1 Kings 9:22 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.

◄ 1 Kings 9:22 ►

New International Version
But Solomon did not make slaves of any of the Israelites; they were his fighting men, his government officials, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and charioteers.

New Living Translation
But Solomon did not conscript any of the Israelites for forced labor. Instead, he assigned them to serve as fighting men, government officials, officers and captains in his army, commanders of his chariots, and charioteers.

English Standard Version
But of the people of Israel Solomon made no slaves. They were the soldiers, they were his officials, his commanders, his captains, his chariot commanders and his horsemen.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen: but they were men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.

New King James Version
But of the children of Israel Solomon made no forced laborers, because they were men of war and his servants: his officers, his captains, commanders of his chariots, and his cavalry.

New American Standard Bible
But Solomon did not make slaves of the sons of Israel; for they were men of war, his servants, his commanders, his charioteers, his chariot commanders, and his horsemen.

NASB 1995
But Solomon did not make slaves of the sons of Israel; for they were men of war, his servants, his princes, his captains, his chariot commanders, and his horsemen.

NASB 1977
But Solomon did not make slaves of the sons of Israel; for they were men of war, his servants, his princes, his captains, his chariot commanders, and his horsemen.

Legacy Standard Bible
But Solomon did not make slaves of the sons of Israel; for they were men of war, his servants, his princes, his captains, his chariot commanders, and his horsemen.

Amplified Bible
But Solomon did not make slaves of the sons of Israel; for they were men of war (soldiers), his servants, his officers, his captains, his chariot commanders, and his horsemen.

Christian Standard Bible
But Solomon did not consign the Israelites to slavery; they were soldiers, his servants, his commanders, his captains, and commanders of his chariots and his cavalry.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Solomon did not consign the Israelites to slavery; they were soldiers, his servants, his commanders, his captains, and commanders of his chariots and his cavalry.

American Standard Version
But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondservants; but they were the men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots and of his horsemen.

English Revised Version
But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondservants: but they were the men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots and of his horsemen.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But Solomon didn't make any of the Israelites slaves. Instead, they were soldiers, officials, officers, generals, and commanders of his chariot and cavalry units.

Good News Translation
Solomon did not make slaves of Israelites; they served as his soldiers, officers, commanders, chariot captains, and cavalry.

International Standard Version
However, Solomon did not force Israelis into conscripted labor, but they did serve as his soldiers, servants, princes, captains, chariot commanders, and cavalry.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Solomon did not assign Israelites to these work crews; the Israelites served as his soldiers, attendants, officers, charioteers, and commanders of his chariot forces.

New Heart English Bible
But of the children of Israel Solomon made no bondservants; but they were the men of war, and his servants, and his commanders, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots and of his horsemen.

Webster's Bible Translation
But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bond-men: but they were men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.

World English Bible
But of the children of Israel Solomon made no bondservants; but they were the men of war, his servants, his princes, his captains, and rulers of his chariots and of his horsemen.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Solomon has not appointed a servant out of the sons of Israel, for they [are] the men of war, and his servants, and his heads, and his captains, and the heads of his chariots, and his horsemen.

Young's Literal Translation
And out of the sons of Israel Solomon hath not appointed a servant, for they are the men of war, and his servants, and his heads, and his captains, and the heads of his chariots, and his horsemen.

Smith's Literal Translation
And of the sons of Israel, Solomon gave not to serve, for they were men of war, and his servants and his chiefs, and his warriors, and chiefs of chariots, and his horsemen.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But of the children of Israel Solomon made not any to be bondmen, but they were men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and captains, and overseers of the chariots and horses.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But from the sons of Israel, Solomon did not appoint anyone at all to serve, except the men of war, and his ministers, and leaders, and commanders, and the overseers of the chariots and the horses.

New American Bible
But Solomon made none of the Israelites forced laborers, for they were his fighting force, his ministers, commanders, adjutants, chariot officers, and cavalry.

New Revised Standard Version
But of the Israelites Solomon made no slaves; they were the soldiers, they were his officials, his commanders, his captains, and the commanders of his chariotry and cavalry.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But of the children of Israel Solomon made no slaves; because they were his men of war and his servants and his princes and his mighty men and commanders of his chariots and his horsemen.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Solomon did not give any children of Israel as Slaves, because they were men warriors and his Servants, and his Princes and his Mighty Men, and the Commanders of his chariots and his horsemen.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondservants; but they were the men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots and of his horsemen.But of the children of Israel Solomon made nothing; for they were the warriors, and his servants and rulers, and captains of the third order, and the captains of his chariots, and his horsemen.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Solomon's Numerous Achievements
…21their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. 22But 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. 23They were also the chief officers over Solomon’s projects: 550 supervisors over the people who did the work.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Samuel 8:11-17
He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. / And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. ...

1 Kings 5:13-18
Then King Solomon conscripted a labor force of 30,000 men from all Israel. / He sent them to Lebanon in monthly shifts of 10,000 men, so that they would spend one month in Lebanon and two months at home. And Adoniram was in charge of the forced labor. / Solomon had 70,000 porters and 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains, ...

2 Chronicles 8:9-10
But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slave labor, because they were his men of war, the leaders of his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry. / They were also the chief officers for King Solomon: 250 supervisors.

1 Samuel 14:52
And the war with the Philistines was fierce for all the days of Saul. So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man, Saul would enlist him.

1 Kings 4:6-7
Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor. / Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year,

1 Kings 12:4
“Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.”

1 Kings 4:27-28
Each month the governors in turn provided food for King Solomon and all who came to his table. They saw to it that nothing was lacking. / Each one also brought to the required place their quotas of barley and straw for the chariot horses and other horses.

1 Kings 10:4-5
When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built, / the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away.

2 Samuel 20:23-26
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; ...

1 Kings 4:1-5
So King Solomon ruled over Israel, / and these were his chief officials: Azariah son of Zadok was the priest; / Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; ...

1 Kings 4:20-21
The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore, and they were eating and drinking and rejoicing. / 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 10:8
How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!

1 Kings 10:15
not including the revenue from the merchants, traders, and all the Arabian kings and governors of the land.

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

Matthew 20:25-28
But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ...

Treasury of Scripture

But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no slaves: but they were men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.

of the children

Leviticus 25:39
And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:

but they were men

1 Kings 4:1-27
So king Solomon was king over all Israel…

1 Samuel 8:11,12
And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots…

2 Chronicles 8:9,10
But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work; but they were men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen…

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Appointed Bondmen Bond-Men Bondservants Captains Chariot Chariots Chiefs Children Commanders Fighting Forced Government Heads Horsemen Israel Israelites Officers Officials Princes Rulers Servant Servants Slaves Soldiers Solomon War War-Carriages Work

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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

Berean Study Bible

But Solomon did not consign the Israelites to slavery
This phrase highlights Solomon's decision to honor the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. The Hebrew root for "consign" (שׂוּם, sum) implies placing or appointing, and in this context, it signifies a deliberate choice not to subject the Israelites to forced labor. Historically, this reflects the unique status of the Israelites as God's chosen people, set apart from other nations. Solomon's wisdom, granted by God, guided him to maintain the dignity and freedom of his people, aligning with the divine promise of Israel's special role in God's plan.

they were his men of war
The phrase "men of war" (אַנְשֵׁי הַמִּלְחָמָה, anshei hamilchamah) underscores the Israelites' role as defenders and protectors of the kingdom. In ancient Israel, military service was not just a duty but a sacred responsibility, reflecting the spiritual battle between good and evil. This role also signifies the Israelites' participation in God's providential care over the nation, as they were entrusted with the defense of the land promised to their forefathers.

his servants
The term "servants" (עֲבָדָיו, avadav) in this context does not imply servitude in a demeaning sense but rather a position of honor and trust. In the biblical narrative, being a servant of the king often meant being close to the center of power and influence. This reflects the biblical principle that true leadership is rooted in service, echoing Jesus' teaching that "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26).

his officers
The word "officers" (שָׂרִים, sarim) refers to those who held positions of authority and governance. In the ancient Near Eastern context, officers were crucial for maintaining order and implementing the king's policies. This highlights the structured and organized nature of Solomon's administration, which was necessary for the prosperity and stability of the kingdom. It also reflects the biblical theme of order and governance as a reflection of God's orderly creation.

his captains
"Captains" (שָׁלִישִׁים, shalishim) were military leaders responsible for smaller units within the army. The role of a captain required courage, leadership, and strategic thinking. This term emphasizes the importance of leadership at all levels, not just at the top, and the need for capable individuals to guide and protect the community. It serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that God equips and calls individuals to various roles for the common good.

the commanders of his chariots and cavalry
The "commanders" (שָׂרֵי, sarei) of "chariots and cavalry" (רֶכֶב וּפָרָשִׁים, rechev u'parashim) were elite military leaders overseeing the most advanced and powerful units of the army. Chariots and cavalry were symbols of military might and technological advancement in ancient warfare. This phrase highlights Solomon's strategic acumen and the strength of his kingdom. It also serves as a metaphor for spiritual readiness and the need for believers to be equipped with the "full armor of God" (Ephesians 6:11) to stand firm in spiritual battles.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(22) No bondmen.--This exemption, however it may have continued in theory, must virtually have been set aside in the later days of Solomon. (See 1Kings 12:4.) They are here described as occupying the position of a dominant race--as warriors, servants about the person of the king, princes, and officers in the array--like the free vassals under a feudal monarchy. But as the absolute power of the king increased, and with it, perhaps, the wealth and arrogance of his favourites and greater officers, the condition of the Israelites at large might be removed from serfship more in name than in reality. Even the subject races might be played of against them, as against the Macedonians in the later years of Alexander the Great, when his royalty passed into something like a true Oriental despotism. Certainly, in later times we find, both from the history and the prophetical books, that there was such a thing as serf ship of the poor to the princes. (Jeremiah 34:8-11; Nehemiah 5:11.)

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 22. - But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen [see however 1 Kings 5:13, 18. This service, though compulsory, was not servile. Bondage was forbidden Leviticus 25:39. The levy were treated as hired servants and had wages]; but they were men of war, and his servants [cf. 1 Kings 1:9. Not only "officials of the war department" (Bahr) but officers of every kind], and his princes [these were the heads both of the military and civil services], and his captains [Heb. שָׁלִשָׁיו. LXX. τρωτάται. Exodus 14:7; Exodus 15:4; 2 Samuel 23:8; 2 Kings 9:25; 2 Kings 10:25, etc. These third men were really "a noble rank of soldiers who fought from chariots" (Gesen.), each of which would seem to have held three men, one of whom drove, while two fought: thence used of the bodyguard of kings. That they formed a corps, and were not literally "captains," is clear from 1 Samuel 23:8, etc.] and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

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

did not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

consign
נָתַ֥ן (nā·ṯan)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

any of the Israelites
וּמִבְּנֵי֙ (ū·mib·bə·nê)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

to slavery,
עָ֑בֶד (‘ā·ḇeḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

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

they [were]
הֵ֞ם (hêm)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

his men
אַנְשֵׁ֣י (’an·šê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of war,
הַמִּלְחָמָ֗ה (ham·mil·ḥā·māh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

his servants,
וַעֲבָדָיו֙ (wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

his officers,
וְשָׂרָ֣יו (wə·śā·rāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

his captains,
וְשָׁלִשָׁ֔יו (wə·šā·li·šāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7991: A triple, a triangle, a three-fold measure, a general of the third rank

and the commanders
וְשָׂרֵ֥י (wə·śā·rê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of his chariots
רִכְבּ֖וֹ (riḵ·bōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone

and cavalry.
וּפָרָשָֽׁיו׃ (ū·p̄ā·rā·šāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6571: A steed, a driver, cavalry

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OT History: 1 Kings 9:22 But of the children of Israel did (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)