1 Kings 10:2
New International Version
Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind.

New Living Translation
She arrived in Jerusalem with a large group of attendants and a great caravan of camels loaded with spices, large quantities of gold, and precious jewels. When she met with Solomon, she talked with him about everything she had on her mind.

English Standard Version
She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind.

Berean Standard Bible
She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. So she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind.

King James Bible
And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

New King James Version
She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels that bore spices, very much gold, and precious stones; and when she came to Solomon, she spoke with him about all that was in her heart.

New American Standard Bible
So she came to Jerusalem with a very large entourage, with camels carrying balsam oil and a very large quantity of gold and precious stones. When she came to Solomon, she spoke to him about everything that was in her heart.

NASB 1995
So she came to Jerusalem with a very large retinue, with camels carrying spices and very much gold and precious stones. When she came to Solomon, she spoke with him about all that was in her heart.

NASB 1977
So she came to Jerusalem with a very large retinue, with camels carrying spices and very much gold and precious stones. When she came to Solomon, she spoke with him about all that was in her heart.

Legacy Standard Bible
She came to Jerusalem with a very glorious retinue, with camels carrying spices and very much gold and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him about all that was in her heart.

Amplified Bible
So she came to Jerusalem with a very large caravan (entourage), with camels carrying spices, a great quantity of gold, and precious stones. When she came to Solomon, she spoke with him about everything that was on her mind [to discover the extent of his wisdom].

Christian Standard Bible
She came to Jerusalem with a very large entourage, with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. She came to Solomon and spoke to him about everything that was on her mind.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
She came to Jerusalem with a very large entourage, with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. She came to Solomon and spoke to him about everything that was on her mind.

American Standard Version
And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones; and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

Contemporary English Version
She took along several of her officials, and she loaded her camels with gifts of spices, jewels, and gold. When she arrived, she and Solomon talked about everything she could think of.

English Revised Version
And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
She arrived in Jerusalem with a large group of servants, with camels carrying spices, a very large quantity of gold, and precious stones. When she came to Solomon, she talked to him about everything she had on her mind.

Good News Translation
She brought with her a large group of attendants, as well as camels loaded with spices, jewels, and a large amount of gold. When she and Solomon met, she asked him all the questions that she could think of.

International Standard Version
She brought along a large retinue, camels laden with spices, and lots of gold and precious stones. Upon her arrival, she spoke with Solomon about everything that was on her mind.

Majority Standard Bible
She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. So she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind.

NET Bible
She arrived in Jerusalem with a great display of pomp, bringing with her camels carrying spices, a very large quantity of gold, and precious gems. She visited Solomon and discussed with him everything that was on her mind.

New Heart English Bible
She came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bore spices, and very much gold, and precious stones; and when she had come to Solomon, she talked with him of all that was in her heart.

Webster's Bible Translation
And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bore spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she had come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

World English Bible
She came to Jerusalem with a very great caravan, with camels that bore spices, very much gold, and precious stones; and when she had come to Solomon, she talked with him about all that was in her heart.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and she comes to Jerusalem, with a very great company, camels carrying spices, and very much gold, and precious stone, and she comes to Solomon, and speaks to him all that has been with her heart.

Young's Literal Translation
and she cometh to Jerusalem, with a very great company, camels bearing spices, and very much gold, and precious stone, and she cometh unto Solomon, and speaketh unto him all that hath been with her heart.

Smith's Literal Translation
And she will come to Jerusalem with very weighty strength, camels lifting up spices, and exceeding much gold and precious stone: and she will come to Solomon and will speak to him all which was in her heart.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And entering into Jerusalem with a great train, and riches, and camels that carried spices, and an immense quantity of gold, and precious stones, she came to king Solomon, and spoke to him all that she had in her heart.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And entering into Jerusalem with a great retinue, and with riches, and with camels carrying aromatics, and with an exceedingly great quantity of gold and precious stones, she went to king Solomon. And she spoke to him all that she held in her heart.

New American Bible
She arrived in Jerusalem with a very numerous retinue, and with camels bearing spices, a large amount of gold, and precious stones. She came to Solomon and spoke to him about everything that she had on her mind.

New Revised Standard Version
She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices, and very much gold, and precious stones; and when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones; and when she was come to Solomon, she tested him with all that was in her heart.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And she came to Jerusalem with a very great army and camels that carried spices, and a great abundance of gold and precious stones, and she came to King Solomon and she tested him with everything that was in her heart.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bore spices and gold very much, and precious stones; and when she was come to Solomon, she spoke with him of all that was in her heart.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train; and there came camels bearing spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and she came in to Solomon, and told him all that was in her heart.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Queen of Sheba
1Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. 2She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan— with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. So she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind. 3And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain.…

Cross References
2 Chronicles 9:1-2
Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon, she came to test him with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke with him about all that was on her mind. / And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for him to explain.

Matthew 12:42
The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.

Luke 11:31
The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.

Psalm 72:10
May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.

Isaiah 60:6
Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.

Genesis 24:53
Then he brought out jewels of silver and gold, and articles of clothing, and he gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious gifts to her brother and her mother.

2 Chronicles 9:9
Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. There had never been such spices as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.

Ezekiel 27:22
The merchants of Sheba and Raamah traded with you; for your wares they exchanged gold, the finest of all spices, and precious stones.

Job 28:15-19
It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. / It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. / Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it. ...

Psalm 68:29
Because of Your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring You gifts.

Psalm 72:15
Long may he live! May gold from Sheba be given him. May people ever pray for him; may they bless him all day long.

Isaiah 45:14
This is what the LORD says: “The products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, along with the Sabeans, men of stature, will come over to you and will be yours; they will trudge behind you; they will come over in chains and bow down to you. They will confess to you: ‘God is indeed with you, and there is no other; there is no other God.’”

Jeremiah 6:20
What use to Me is frankincense from Sheba or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please Me.”

Matthew 2:11
On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Acts 8:27-28
So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship, / and on his return was sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah the prophet.


Treasury of Scripture

And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bore spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

a very great train

2 Kings 5:5,9
And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment…

Isaiah 60:6-9
The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD…

Acts 25:23
And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.

spices

Exodus 25:6
Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,

2 Kings 20:13
And Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and shewed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.

communed

Genesis 18:33
And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.

Job 4:2
If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking?

Psalm 4:4
Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

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Abundance Arriving Bare Bearing Bore Camels Caravan Carrying Communed Company Gold Great Heart Jerusalem Jewels Large Mind Precious Quantities Retinue Solomon Spices Stones Stores Talk Talked Train Weighted
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Abundance Arriving Bare Bearing Bore Camels Caravan Carrying Communed Company Gold Great Heart Jerusalem Jewels Large Mind Precious Quantities Retinue Solomon Spices Stones Stores Talk Talked Train Weighted
1 Kings 10
1. The queen of Sheba admires the wisdom of Solomon
14. Solomon's gold
16. His targets
18. The throne of ivory
21. His vessels
24. His presents
26. his chariots and horse
28. his tribute














She arrived in Jerusalem
The arrival of the Queen of Sheba in Jerusalem is significant, as Jerusalem was the center of Israelite worship and governance. The Hebrew root for "arrived" (בּוֹא, bo) implies a purposeful coming, suggesting her journey was intentional and significant. Jerusalem, known as the City of David, was not only a political capital but also a spiritual center, symbolizing the heart of God's chosen people. Her arrival signifies the recognition of Solomon's wisdom and the fame of Israel's God reaching beyond its borders.

with a very large caravan
The phrase "very large caravan" indicates the grandeur and wealth of the Queen of Sheba. Caravans in ancient times were essential for trade and travel, often consisting of numerous camels and attendants. This large caravan underscores the importance of her visit and the wealth she possessed. Historically, such caravans were common for trade routes connecting Africa, Arabia, and the Near East, highlighting the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations.

with camels bearing spices
Camels were the primary means of transport across the desert, known for their endurance. The mention of "spices" points to the lucrative spice trade of the ancient world, with Sheba (modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia) being a key player. Spices were highly valued for their use in anointing oils, incense, and medicine, symbolizing wealth and luxury. The Hebrew word for spices (בְּשָׂמִים, besamim) often denotes aromatic substances, reflecting the opulence of her gifts.

gold in great abundance
Gold, a symbol of wealth and divinity, was abundant in the Queen's gifts. The Hebrew word for gold (זָהָב, zahav) is frequently associated with royalty and the divine presence in the temple. Her offering of gold signifies not only her wealth but also her recognition of Solomon's status and the God he served. Historically, gold was a standard of wealth and power, often used in diplomatic exchanges.

and precious stones
Precious stones, like gold, were symbols of wealth and beauty. The Hebrew term (אֶבֶן יְקָרָה, even yeqarah) suggests stones of great value, possibly including gems like sapphires, rubies, or emeralds. These stones were often used in royal adornments and temple decorations, indicating the high regard the Queen had for Solomon. Archaeological findings have shown that such stones were traded across great distances, emphasizing the global connections of the ancient world.

She came to Solomon
The act of coming to Solomon highlights the Queen's desire to seek wisdom and understanding. Solomon, known for his God-given wisdom, was a figure of international renown. The Hebrew root for "came" (בּוֹא, bo) again emphasizes intentionality, suggesting her journey was not merely diplomatic but also intellectual and spiritual.

and spoke to him all that was on her mind
This phrase indicates a deep and meaningful exchange. The Hebrew word for "spoke" (דִּבֵּר, dibber) implies a dialogue or discourse, suggesting that the Queen sought answers to profound questions. Her openness to share "all that was on her mind" reflects a quest for truth and understanding, recognizing Solomon's wisdom as divinely inspired. This interaction underscores the biblical theme of seeking wisdom and the importance of dialogue in understanding God's will.

(2) Spices.--The "spices" of Arabia were famous in all ages. Sheba is mentioned in Ezekiel 27:22 as trafficking with Tyre "in chief of all spices, and precious stones, and gold." The spices of "the incensebearing sands" of Arabia are constantly dwelt upon both in Greek and Roman literature. Frankincense especially was imported from Arabia into Palestine (see Isaiah 60:6; Jeremiah 6:20), although now it comes chiefly from India. Myrrh also was in ancient times drawn chiefly from Arabia. Cassia is a product of Arabia and India. Of all spices, the frankincense for sacrifice and the myrrh for embalming the dead would be most in request.

Gold, and precious stones.--These may have been native products of Sheba, or have been brought from the farther East. Gold is not now known to exist in Arabia, nor any precious stones except the onyx and the emerald. But in ancient times it was commonly believed to produce both gold and precious stones largely.

Verse 2. - And she came to Jerusalem [a great undertaking in those days. Our Lord lays stress on this long journey, ἐκ τῶν περάτων τῆς γῆς, Matthew 12:42; Luke 11:31] with a very great train [Heb. with a very heavy force or host (חַיִל). Thenius understands the words of an armed escort, which may well have been necessary considering the countries through which she passed, and the treasures she carried. It would also be quite in the spirit of the age that the queen should be escorted by a band of her soldiers. But it is not so certain that this idea was in the historian's mind], with [not in Hebrews] camels [2 Chronicles 9:1 has "and camels." But the word is here explicative of the חַיִל preceding (Keil). It does not, however, decide against an armed force, as camels would be in any case required. The camel was a familiar object to the Jews (Exodus 9:3; Leviticus 11:4; Deuteronomy 14:7, etc.); but such a procession as this would create great astonishment in Jerusalem, and we may imagine how the people would line the bazaars as she passed, and the acclamations with which they would greet the queen (cf. 1:40; Matthew 21:9) and her swart attendants] that bare spices [Heb. balsams; hence spices generally; LXX. ἡδύσματα. Exodus 25:6; Exodus 35:28; Ezekiel 27:22. The perfumes of Arabia are proverbial (see Herod. 3:107-113), and Yemen is the chief spice country (Dict. Bib. 1. p. 91], and very much gold [Psalm 72:15. Gold is not now found in Arabia, nor are there any traces of gold mines; but Strabo and Diodorus both state that it was found there, and, according to the latter, in nuggets of considerable size (Dict. Bib. 1. p. 707). It is quite possible, however, that much of the "gold of Arabia" came to its emporiums from other lands. This particular present was doubtless brought by the queen because she had heard of the extensive use made of it by Solomon, and of the enormous quantities he required. "Strabo relates that the Sabeans were enormously wealthy, and used gold and silver in a most lavish manner in their furniture, their utensils, and even on the walls, doors, and roofs of their houses" (Rawlinson)] and precious stones [the onyx, emerald, and turquoise are still found in Arabia, and in former times the variety was apparently much greater (Plin., Nat. Hist. 37.)]; and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of [Heb. spake to him] all that was in her heart. [The words are not to be restricted, as by Keil, to riddles. There may well have been, as the earlier interpreters supposed, religious discourse - gravissimas et sacras quaestiones.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
She arrived
וַתָּבֹא֙ (wat·tā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

in Jerusalem
יְרוּשָׁלְַ֗מָה (yə·rū·šā·lə·māh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

with a very
מְאֹד֒ (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

large
כָּבֵ֣ד (kā·ḇêḏ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3515: Heavy

caravan,
בְּחַיִל֮ (bə·ḥa·yil)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

with camels
גְּ֠מַלִּים (gə·mal·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1581: A camel

bearing
נֹשְׂאִ֨ים (nō·śə·’îm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

spices,
בְּשָׂמִ֧ים (bə·śā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1314: Fragrance, spicery, the balsam plant

gold
וְזָהָ֛ב (wə·zā·hāḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

in great
מְאֹ֖ד (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

abundance,
רַב־ (raḇ-)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

and precious
יְקָרָ֑ה (yə·qā·rāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 3368: Precious, rare, splendid, weighty

stones.
וְאֶ֣בֶן (wə·’e·ḇen)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 68: A stone

So she came
וַתָּבֹ֣א (wat·tā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to
אֵלָ֔יו (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Solomon
שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה (šə·lō·mōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

and spoke
וַתְּדַבֵּ֣ר (wat·tə·ḏab·bêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to him
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

that
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

was
הָיָ֖ה (hā·yāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

on
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

her mind.
לְבָבָֽהּ׃ (lə·ḇā·ḇāh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart


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OT History: 1 Kings 10:2 She came to Jerusalem with a very (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 10:1
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