Jeroboam
Jeroboam in the Bible — Solomon's servant, son of Nebat, who rebelled against him (1KI 11:26), and was later made king of Israel (1KI 12:20). Jeroboam belonged to the tribe of Ephraim. Referenced in 7 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “he that opposes the people”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Ephraim
- Scripture References
- 7 references
- Known Names
- 3 names
- Relationships
- 4 connections
Biography
Jeroboam was a male from the tribe of Ephraim, known as Solomon's servant and the son of Nebat. He rebelled against King Solomon as recorded in 1 Kings 11:26 and was later established as king over Israel (1 Kings 12:20). This significant transition marks him as a pivotal figure in the division of the united monarchy.
Names & Titles
The name Jeroboam means 'the people increase,' reflecting perhaps a hope for growth or strength among the people. He is also referred to by the titles 'King Jeroboam' and 'King of Israel,' which emphasize his royal status and authority over the northern kingdom, as noted in 1 Kings 15:1 and 1 Kings 15:9 respectively.
Family
Jeroboam was the son of Nebat and Zeruah as explicitly stated in 1 Kings 11:26. Additionally, he is inferred to be the father of Abijah and Nadab, based on references in 1 Kings 14:1 and 1 Kings 14:20. These relationships place him within a familial line that continued his royal legacy in Israel.
Significance
Jeroboam's significance in Scripture lies in his role as the leader who rebelled against Solomon and became the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the kingdom's division. His rise marks a critical moment in Israel's history, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's judgment on Solomon's house and the political and spiritual realignment of the nation. His reign set the stage for subsequent developments in Israel's monarchy and covenantal narrative.
Names & Labels (3)
- Hebrew
- יָרָבְעָם
- Transliteration
- yaravəam
- Meaning
- the people increase
- Greek
- Ιεροβοαμ
- Reference
- 1KI 11:26
- Strong's
- H3379
- Hebrew
- מֶּלֶךְ יָרָבְעָם
- Transliteration
- melek yaravəam
- Meaning
- king Jeroboam
- Greek
- βασιλεύοντος Ιεροβοαμ
- Reference
- 1KI 15:1
- Strong's
- H4428, H3379
- Hebrew
- מֶלֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵל
- Transliteration
- melek yisərael
- Meaning
- king of Israel
- Greek
- βασιλέως Ισραηλ
- Reference
- 1KI 15:9
- Strong's
- H4428, H3478
Family & Relationships (4)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jeroboam in the Bible?
Jeroboam was a male from the tribe of Ephraim, known as Solomon's servant and the son of Nebat. He rebelled against King Solomon as recorded in 1 Kings 11:26 and was later established as king over Israel (1 Kings 12:20). This significant transition marks him as a pivotal figure in the division of the united monarchy.
What does the name Jeroboam mean?
The name Jeroboam means “he that opposes the people” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.