1 Kings 9:13
New International Version
“What kind of towns are these you have given me, my brother?” he asked. And he called them the Land of Kabul, a name they have to this day.

New Living Translation
“What kind of towns are these, my brother?” he asked. So Hiram called that area Cabul (which means “worthless”), as it is still known today.

English Standard Version
Therefore he said, “What kind of cities are these that you have given me, my brother?” So they are called the land of Cabul to this day.

Berean Standard Bible
“What are these towns you have given me, my brother?” asked Hiram, and he called them the Land of Cabul, as they are called to this day.

King James Bible
And he said, What cities are these which thou hast given me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabul unto this day.

New King James Version
So he said, “What kind of cities are these which you have given me, my brother?” And he called them the land of Cabul, as they are to this day.

New American Standard Bible
And he said, “What are these cities which you have given me, my brother?” So they have been called the land of Cabul to this day.

NASB 1995
He said, “What are these cities which you have given me, my brother?” So they were called the land of Cabul to this day.

NASB 1977
And he said, “What are these cities which you have given me, my brother?” So they were called the land of Cabul to this day.

Legacy Standard Bible
And he said, “What are these cities which you have given me, my brother?” So they were called the land of Cabul to this day.

Amplified Bible
He said, “What are these cities [good for] which you have given me, my brother?” So they have been called the land of Cabul (like nothing, unproductive) to this day.

Christian Standard Bible
So he said, “What are these towns you’ve given me, my brother? ” So he called them the Land of Cabul, as they are still called today.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So he said, “What are these towns you’ve given me, my brother?” So he called them the Land of Cabul, as they are still called today.

American Standard Version
And he said, What cities are these which thou hast given me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabul unto this day.

Contemporary English Version
He said, "Solomon, my friend, are these the kind of towns you want to give me?" So Hiram called the region Cabul because he thought it was worthless.

English Revised Version
And he said, What cities are these which thou hast given me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabul, unto this day.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"What kind of cities have you given me, brother?" he asked. So he named it the region of Cabul [Good for Nothing]. ( [They're] still [called] that today.)

Good News Translation
So he said to Solomon, "So these, my brother, are the towns you have given me!" For this reason the area is still called Cabul.

International Standard Version
so he asked him, "What are these cities that you have given to me, my brother?" That's why these cities were named "the land of Cabal" to this day.

Majority Standard Bible
“What are these towns you have given me, my brother?” asked Hiram, and he called them the Land of Cabul, as they are called to this day.

NET Bible
Hiram asked, "Why did you give me these cities, my friend?" He called that area the region of Cabul, a name which it has retained to this day.

New Heart English Bible
He said, "What cities are these which you have given me, my brother?" He called them the land of Cabul to this day.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said, What cities are these which thou hast given me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabul to this day.

World English Bible
He said, “What cities are these which you have given me, my brother?” He called them the land of Cabul to this day.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he says, “What [are] these cities that you have given to me, my brother?” And one calls them the land of Cabul to this day.

Young's Literal Translation
and he saith, 'What are these cities that thou hast given to me, my brother?' and one calleth them the land of Cabul unto this day.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will say, What these cities which thou gavest to me, my brother? And he will call them the land Cabul even to this day.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said: Are these the cities which thou hast given me, brother? And he called them the land of Chabul, unto this day.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he said, “Are these the cities that you have given to me, brother?” And he called them the land of Cabul, even to this day.

New American Bible
So he said, “What are these cities you have given me, my brother?” And he called them the land of Cabul, as they are called to this day.

New Revised Standard Version
Therefore he said, “What kind of cities are these that you have given me, my brother?” So they are called the land of Cabul to this day.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he said, What kind of cities are these which you have given me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabuli to this day.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he said: “What are these towns that you have given to me, my brother?” And he called them the land of Kabuli until today.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he said: 'What cities are these which thou hast given me, my brother?' And they were called the land of Cabul, unto this day.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
What are these cities which thou hast given me, brother? And he called them Boundary until this day.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Numerous Achievements
12So Hiram went out from Tyre to inspect the towns that Solomon had given him, but he was not pleased with them. 13“What are these towns you have given me, my brother?” asked Hiram, and he called them the Land of Cabul, as they are called to this day. 14And Hiram had sent the king 120 talents of gold.…

Cross References
2 Chronicles 8:2
Solomon rebuilt the cities Hiram had given him and settled Israelites there.

1 Kings 9:11-12
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.

2 Samuel 24:24
“No,” replied the king, “I insist on paying a price, for I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

2 Chronicles 8:1-6
Now at the end of the twenty years during which Solomon had built the house of the LORD and his own palace, / Solomon rebuilt the cities Hiram had given him and settled Israelites there. / Then Solomon went to Hamath-zobah and captured it. ...

1 Kings 5:1-12
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. ...

1 Kings 10:11-12
(The fleet of Hiram that brought gold from Ophir also brought from Ophir a great cargo of almug wood and precious stones. / The king made the almug wood into steps for the house of the LORD and for the king’s palace, and into lyres and harps for the singers. Never before had such almug wood been brought in, nor has such been seen again to this day.)

2 Chronicles 9:10-11
(The servants of Hiram and of Solomon who brought gold from Ophir also brought algum wood and precious stones. / The king made the algum wood into steps for the house of the LORD and for the king’s palace, and into lyres and harps for the singers. Never before had anything like them been seen in the land of Judah.)

Matthew 12:42
The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.

Luke 11:31
The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.

1 Kings 4:21
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.

1 Kings 4:24
For Solomon had dominion over everything west of the Euphrates—over all the kingdoms from Tiphsah to Gaza—and he had peace on all sides.

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.

2 Chronicles 9:22-24
So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. / All the kings of the earth 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 5:6
Now therefore, order that cedars of Lebanon be cut down for me. My servants will be with your servants, and I will pay your servants whatever wages you set, for you know that there are none among us as skilled in logging as the Sidonians.”

1 Kings 5:10
So Hiram provided Solomon with all the cedar and cypress timber he wanted,


Treasury of Scripture

And he said, What cities are these which you have given me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabul to this day.

my brother

1 Kings 5:1,2
And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David…

Amos 1:9
Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant:

Joshua 19:27
And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and goeth out to Cabul on the left hand,

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Cabul Cities Kind Sort Towns
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Cabul Cities Kind Sort Towns
1 Kings 9
1. God's covenant in a vision with Solomon
10. The mutual presents of Solomon and Hiran
15. In Solomon's works the Gentiles were his bondmen, the Israelites servants
24. Pharaoh's daughter removes to her house
25. Solomon's yearly solemn sacrifices
26. His navy fetches gold from Ophir














So he said
This phrase introduces a direct response from Hiram, the king of Tyre, to Solomon. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used to denote a declaration or a significant statement. In this context, it underscores the importance of Hiram's reaction to the gift of cities from Solomon, indicating a moment of diplomatic tension or disappointment.

What are these cities
The phrase reflects Hiram's dissatisfaction with the cities he received. The Hebrew word for "cities" is "עָרִים" (arim), which can refer to towns or settlements. Historically, these cities were part of the region of Galilee, which may not have been as developed or prosperous as Hiram expected. This question implies a sense of incredulity or disappointment, suggesting that the cities did not meet the expectations of a king who had provided significant resources for Solomon's temple.

you have given me
This phrase highlights the act of giving, which in Hebrew is "נָתַן" (natan). It is a term often used in the context of gifts or grants, implying a transfer of ownership or responsibility. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such exchanges were common in treaties or alliances, and the quality of the gift could reflect the strength or value of the relationship.

my brother
The use of "brother" here is significant, as it denotes a term of endearment and alliance. In Hebrew, "אָח" (ach) is used not only for biological siblings but also for close allies or friends. This reflects the close political and economic relationship between Solomon and Hiram, despite the current dissatisfaction.

And he called them
This phrase indicates an act of naming, which in biblical times was a powerful act that could reflect one's perception or judgment. The Hebrew root "קָרָא" (qara) means to call or proclaim, suggesting that Hiram's naming of the cities was a deliberate and public statement.

the Land of Kabul
The term "Cabul" is derived from the Hebrew "כָּבוּל" (kabul), which can mean "bound" or "good for nothing." This name reflects Hiram's disappointment with the cities, suggesting they were of little value or utility. Archaeologically, the exact location of Kabul is debated, but it is generally associated with a region in Galilee that may have been less fertile or developed.

as they are called to this day
This phrase indicates that the name "Land of Kabul" persisted over time, suggesting that Hiram's assessment had a lasting impact. The continuity of the name implies that the perception of the region did not change significantly, and it serves as a historical marker of the interaction between Solomon and Hiram.

(13) Cabul.--The derivation of this word is uncertain. Josephus evidently did not know it as a Hebrew word; for he expressly says, that in the Phaenician language it signifies "what is unpleasing." (Ant. viii. 100:5, sect. 3). A city Cabul is mentioned in Joshua 19:27, in the territory of Asher, evidently on the Tyrian frontier, and in the neighbourhood in question. Hiram, it is thought, takes up this name, and applies it to the whole territory, and by a play of words on it signifies his discontent with Solomon's gift. Ewald supposes a Hebrew derivation for the word ("as nought"); others take it to be "like that which vanishes." Either would suit the sense indicated in the text well; but unless these derivations represent something cognate in the Tyrian language, they hardly accord with the requirements of this passage, which (as Josephus says) implies a Phoenician origin for the word.

Verse 13. - And he said, What cities are these which thou hast given me, my brother? [Cf. 1 Kings 20:32. It would seem, at first sight, as if this form of speech was then, as now, the usage of courts. But the Fellahin of Palestine, the "modern Canaanites," still address each other as "my father" or "my brother." See Conder, "Tent-work," p. 332]. And he called them the land of Cabul [The meaning of this word is quite uncertain. The LXX. reads Οριον, which shows that they must have read גבול instead of כבול; indeed, it is possible that the words have the same meaning (Gesen.) Stanley (S. and P. p. 364) thinks these cities formed the boundary between the two kingdoms, and refers to the use of ὅρια in Matthew 15:21; Luke 6:17, etc. According to Josephus, Ξαβαλὼν, is a Phoenician word, meaning displeasing; but his etymologies are to be received with caution, and Gesenius justly pronounces this a mere conjecture from the context. Thenius and Ewald regard the word as compounded of כ and בל = as nothing; Keil connects it with the root חבל, which would yield the meaning pawned or pledged, and hence concludes that, this strip of territory was merely given to Hiram as a security for the repayment of a loan (see below on ver. 14); while Bahr derives it from כבל, an unused root, akin to the preceding - vinxit, constrinxit, and would see in it a name bestowed on the region because of its confined geographical position. He does not understand the word, however, as a term of contempt. "How," he asks, "could Hiram give the district a permanent name which contained a mockery of himself rather than of the land?" But the word was obviously an expression of disparagement, if not disgust, which, falling from Hiram's lips, was caught up and repeated with a view to mark not so much his displeasure as Solomon's meanness. But it is not necessary to find a meaning for the word, for it is to be considered that a city Bearing this name existed at that time and in this neighbourhood (Joshua 19:27), the site of which, in all probability, is marked by the modern Kabul, eight miles east of Accho (Robinson, 3:87, 88; Dict. Bib. 1:237; Thomson, "Land and Book," 1:281, 511). It is possible, indeed, that it may have been one of the "twenty cities" (ver. 11) given to Hiram. And if this city, whether within or without the district of Galilee, were notorious for its poverty or meanness, or conspicuous by its bleak situation, we can at once understand why Hiram should transfer the name to the adjoining region, even if that name, in itself, had no special significance] unto this day. [See on 1 Kings 8:8.]

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“What
מָ֚ה (māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

are these
הָאֵ֔לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

towns
הֶעָרִ֣ים (he·‘ā·rîm)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

you have given
נָתַ֥תָּה (nā·ṯat·tāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

me,
לִּ֖י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

my brother?”
אָחִ֑י (’ā·ḥî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

asked [Hiram],
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

and he called
וַיִּקְרָ֤א (way·yiq·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

them
לָהֶם֙ (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

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

of Cabul,
כָּב֔וּל (kā·ḇūl)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3521: Cabul -- a city in Asher, also a region in Galilee

as they are [called] to
עַ֖ד (‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

this
הַזֶּֽה׃ (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

day.
הַיּ֥וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day


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OT History: 1 Kings 9:13 He said What cities are these which (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 9:12
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