and Adoram was over the forced labor, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the secretary;
Parallel translations
- WEB Adoram was over the men subject to forced labor, Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder,
- KJV And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:
- BSB Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;
- NKJV Adoram was in charge of revenue; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
- NLT Adoniram was in charge of forced labor. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the royal historian.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Adoram oversaw forced labor, and Jehoshaphat served as recorder. It matters because it shows the organized civil administration supporting David's reign.
Overview
The mention of officials over labor and record-keeping reflects a structured government managing the kingdom's affairs. Such administration was necessary for a stable and prospering realm. The verse continues the catalog of David's restored officers, underscoring renewed national order.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 3
- 1 Kgs 4:3Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder;
- 1 Kgs 12:18Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the men subject to forced labor; and all Israel stoned him to death with stones. King Rehoboam hurried to get himself up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.
- 1 Kgs 4:6Ahishar was over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the men subject to forced labor.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
God's covenant with David — a son whose throne and kingdom would last forever (7:12–16) — finds its yes in Jesus, the Son of David who reigns without end.
How 2 Samuel 20:24 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.