Old Testament
1 Kings 10:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
the food on his table, the seating of his servants, the service of his ministers, their clothing, his cupbearers, and the stairway he used to go up to the house of the LORD. There was no more spirit in her.
Compare translations
And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.
What 1 Kings 10:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see the grandeur of King Solomon's court as described by the visiting Queen of Sheba. She is overwhelmed by the lavishness of his meals, the organization of his servants, and the elegance of his ministers' attire. The details of the cupbearers and the impressive stairway leading to the temple highlight the royal splendor. The Queen's reaction, feeling 'no more spirit in her,' suggests that she was utterly astonished and perhaps even intimidated by the magnificence she witnessed. This moment illustrates not just the wealth of Solomon but also the wisdom and order that governed his kingdom. It serves as a reminder of how greatness can inspire awe and reflection in others, revealing the impact of excellence in leadership and hospitality. Solomon's court was not just about riches; it was a reflection of his values and the importance he placed on honoring God through his reign. The Queen's experience encourages us to appreciate beauty and excellence in our own lives.
How to apply 1 Kings 10:5 to your life
Consider how you present yourself and your surroundings. Strive for excellence in your work and relationships, as it can inspire others. Just as Solomon's court impressed the Queen, your efforts can leave a lasting impact on those around you. Embrace beauty and order in your life to uplift others too.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Solomon's story: The Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Solomon
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Kings 10:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Kings 10:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 10:5 mean?
1 Kings 10:5 describes the impressive details of King Solomon's court as observed by the Queen of Sheba. It highlights the lavishness of his meals, the organization of his servants, and the elegance of his ministers, showcasing the splendor and order of his reign.
What is the significance of the Queen's reaction in 1 Kings 10:5?
The Queen's reaction, feeling 'no more spirit in her,' signifies her astonishment and intimidation by the grandeur of Solomon's court. It illustrates how greatness and excellence can evoke deep admiration and reflection in others.
What does the term 'cupbearers' refer to in 1 Kings 10:5?
In 1 Kings 10:5, 'cupbearers' refers to the royal servants responsible for serving drinks to the king. Their mention emphasizes the attention to detail and the high standards of service in Solomon's court.
What does the 'stairway' symbolize in 1 Kings 10:5?
The 'stairway' in 1 Kings 10:5 symbolizes the grandeur and accessibility of the temple, reflecting the importance of worship in Solomon's reign. It highlights the connection between the royal palace and the house of the LORD.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.