1 Kings 4:5 Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the governors; Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king;

◄ 1 Kings 4:5 ►

New International Version
Azariah son of Nathan—in charge of the district governors; Zabud son of Nathan—a priest and adviser to the king;

New Living Translation
Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the district governors. Zabud son of Nathan, a priest, was a trusted adviser to the king.

English Standard Version
Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; Zabud the son of Nathan was priest and king’s friend;

Berean Standard Bible
Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the governors; Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king;

King James Bible
And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king's friend:

New King James Version
Azariah the son of Nathan, over the officers; Zabud the son of Nathan, a priest and the king’s friend;

New American Standard Bible
and Azariah the son of Nathan was over the deputies; and Zabud the son of Nathan, a priest, was the king’s confidant;

NASB 1995
and Azariah the son of Nathan was over the deputies; and Zabud the son of Nathan, a priest, was the king’s friend;

NASB 1977
and Azariah the son of Nathan was over the deputies; and Zabud the son of Nathan, a priest, was the king’s friend;

Legacy Standard Bible
and Azariah the son of Nathan was over the deputies; and Zabud the son of Nathan, a priest, was the king’s friend;

Amplified Bible
Azariah the son of Nathan was in charge of the deputies; Zabud the son of Nathan was priest and was the king’s friend [and trusted advisor];

Christian Standard Bible
Azariah son of Nathan, in charge of the deputies; Zabud son of Nathan, a priest and adviser to the king;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Azariah son of Nathan, in charge of the deputies; Zabud son of Nathan, a priest and adviser to the king;

American Standard Version
and Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; and Zabud the son of Nathan was chief minister, and the king's friend;

English Revised Version
and Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; and Zabud the son of Nathan was priest, and the king's friend;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
[Azariah], son of Nathan, was in charge of the district governors. [Zabud], son of Nathan, was the king's adviser.

Good News Translation
Chief of the district governors: Azariah son of Nathan Royal Adviser: the priest Zabud son of Nathan

International Standard Version
Nathan's son Azariah supervised the governors, Nathan's son Zabud the priest was the king's counselor,

Majority Standard Bible
Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the governors; Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king;

NET Bible
Azariah son of Nathan was supervisor of the district governors. Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king.

New Heart English Bible
and Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; and Zabud the son of Nathan was chief minister, the king's friend;

Webster's Bible Translation
And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king's friend:

World English Bible
Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; Zabud the son of Nathan was chief minister, the king’s friend;

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and Azariah son of Nathan [is] over the officers; and Zabud son of Nathan [is] minister, friend of the king;

Young's Literal Translation
and Azariah son of Nathan is over the officers; and Zabud son of Nathan is minister, friend of the king;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Azariah son of Nathan, over the stations: and Zabud, son of Nathan the priest, the king's friend:

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Azarias the son of Nathan, over them that were about the king: Zabud, the son of Nathan the priest, the king's friend:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Azariah, the son of Nathan, over those who were assisting the king; Zabud, the son of Nathan, the priest, the friend of the king;

New American Bible
Azariah, son of Nathan, in charge of the governors; Zabud, son of Nathan, priest and companion to the king;

New Revised Standard Version
Azariah son of Nathan was over the officials; Zabud son of Nathan was priest and king’s friend;

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the governors; and Zabur, the son of Nathan, the priest, was the king's friend;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Azraya, son of Nathan over the Governors, and Zabur, son of Nathan the Priest, the friend of the King

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
and Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; and Zabud the son of Nathan was chief minister and the king's friend;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Ornia the son of Nathan was over the officers; and Zabuth son of Nathan was the king's friend.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Solomon's Princes
…4Benaiah son of Jehoiada was in charge of the army; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; 5Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the governors; Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king; 6Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Chronicles 27:33
Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.

2 Samuel 15:12
While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.

2 Samuel 16:23
Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.

2 Samuel 17:1-23
Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” ...

1 Kings 2:35
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.

1 Kings 12:6-11
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. ...

2 Chronicles 10:6-11
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 kind to these people and please them 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. ...

2 Chronicles 25:16
While he was still speaking, the king asked, “Have we made you the counselor to the king? Stop! Why be struck down?” So the prophet stopped, but he said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not heeded my advice.”

Proverbs 11:14
For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.

Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

Proverbs 24:6
Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.

Isaiah 19:11-13
The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”? / Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt. / The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray.

Jeremiah 18:18
Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.”

Matthew 11:19
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.”

Matthew 23:34
Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town.

Treasury of Scripture

And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king's friend:

son of Nathan

1 Kings 1:10
But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.

2 Samuel 7:2
That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.

2 Samuel 12:1-15,25
And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor…

the officers

1 Kings 4:7
And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision.

the principal

2 Samuel 8:18
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.

2 Samuel 20:26
And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David.

the king's

2 Samuel 15:37
So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 16:16
And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king.

2 Samuel 19:37,38
Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee…

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Adviser Authority Azariah Azari'ah Charge Chief Country Deputies Different District Divisions Friend King's Minister Nathan Officer Officers Personal Priest Principal s Superintendents

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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

Berean Study Bible

Azariah son of Nathan
The name "Azariah" means "Yahweh has helped" in Hebrew, reflecting a common theme in Israelite names that emphasize God's assistance and presence. The mention of "son of Nathan" is significant, as Nathan was a prophet during the reign of King David, known for his bold confrontation of David regarding his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12). This connection suggests a legacy of spiritual leadership and integrity. Azariah's role "in charge of the deputies" indicates a position of significant administrative responsibility, overseeing regional governors or officials, which underscores the organized and hierarchical nature of Solomon's kingdom.

in charge of the deputies
The phrase "in charge of the deputies" highlights the structured governance system established by Solomon. The Hebrew term for "deputies" can also be translated as "officers" or "prefects," indicating officials who managed specific regions or tasks within the kingdom. This reflects Solomon's wisdom in administration, ensuring that his vast kingdom was effectively managed and that resources were efficiently distributed. The role of deputies was crucial for maintaining order and implementing the king's policies throughout Israel.

Zabud son of Nathan
Like Azariah, Zabud is also identified as a "son of Nathan," suggesting a familial or spiritual lineage connected to the prophet Nathan. The name "Zabud" means "given" or "endowed," which may imply a person endowed with wisdom or favor. His dual role as "a priest and adviser to the king" indicates a unique position that combined religious and political responsibilities. This dual role underscores the integration of spiritual guidance within the governance of Israel, reflecting the theocratic nature of the kingdom where religious and political spheres were intertwined.

a priest and adviser to the king
The dual designation of "a priest and adviser to the king" for Zabud highlights the multifaceted nature of leadership in ancient Israel. As a priest, Zabud would have been involved in religious rituals and the spiritual life of the nation, serving as a mediator between God and the people. As an adviser, he would have provided counsel to King Solomon, likely offering insights based on spiritual principles and divine wisdom. This combination of roles emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in leadership and decision-making, a principle that resonates with the conservative Christian perspective of valuing biblical wisdom in governance.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(5) Son of Nathan.--Probably Nathan, son of David, and own brother of Solomon (1Chronicles 3:5), is here intended; for the title Cohen, here given to Zabud, is expressly ascribed in 2Samuel 8:18 to the "sons of David;" and Nathan the prophet always has his title, "the prophet," appended to his name wherever first mentioned in this book. (See 1Kings 1:8; 1Kings 1:10; 1Kings 1:22; 1Kings 1:32, &c.) . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 5. - And Azariah the son of Nathan [Azariah was clearly not an uncommon name (ver. 2, and cf. 1 Chronicles 2:39; 5:36-40 Hebrews; A.V. 1 Chronicles 6:9-14), especially in the high priest's family. Keil and Bahr pronounce somewhat positively that this Nathan is not the prophet of that name, but Nathan the son of David (2 Samuel 5:14; Luke 3:31). It is quite impossible to decide with certainty which is meant, if either, though Zechariah 12:12 undoubtedly favours the supposition that the latter is here intended] was over the officers [the twelve prefects mentioned in vers. 7 sqq.]: and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer [Heb. priest, Vulg. sacerdos. Singularly, as before, the LXX. (Vat.) omits the word. The expression can hardly mean "the son of Nathan the priest," but it may either signify that "Zabud ben Nathan, a priest, was king's friend," or that (as in the A. V.) he was a priest and king's friend. But the former is every way preferable. I find it easier to believe that the true import of 2 Samuel 8:18 the passage which is cited (sometimes along with 2 Samuel 20:26, where the LXX., however, has ἱερεύς) to prove that there were secular "priests" - is not yet understood, than to hold (with Gesenius, Ewald, etc.), that there were sacrificing priests who were not of the sons of Aaron (cf. 2 Chronicles 26:18), or that the word כּהֵן, the meaning of which was thoroughly fixed and understood, can have been familiarly applied, except in the strictly conventional way already indicated, to lay persons], and [omit] the king's friend. ["This appears to have been now a recognized office (2 Samuel 15:37; 2 Samuel 16:16; 1 Chronicles 27:33)," Rawlinson.]

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Azariah
וַעֲזַרְיָ֥הוּ (wa·‘ă·zar·yā·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5838: Azariah -- 'Yah has helped', the name of a number of Israelites

son
בֶן־ (ḇen-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Nathan
נָתָ֖ן (nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5416: Nathan -- the name of a number of Israelites

[was] in charge of
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the governors;
הַנִּצָּבִ֑ים (han·niṣ·ṣā·ḇîm)
Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5324: To take one's stand, stand

Zabud
וְזָב֧וּד (wə·zā·ḇūḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2071: Zabud -- 'bestowed', an officer of Solomon

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Nathan
נָתָ֛ן (nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5416: Nathan -- the name of a number of Israelites

[was] a priest
כֹּהֵ֖ן (kō·hên)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

and adviser
רֵעֶ֥ה (rê·‘eh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7463: Evil, misery, distress, injury

to the king;
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

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OT History: 1 Kings 4:5 And Azariah the son of Nathan was (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)