Translations
KJVPrimary
King James VersionAnd he said, What cities are these which thou hast given me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabul unto this day.
F.O.GSecondary
The F.O.GHe said: 'What are these cities you have given me, my brother?' And he called them the Land of Kabul—as they are called to this day.
F.O.G.M
F.O.G MessageHe said, 'What kind of towns are these you've given me, my brother?' So he named the region the Land of Kabul, and the name has stuck to this day.
BSB
Berean Standard Bible“What are these towns you have given me, my brother?” asked Hiram, and he called them the Land of Cabul, as they are called to this day.
Footnotes
The name *Kabul* (כָּבוּל) is almost certainly a pointed Hebrew wordplay expressing Hiram's contempt. The most probable derivation is from the Semitic root meaning 'to fetter' or 'to be as nothing'—possibly a pun on *k'val*, 'worthless' or 'like shackles.' The naming reflects an ancient Near Eastern custom of coining place-names from a pivotal word or sentiment. The narrator thus preserves Hiram's diplomatic disappointment with dark humour: twenty cities that should have expressed royal gratitude became a monument to their own inadequacy. Both translations retain 'Kabul' as the proper noun, but FOG foregrounds the moment of naming; FOG Message emphasises its lasting cultural memory.
