Cabul in the Bible
A region of twenty cities in Galilee given by Solomon to Hiram of Tyre.
Cabul refers to a district of twenty cities in Galilee that King Solomon gave to Hiram, king of Tyre, as payment for the cedar, cypress, and gold Hiram supplied for the Temple. Hiram was displeased with the cities, calling them 'the land of Cabul,' possibly meaning 'good for nothing.'
Modern Location
The region is in the western Galilee area of northern Israel, near modern Kabul village.
Key Biblical Events
- 1Solomon gave twenty cities to Hiram of Tyre
- 2Hiram was displeased and named the region Cabul
- 3Demonstrated diplomatic relations between Israel and Phoenicia
Key KJV Scriptures
"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."
"Now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees, and with gold, according to all his desire, that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee."
Spiritual Significance
Cabul illustrates the complexity of Solomon's foreign alliances and the cost of his ambitious building projects. It also shows that not all diplomatic gifts are received with gratitude.
Why Cabul Matters
Cabul holds a unique place in Scripture because it stands at the crossroads of God's covenant promises to His chosen people. With 3 major biblical events connected to this site — and key figures like Solomon, Hiram linked to its story — Cabul is far more than a point on an ancient map. It is a place where God acted decisively in human history.
Rooted in the Old Testament narrative, Cabul is referenced in 2 key scriptures that reveal God's faithfulness across generations. Cabul illustrates the complexity of Solomon's foreign alliances and the cost of his ambitious building projects. It also shows that not all diplomatic gifts are received with gratitude.
For today's believer, studying Cabul is more than a geography lesson — it is an invitation to see God's faithfulness written across real places and real people. Every mountain, city, and river in Scripture reminds us that God works within history, not apart from it. When you read about Cabul, you are standing on the same spiritual ground where Solomon encountered the living God.
Related Bible Characters
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Hiram call the cities Cabul?
Hiram was displeased with the twenty cities Solomon gave him, calling them 'Cabul,' likely meaning 'worthless' or 'displeasing' (1 Kings 9:13).
Where was the land of Cabul?
It was a district of twenty cities in the Galilee region of northern Israel.
Explore Related Content
Related Bible Locations
Jerusalem
The holy city — center of worship, prophecy, and salvation history.
Nazareth
The hometown of Jesus where He grew up and began His ministry.
Tyre
Wealthy Phoenician port city — symbol of commercial pride that drew prophetic judgment.
Tyre
The wealthy Phoenician port city — judged by prophets for pride yet visited by Jesus.
Where to go next
Finished reading about Cabul? Keep exploring the places and people of Scripture.
- Explore the full Bible locations mapEvery place in Scripture, by region.Continue
- See where this fits on the Bible timelineFrom creation to the early church.Continue
- Meet the people of the BibleProfiles with verses for every major figure.Continue
- Test yourself with a Bible quizFree quizzes — every answer cites a verse.Continue
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Cabul in the Bible
A region of twenty cities in Galilee given by Solomon to Hiram of Tyre.
Rehoboam in the Bible
The King Who Divided Israel
The Glory of the LORD Fills Solomon's Temple
Fire falls and the glory of the LORD fills the temple at its dedication, so the
King Solomon Quiz
The wisest king of Israel — builder of the temple, author of Proverbs.
1 Kings Quiz
A journey through the reign of Solomon and the divided kingdom of Israel.
Which Tribe of Israel Are You?
Free KJV quiz — Judah, Levi, Issachar or Benjamin? Discover which of the twelve