Old Testament
1 Kings 4:6
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we learn about two important officials in King Solomon's court.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Ahishar managed the royal household, and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the tribute.
And Ahishar was over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about two important officials in King Solomon's court. Ahishar was responsible for managing the royal household, which means he oversaw everything related to the king's home and daily life. This role was crucial for ensuring that the king's needs were met efficiently. Adoniram, the son of Abda, had a different but equally important job. He was in charge of the tribute, which involved collecting taxes or offerings from the people. This was essential for maintaining the kingdom's wealth and resources. Both men played significant roles in supporting the king's reign and ensuring the smooth operation of the kingdom. Their responsibilities highlight the importance of organization and leadership in governance. Each person in a position of authority has a unique role that contributes to the overall success of the community. This verse reminds us that effective leadership requires teamwork and clear division of responsibilities, which is vital for any organization or group.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Kings 4:6 to your life
Consider your own responsibilities in your life, whether at work, home, or in your community. Reflect on how you can better manage your tasks and collaborate with others. Remember that every role is important in achieving a common goal, just like Ahishar and Adoniram in Solomon's court. Work together to create a supportive environment for everyone involved.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 4:6 mean?
1 Kings 4:6 describes two key officials in King Solomon's administration. Ahishar managed the royal household, ensuring the king's daily needs were met, while Adoniram was responsible for collecting tribute, which was essential for the kingdom's finances.
Who were Ahishar and Adoniram in 1 Kings 4:6?
Ahishar was the official in charge of the royal household, overseeing the king's home and daily operations. Adoniram, the son of Abda, managed the tribute, which involved collecting taxes or offerings from the people to support the kingdom.
What is the significance of tribute in 1 Kings 4:6?
The tribute mentioned in 1 Kings 4:6 refers to taxes or offerings collected from the people. This role was crucial for maintaining the kingdom's wealth and resources, highlighting the importance of financial management in governance.
What leadership lessons can we learn from 1 Kings 4:6?
1 Kings 4:6 teaches us about the importance of clear roles and responsibilities in leadership. Effective governance requires teamwork and organization, as seen in the distinct yet complementary roles of Ahishar and Adoniram.

The Book of 1 Kings
1 Kings 1: Solomon Becomes King
As King David is old and frail, his fourth son, Adonijah, makes a bid for the throne. He gathers the support of Joab, David's long-time military commander, and Abiathar the priest, and begins to act as king, complete with a royal procession. However, he does not invite the prophet Nathan, the priest Zadok, Benaiah (the captain of David's personal guard), or his own half-brother, Solomon.
Unlock the full 1 Kings summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 1 Kings — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 22 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 1 Kings summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.