1 Kings 4:17
New International Version
Jehoshaphat son of Paruah—in Issachar;

New Living Translation
Jehoshaphat son of Paruah, in Issachar.

English Standard Version
Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar;

Berean Standard Bible
Jehoshaphat son of Paruah in Issachar;

Berean Literal Bible
Jehoshaphat son of Paruah in Issachar;

King James Bible
Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar:

New King James Version
Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar;

New American Standard Bible
Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah in Issachar;

NASB 1995
Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar;

NASB 1977
Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar;

Legacy Standard Bible
Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar;

Amplified Bible
Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in [the tribe of] Issachar;

Berean Annotated Bible
Jehoshaphat (YHWH has judged) son of Paruah (sprout) in Issachar (there is recompense);

Christian Standard Bible
Jehoshaphat son of Paruah, in Issachar;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jehoshaphat son of Paruah, in Issachar;

American Standard Version
Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar;

Contemporary English Version
Jehoshaphat son of Paruah was in charge of the territory of Issachar.

English Revised Version
Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
[Jehoshaphat], son of Paruah, was in charge of Issachar.

Good News Translation
Jehoshaphat son of Paruah: the territory of Issachar

International Standard Version
Paruah's son Jehoshaphat served in Issachar;

NET Bible
Jehoshaphat son of Paruah was in charge of Issachar.

New Heart English Bible
Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar;

Webster's Bible Translation
Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar:
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Jehoshaphat son of Paruah in Issachar;

World English Bible
Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Jehoshaphat Ben-Paruah [is] in Issachar;

Berean Literal Bible
Jehoshaphat son of Paruah in Issachar;

Young's Literal Translation
Jehoshaphat Ben-Paruah is in Issachar.

Smith's Literal Translation
Jehoshaphat son of Paruah in Issachar:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Josaphat the son of Pharue, in Issachar.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Jehoshaphat, the son of Paruah, in Issachar;

New American Bible
Jehoshaphat, son of Paruah, in Issachar;

New Revised Standard Version
Jehoshaphat son of Paruah, in Issachar;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Jehoshaphat the son of Paroh, in Issachar;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Yushaphat Bar Parukh, in Issakar
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Josaphat son of Phuasud was in Issachar.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Twelve Officers
16Baana son of Hushai in Asher and in Aloth; 17Jehoshaphat son of Paruah in Issachar; 18Shimei son of Ela in Benjamin;…

Cross References
Jehoshaphat son of Paruah

2 Chronicles 19:5-7
He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. / Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. / And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

1 Kings 22:2
However, in the third year, Jehoshaphat king of Judah went down to visit the king of Israel,

2 Chronicles 20:14-15
Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph’s descendants, as he stood in the midst of the assembly. / And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God.
in Issachar;

Joshua 19:17-23
The fourth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Issachar: / Their territory included Jezreel, Chesulloth, Shunem, / Hapharaim, Shion, Anaharath, …

Genesis 49:14-15
Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds. / He saw that his resting place was good and that his land was pleasant, so he bent his shoulder to the burden and submitted to labor as a servant.

Deuteronomy 33:18-19
Concerning Zebulun he said: “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your journeys, and Issachar, in your tents. / They will call the peoples to a mountain; there they will offer sacrifices of righteousness. For they will feast on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand.”
1 Kings 4:7-19
Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year, / and these were their names: Ben-hur in the hill country of Ephraim; / Ben-deker in Makaz, in Shaalbim, in Beth-shemesh, and in Elon-beth-hanan; …

1 Kings 4:1-6
So King Solomon ruled over Israel, / and these were his chief officials: Azariah son of Zadok was the priest; / Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; …

1 Kings 9:22-23
But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery, because they were his men of war, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry. / They were also the chief officers over Solomon’s projects: 550 supervisors over the people who did the work.

1 Kings 10:15
not including the revenue from the merchants, traders, and all the Arabian kings and governors of the land.

1 Kings 12:4
“Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.”

2 Chronicles 8:9-10
But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slave labor, because they were his men of war, the leaders of his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry. / They were also the chief officers for King Solomon: 250 supervisors.

2 Chronicles 9:14
not including the revenue from the merchants and traders. And all the Arabian kings and governors of the land also brought gold and silver to Solomon.

2 Chronicles 10:4
“Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.”

1 Samuel 8:11-17
He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. / And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. …

1 Samuel 22:7
Then Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards and making you commanders of thousands or hundreds?


Treasury of Scripture

Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar:

Issachar

Joshua 19:17-23
And the fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families…

Jump to Previous
Issachar Is'sachar Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat
Jump to Next
Issachar Is'sachar Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat
1 Kings 4
1. Solomon's princes
7. His twelve officers for provision
20. The peace and largeness of his kingdom
22. His daily provision
26. His stable
29. His wisdom












Jehoshaphat son of Paruah
Jehoshaphat, meaning "Yahweh has judged," is a name shared by several biblical figures, indicating its popularity and the cultural emphasis on divine justice. The mention of his father, Paruah, helps distinguish him from other individuals named Jehoshaphat, such as the notable king of Judah. This Jehoshaphat was one of Solomon's twelve district governors, responsible for providing provisions for the king and his household. This system of governance reflects the administrative organization and centralization of power during Solomon's reign, which was necessary for managing the extensive kingdom and its resources.

in Issachar
Issachar was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's son Issachar. The territory of Issachar was located in the fertile Jezreel Valley, known for its agricultural productivity. This region's prosperity would have made it a valuable asset for Solomon's administration, contributing significantly to the kingdom's sustenance. The tribe of Issachar is often associated with wisdom and understanding of the times, as seen in 1 Chronicles 12:32, which may imply that Jehoshaphat's role required discernment and effective management. The allocation of a governor in this area underscores the importance of Issachar's resources in supporting the royal court and the broader economic stability of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehoshaphat
This Jehoshaphat is distinct from the more well-known King Jehoshaphat of Judah. He is identified as the son of Paruah and serves as one of Solomon's twelve district governors, responsible for providing provisions for the king and his household.

2. Paruah
The father of Jehoshaphat, mentioned here to distinguish this Jehoshaphat from others in the biblical account.

3. Issachar
A tribal territory in the northern part of Israel. It was known for its fertile land and agricultural productivity, which would have been significant for the provision of resources to the king's court.
Teaching Points
Godly Administration
The organization of Solomon's kingdom underlines the importance of structured and wise administration. Effective leadership requires delegation and trust in capable individuals.

Faithfulness in Small Things
Jehoshaphat's role, though not as prominent as others, was crucial for the kingdom's sustenance. This teaches us that every role in God's kingdom is significant, and faithfulness in small tasks is valued by God.

Stewardship of Resources
The allocation of Issachar's resources to support the king's household reflects the biblical principle of stewardship. We are called to manage our resources wisely for the benefit of God's purposes.

Community and Cooperation
The cooperation among the twelve governors illustrates the strength found in unity and shared responsibility. In the body of Christ, working together enhances our effectiveness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 4:17?

2. How does 1 Kings 4:17 illustrate God's provision for Solomon's kingdom's needs?

3. What role did the district governors play in supporting Solomon's reign?

4. How can we apply the principle of delegation from 1 Kings 4:17 today?

5. Compare 1 Kings 4:17 with Exodus 18:21 on leadership and delegation.

6. How does 1 Kings 4:17 reflect God's order and structure in governance?

7. What historical evidence supports the existence of Ben-Hesed in Arubboth as mentioned in 1 Kings 4:17?

8. How does 1 Kings 4:17 reflect the administrative structure of Solomon's kingdom?

9. What is the significance of Arubboth in the context of 1 Kings 4:17?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 4?

11. Who was King Jehoshaphat in the Bible?

12. How can ravens (1 Kings 17:4) realistically supply a prophet with enough food to survive, given the limited carrying capacity of birds?

13. How could four young captives learn and excel in 'all wisdom and knowledge' (Daniel 1:17) beyond experienced Babylonian scholars?

14. In 2 Chronicles 2:4, how can a temple truly contain God if other passages assert He cannot be confined?
What Does 1 Kings 4:17 Mean
Jehoshaphat

1 Kings 4:17 lists this man as one of the twelve district officials serving under King Solomon. The verse simply says, “Jehoshaphat son of Paruah, in Issachar.” Because Scripture is historically accurate, every name is intentional, showing us that real people carried out God-ordained responsibilities.

• Earlier in the chapter we learn, “Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household” (1 Kings 4:7). Jehoshaphat is one of these trusted men, illustrating how Solomon’s wisdom translated into practical governance.

• Though he shares the same name as the later king of Judah (2 Chronicles 17:3-4), this Jehoshaphat is a different individual. Scripture often repeats names, reminding us that God works through ordinary, repeatedly named people across generations.

• When David organized his kingdom he appointed recorders and administrators (2 Samuel 8:16). Solomon follows that pattern, demonstrating continuity in God’s orderly design for leadership (1 Corinthians 14:40).


son of Paruah

• By recording a father’s name, the text grounds Jehoshaphat in a real family line. Genealogical accuracy, seen throughout the Bible (Numbers 1:18; Ezra 2:62), underlines personal accountability.

• Mentioning Paruah highlights a culture of responsibility: if Jehoshaphat failed, his family name would bear the disgrace; if he served well, his family would share the honor. This reflects the biblical principle that faithfulness blesses households (Proverbs 20:7).

• Lineage language also echoes covenant faithfulness. God’s promises move through families (Genesis 17:7), so Scripture regularly preserves “who begat whom” to remind readers that God oversees every generation.


in Issachar

• Issachar was one of the twelve tribal territories apportioned under Joshua (Joshua 19:17-23). Placing Jehoshaphat “in Issachar” tells us his administrative district corresponded roughly to that tribal region.

Genesis 49:14-15 records Jacob’s prophecy that Issachar would become a people devoted to labor. Centuries later Solomon assigns an overseer there, fulfilling that role by ensuring the produce of the land supports the kingdom.

Deuteronomy 33:18-19 speaks of Issachar “rejoicing” in its tents and “drawing from the abundance of the seas.” Jehoshaphat’s task underscores that abundance, gathering provisions so the blessings of the land flow up to the throne.

1 Chronicles 12:32 praises the “men of Issachar who understood the times.” A discerning region benefits from a faithful official. Jehoshaphat’s stewardship contributes to the golden age described in 1 Kings 4:20-21, where “Judah and Israel lived in safety.”


summary

1 Kings 4:17 may read like a simple administrative note, yet it spotlights God’s faithfulness in the details. Jehoshaphat is a real man, rooted in the family of Paruah, entrusted with the productive territory of Issachar. His appointment shows how Solomon’s wisdom created a structured, dependable system that drew on each region’s strength to sustain the kingdom. Names, families, and places are not filler—they reveal the Lord’s meticulous care, demonstrating that every person and every parcel of land serves His broader purposes when ordered under righteous authority.

(17) The tenth division, the territory of Issachar, lying north of Manasseh, included part of the great plain of Esdraelon, and must have been so closely connected with the fifth division that the frontiers could hardly be discerned.

Verse 17. - Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar. [He had consequently the plain of Esdraelon, with the exception mentioned above, ver. 12.]

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Jehoshaphat
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט (yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3092: Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Paruah
פָּר֖וּחַ (pā·rū·aḥ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6515: Paruah -- a man of Issachar

in Issachar;
בְּיִשָׂשכָֽר׃ (bə·yi·śā·š·ḵār)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3485: Issachar -- perhaps 'there is recompense', a son of Jacob and Leah, also a son of Obed-edom


Links
1 Kings 4:17 NIV
1 Kings 4:17 NLT
1 Kings 4:17 ESV
1 Kings 4:17 NASB
1 Kings 4:17 KJV

1 Kings 4:17 BibleApps.com
1 Kings 4:17 Biblia Paralela
1 Kings 4:17 Chinese Bible
1 Kings 4:17 French Bible
1 Kings 4:17 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Kings 4:17 Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah in Issachar (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 4:16
Top of Page
Top of Page