בֶּן־דֶּ֫קֶר (ben-de.qer)
ben-de.qer
Ben-deker
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name ben-deker appears only once in Scripture, identifying a specific official under King Solomon in 1 Kings 4:9. Lexicons note that the compound likely means "son of Dekar" or potentially "son of stabbing," depending on how the root is interpreted. This single mention places him within the administrative structure of the United Monarchy, linking him to his father Deker.
Its extreme rarity makes it a unique data point rather than a theological term. It serves as a historical marker for Solomon’s reign, illustrating the detailed record-keeping of biblical authors who preserved even minor officials’ names. The word itself offers no spiritual instruction but anchors the narrative in a specific time and social hierarchy.
Translators typically render it simply as "Ben-deker" without attempting to explain the etymology, recognizing that its primary function is identification. For readers, it highlights the precision of the biblical text in documenting the personnel who supported the king’s government, preserving their memory across millennia.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
It is easy to feel overlooked when life feels routine or administrative. We often focus on the dramatic moments of faith—the parting seas or fiery trials—while our own days consist of quiet duties and steady service. Yet, the biblical record preserves the name Ben-deker with the same care it gives to prophets and kings. This single mention in 1 Kings 4:9 reminds us that God’s story includes every person who faithfully holds their post, whether they are leading armies or managing local districts.
The Bible does not ignore the ordinary. By listing officials like Ben-deker, the text affirms that our daily work and responsibilities matter to God. He sees the faithful stewardship of small tasks just as clearly as He sees great miracles. Your consistency in showing up, doing your job well, and serving those around you is part of a larger narrative that God values deeply.
Let this encourage you to find dignity in your current role. You are part of God’s community, and your faithful presence contributes to the stability and witness of those around you. Rest in the knowledge that your life is known, recorded, and cherished by Him, no matter how small it may seem to the world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Deker1×
- Ben-1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דֶּ֛קֶר1×
- בֶּן\־1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 4:9
Ben Deker, in Makaz, in Shaalbim, Beth Shemesh, and Elon Beth Hanan;
This verse lists Ben-deker among Solomon’s administrative officials, showing that even minor figures in the king’s government are remembered by name in Scripture.