Lexical Summary barburim: Fattened birds, fatted fowl Original Word: בַּרְבֻּר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fowl By reduplication from bar; a fowl (as fattened on grain) -- fowl. see HEBREW bar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom barar Definition capons or geese, fowl NASB Translation fowl (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs בַּרְבֻּרִים noun masculine plural birds fattened for table of Solomon 1 Kings 5:3; capons Ki, geese (from their pure white feathers) ᵑ7Jer Thes, swans Ew, guinea-hens Th, fowls Tristr. AV RV (ברברי = ינשׁוף water-birds Leviticus 11:17 ᵑ7⅏). ברשׁ (√ of following, meaning unknown). Topical Lexicon Biblical occurrence and context The term בַּרְבֻּר appears once, in the record of Solomon’s daily provisions (1 Kings 4:22-23). The text lists “ten fat oxen and twenty pasture-fed oxen, a hundred sheep, besides deer, gazelles, and roebucks, and well-fed birds”. The inclusion of these well-fattened birds alongside prime livestock highlights the extraordinary scale of royal hospitality in Solomon’s reign. Historical background of royal diets Ancient Near Eastern palaces demonstrated power and prosperity through abundant banquets. Archaeological finds from Egypt, Assyria, and Persia show that large flocks of domesticated waterfowl and game birds were prized delicacies. Israel, positioned on key trade routes, easily acquired such fowl. Solomon’s court, enjoying unprecedented peace and revenue (1 Kings 4:20-21), mirrored—and surpassed—contemporary kingdoms in culinary opulence. The daily slaughter of בַּרְבֻּרים would have required organized husbandry, skilled cooks, and extensive storehouses, all testifying to Israel’s administrative sophistication under David’s son. Symbolic themes of abundance and provision Scripture often links royal banquets with covenant blessing. In Solomon’s case the overflowing tables validated God’s promise to David of an enduring throne (2 Samuel 7:11-16) and fulfilled the Mosaic assurances of prosperity for obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-12). The single mention of these fatted birds serves as a narrative shorthand for divine largesse. Their daily appearance on the menu signals not casual luxury but the shalom that follows wisdom-driven rule (1 Kings 4:29-34). Connection to worship and covenant blessing Solomon’s kingdom prefigured aspects of the coming Messianic reign. The prosperity scene in 1 Kings 4 is bracketed by accounts of temple building (1 Kings 5–8), underscoring that abundance ultimately serves worship. The priests and Levites, supported by royal stores, could minister without lack. Thus the humble בַּרְבֻּרים become an indirect testimony to God’s desire that His people feast before Him (Deuteronomy 14:26) and rejoice in His presence. Practical ministry applications 1. Stewardship: Solomon managed resources so effectively that even specialty foods were supplied daily. Churches and families today honor God by budgeting and planning to meet both functional and celebratory needs. Christological and eschatological overtones The fatted birds on Solomon’s table foreshadow the promised “marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9). Just as Israel’s king provided plentiful food for his servants, so Christ will host His redeemed in unmatched abundance. Isaiah’s vision—“The LORD of Hosts will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples” (Isaiah 25:6)—finds an anticipatory echo in 1 Kings 4. Related scriptures Genesis 9:3; Deuteronomy 28:11-12; Psalm 145:15-16; Matthew 6:26; Luke 12:24; Philippians 4:19; Revelation 19:9 Forms and Transliterations וּבַרְבֻּרִ֖ים וברברים ū·ḇar·bu·rîm ūḇarburîm uvarbuRimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 4:23 HEB: וּצְבִי֙ וְיַחְמ֔וּר וּבַרְבֻּרִ֖ים אֲבוּסִֽים׃ NAS: roebucks, and fattened fowl. KJV: and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl. INT: gazelles roebucks fowl and fattened 1 Occurrence |
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