King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:10 Mean?

1 Kings 11:10 in the King James Version says “And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.

1 Kings 11:10 · King James Version


Context

8

And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.

9

And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,

10

And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.

11

Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. is done: Heb. is with thee

12

Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
צִוָּ֖ה1 of 16

And had commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֵלָיו֙2 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַל3 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַדָּבָ֣ר4 of 16

him concerning this thing

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּ֔ה5 of 16
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לְבִ֨לְתִּי6 of 16
H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

לֶ֔כֶת7 of 16
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י8 of 16

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אֱלֹהִ֣ים9 of 16

gods

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲחֵרִ֑ים10 of 16

other

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וְלֹ֣א11 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁמַ֔ר12 of 16

but he kept

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

אֵ֥ת13 of 16
H853

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

אֲשֶׁר14 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֖ה15 of 16

And had commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָֽה׃16 of 16

not that which the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god


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 11:10 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 11:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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