Original Word: בֶּן־דֶּקֶר
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Ben-Deqer
Pronunciation: ben-deh'-ker
Phonetic Spelling: (ben-deh'-ker)
KJV: the son of Dekar
NASB: Ben-deker
Word Origin: [from H1121 (בֵּן - sons) and a derivative of H1856 (דָּקַר - pierce me through)]

1. son of piercing (or of a lance)
2. Ben-Deker, an Israelite

the son of Dekar

From ben and a derivative of daqar; son of piercing (or of a lance); Ben-Deker, an Israelite -- the son of Dekar.

see HEBREW ben

see HEBREW daqar

Word Origin
from ben and daqar
Definition
"son of Deker," one of Solomon's leaders
NASB Translation
Ben-deker (1).

בֶּןדֶּֿ֫קֶר proper name, masculine (?) (son of Deker) an officer of Solomon 1 Kings 4:9.

Biblical Occurrence

Ben-deker is named once in Scripture, in 1 Kings 4:9, as one of the twelve officials appointed by King Solomon to provide food for the royal household: “Ben-deker in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan”.

Historical Context

Following the establishment of Solomon’s throne, Israel enjoyed unprecedented peace, wealth, and influence (1 Kings 4:20–25). To maintain order and supply, Solomon divided the kingdom into twelve administrative districts, each overseen by a governor. These officials, chosen from among respected Israelites, were responsible for furnishing provisions for one month of the year. Their work undergirded the stability of Solomon’s reign and facilitated the construction of the temple and other national projects.

Role in Solomon’s Administration

Ben-deker’s district included four towns of strategic and agricultural importance:
• Makaz – possibly in the foothills, suited for grain.
• Shaalbim – a locale known since the days of Joshua (Joshua 19:42), bordering Philistine territory.
• Beth-shemesh – a Levitical city where the Ark had rested (1 Samuel 6:13), endowed with rich valleys.
• Elon-beth-hanan – likely in the fertile Shephelah.

Overseeing such varied terrain, Ben-deker managed crops, livestock, and trade routes, ensuring continuous supply to Jerusalem. His appointment illustrates Solomon’s policy of integrating historically significant towns into the royal economy.

Spiritual and Theological Insights

1. Order and Provision. The administrative framework epitomized God-honoring order, demonstrating how good governance can sustain covenant blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1–8). Ben-deker’s faithful stewardship contributed to the fulfillment of the promise that “Judah and Israel lived in safety” (1 Kings 4:25).
2. Shared Service. The monthly rota distributed the burden, reflecting the biblical principle that leadership is shared, not centralized in one tribe or clan (compare Acts 6:1–4).
3. Connection to Sacred History. Overseeing Beth-shemesh linked Ben-deker to the Ark’s legacy, underscoring how civic duties and sacred memories intertwine in God’s unfolding plan.

Lessons for Contemporary Believers

• Faithful administration in seemingly mundane tasks advances God’s purposes.
• Resource management is a spiritual responsibility; wise oversight nurtures community welfare and worship.
• God values every role in His kingdom, from prophets to supply officers, calling each to diligent service (Colossians 3:23–24).

Conclusion

Though mentioned only once, Ben-deker stands as a testament to the quiet, indispensable labor that supports the visible work of God’s kingdom. His inclusion in the biblical record encourages believers to honor and emulate faithful service in all spheres of life.

דֶּ֛קֶר דקר de·qer Deker deqerInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts