priest at the time when the Temple was built. The title the "priest" in this place must be given by anticipation, for it is expressly said below that "Zadok and Abiathar were now the priests." The use of the original word, <span class= "ital">Cohen </span>(probably signifying "one who ministers"), appears sometimes to retain traces of the old times, when the priesthood and headship of the family were united, and to be applied accordingly to princes, to whom perhaps still attached something of the ancient privilege. Thus it is given to the sons of David in <a href="/2_samuel/8-18.htm" title="And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.">2Samuel 8:18</a>, where the parallel passage in <a href="/1_chronicles/18-17.htm" title="And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief about the king.">1Chronicles 18:17</a> has a paraphrase, "chief about the king," evidently intended to explain the sense in which it is used in the older record. We may remember that David himself on occasions wore the priestly ephod (see <a href="/2_samuel/6-14.htm" title="And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.">2Samuel 6:14</a>). Possibly in this sense it is applied in <a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm" title="And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king's friend:">1Kings 4:5</a> to Zabud, the "king's friend" (where the Authorised Version renders it by <span class= "ital">"</span>principal officer"). But in this verse there is every reason for taking it in the usual sense. Azariah was already a "prince" before he succeeded to the high priesthood. The mingling, of priestly and princely functions is characteristic of the time. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And these were the princes</span> [<span class="accented">i.e.</span> ministers, officers. Cf. <a href="/2_samuel/8-15.htm">2 Samuel 8:15-18</a>, and 2 Sam 20:23-26] <span class="cmt_word">which he had, Azariah the son</span> [<span class="accented">i.e.</span>, descendant, probably grandson. See on 1 Chronicles 6:10] <span class="cmt_word">of Zadok the priest.</span> [We are here confronted by two questions of considerable difficulty. First, to whom does the <span class="accented">title</span> "priest" here belong, to Azariah or to Zadok? Second, what are we to understand by the <span class="accented">term</span>, a spiritual, or a more or less secular <span class="accented">person -</span> <span class="greek">ἱερεύς</span> or <span class="greek">βουλευτής</span>? As to <p><span class="Text_Heading">1.</span> the Vulgate (<span class="accented">sacerdotis</span>) and apparently the Authorized Version, with the Rabbins, Luther, and many later expounders, connect the title with Zadok (who is mentioned as priest in ver. 4), and understand that Azariah, the son of the high priest Zadok, was, together with the sons of Shisha, one of the scribes (ver. 3). It is true that this view obviates some difficulties, but against it are these considerations. <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> The accents. <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> The Chaldee and LXX. (<span class="greek">ὁ ἱερεύς</span> Cod. Alex.; Cod. Vat. omits the words) Versions. . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/4-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">and these</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֵ֥לֶּה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’êl·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> </span><span class="str2">These, those</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were his chief officials:</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשָּׂרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(haś·śā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Azariah</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲזַרְיָ֥הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·zar·yā·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5838.htm">Strong's 5838: </a> </span><span class="str2">Azariah -- 'Yah has helped', the name of a number of Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶן־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇen-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Zadok</span><br /><span class="heb">צָד֖וֹק</span> <span class="translit">(ṣā·ḏō·wq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6659.htm">Strong's 6659: </a> </span><span class="str2">Zadok -- the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[was] the priest;</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכֹּהֵֽן׃</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kō·hên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> </span><span class="str2">Priest</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/4-2.htm">1 Kings 4:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/4-2.htm">1 Kings 4:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/4-2.htm">1 Kings 4:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/4-2.htm">1 Kings 4:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/4-2.htm">1 Kings 4:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/4-2.htm">1 Kings 4:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/4-2.htm">1 Kings 4:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/4-2.htm">1 Kings 4:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/4-2.htm">1 Kings 4:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/4-2.htm">1 Kings 4:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/4-2.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 4:2 These were the princes whom he had: (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/4-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 4:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 4:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/4-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 4:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 4:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>