Old Testament
1 Kings 9:13
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, we see a moment of disappointment from a king who has received cities that do not meet his expectations.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
He said, "What kind of cities are these you've given me, my brother?" And he called them the land of Cabul, and it is still called that today.
And he said, What cities are these which thou hast given me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabul unto this day.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a moment of disappointment from a king who has received cities that do not meet his expectations. He questions his brother about the quality of these cities, expressing his dissatisfaction. The name 'Cabul' suggests something undesirable or worthless, indicating that these cities were not what he had hoped for. This moment highlights the importance of communication and understanding in relationships. It also serves as a reminder that sometimes what we receive may not align with our desires or expectations. The king's reaction reflects a common human experience: feeling let down by circumstances. This story encourages us to reflect on our own expectations and how we respond when things don't go as planned. It invites us to consider how we can find value in situations that seem disappointing. Ultimately, it teaches us about resilience and the need to adapt to our circumstances, even when they fall short of our dreams or aspirations. The legacy of Cabul continues, reminding us that our perceptions shape our experiences.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Kings 9:13 to your life
When faced with disappointment, take a moment to reflect on your expectations. Consider how you can adapt and find value in the situation. Remember that communication is key in relationships, and expressing your feelings can lead to understanding and growth. Embrace resilience in the face of challenges, and seek to learn from them. This approach can transform your perspective on life's difficulties into opportunities for growth.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 9:13 mean?
1 Kings 9:13 reflects a king's disappointment with the cities he received, questioning their quality. The name 'Cabul' suggests they were seen as undesirable, highlighting the gap between expectations and reality.
What is the significance of the land of Cabul in 1 Kings 9:13?
The land of Cabul symbolizes disappointment and unmet expectations. The king's reaction to the cities he received illustrates how perceptions can shape our experiences and feelings about what we are given.
How does 1 Kings 9:13 relate to expectations?
1 Kings 9:13 shows how expectations can lead to disappointment when reality does not match what we hoped for. The king's questioning reflects a common human experience of feeling let down by circumstances.
What lessons can we learn from 1 Kings 9:13?
From 1 Kings 9:13, we learn about the importance of resilience and adapting to disappointing situations. It encourages reflection on our expectations and the value we can find even in less-than-ideal circumstances.

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.
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