Lexical Summary Ben-abinadab: Ben-abinadab Original Word: בֶּן־אֲבִינָדָב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance the son of Abinadab From ben and 'Abiymelek; (the) son of Abinadab; Ben-Abinadab, an Israelite -- the son of Abinadab. see HEBREW ben see HEBREW 'Abiymelek NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ben and Abinadab Definition "son of Abinadab," one of Solomon's leaders NASB Translation Ben-abinadab (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs בֶּןאֲֿבִינָדָב proper name, masculine (?) (son of Abinadab) an officer of Solomon 1 Kings 4:11; but compare אבינדב p. 4. Topical Lexicon Canonical Appearance Ben-Abinadab is mentioned once, in 1 Kings 4:11, within the list of twelve district officers appointed by King Solomon to supply the royal court. Identity and Role in Solomon’s Administration Solomon’s officers were responsible for furnishing the king’s vast household with food for one month each year (1 Kings 4:7). Ben-Abinadab’s inclusion in this inner circle indicates proven competence, loyalty, and spiritual reliability, for Solomon’s appointments reflected a “heart of wisdom” granted by God (1 Kings 3:12). In an era when political stability depended on efficient provincial oversight, Ben-Abinadab’s task was both administrative and sacrificial, ensuring regular provision for the anointed king and, by extension, supporting the flourishing of the covenant nation. Marriage Alliance with the Davidic House “Taphath, a daughter of Solomon, was his wife” (1 Kings 4:11). Marriage into the royal family elevated Ben-Abinadab’s standing and knit his household to the Davidic line. Such alliances cemented loyalty and secured peace among Israel’s tribes (cf. 1 Kings 3:1). Spiritually, the union illustrates the wisdom of yoking leadership with those who honor the Lord, foreshadowing the New Testament picture of believers joined to the King’s own Son (Ephesians 5:25-27). Geographical Jurisdiction: Naphath-Dor His province, “all Naphath Dor,” lay along the coastal plain south of Mount Carmel, commanding fertile land and maritime routes. Control of this region ensured abundant grain, wine, and oil, echoing the “land flowing with milk and honey” promised to Israel (Exodus 3:17). Ben-Abinadab’s stewardship manifested God’s faithfulness in granting Solomon “breadth of understanding” (1 Kings 4:29) that extended to logistical mastery of the kingdom’s resources. Theological and Ministry Implications 1. Servant Leadership: Though royal by marriage, Ben-Abinadab’s primary identity was that of a servant who sustained God’s chosen monarch. True greatness in Scripture is measured by faithful service (Matthew 20:26-28). Relation to Other Bearers of the Name Abinadab While Scripture speaks of several men named Abinadab (e.g., the house that sheltered the Ark, 1 Samuel 7:1; a son of Saul, 1 Samuel 31:2), Ben-Abinadab’s lineage is not explicitly linked to them. The shared paternal name, however, reminds readers that God weaves individual accounts into a cohesive redemptive tapestry, whether guarding the Ark or feeding the king. Lessons for Believers Today • Faithfulness in hidden, administrative tasks upholds the visible work of God’s kingdom. Forms and Transliterations אֲבִֽינָדָ֖ב אבינדב ’ă·ḇî·nā·ḏāḇ ’ăḇînāḏāḇ avinaDavLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 4:11 HEB: בֶּן־ אֲבִֽינָדָ֖ב כָּל־ נָ֣פַת NAS: Ben-abinadab, [in] all the height KJV: The son of Abinadab, in all the region INT: Ben-abinadab all the height 1 Occurrence |