King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:1 Mean?

1 Kings 11:1 in the King James Version says “But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edom...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; together: or, beside”

1 Kings 11:1 · KJV

Love

Context

1

But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; together: or, beside

2

Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.

3

And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
  2. What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהַמֶּ֣לֶךְ1 of 14

“But king”

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹ֗ה2 of 14

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

אָהַ֞ב3 of 14

“loved”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

נָשִׁ֧ים4 of 14

“women”

H802

a woman

נָכְרִיּ֛וֹת5 of 14

“strange”

H5237

strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)

רַבּ֖וֹת6 of 14

“many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וְאֶת7 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בַּת8 of 14

“together with the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

פַּרְעֹ֑ה9 of 14

“of Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

מֽוֹאֲבִיּ֤וֹת10 of 14

“women of the Moabites”

H4125

a moabite or moabitess, i.e., a descendant from moab

עַמֳּנִיּוֹת֙11 of 14

“Ammonites”

H5984

an ammonite or (the adjective) ammonitish

אֲדֹ֣מִיֹּ֔ת12 of 14

“Edomites”

H130

an edomite, or descendants from (or inhabitants of) edom

צֵֽדְנִיֹּ֖ת13 of 14

“Zidonians”

H6722

a tsidonian or inhabitant of tsidon

חִתִּיֹּֽת׃14 of 14

“and Hittites”

H2850

a chittite, or descendant of cheth

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 11:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 11:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 17:17Proverbs 6:24Proverbs 7:51 Kings 11:8Proverbs 2:16Nehemiah 13:23-27

Places in This Verse

AmmonRegion · Modern: Amman · 31.95°N, 35.93°E106 verses across 19 books
EdomRegion · Modern: Buseira · 30.75°N, 35.60°E111 verses across 21 books
Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
SidonSettlement · Modern: Sandikli archaeological site in Sidon · 33.56°N, 35.37°E37 verses across 16 books
View all places in 1 Kings 11 →

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