King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:13 Mean?

Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Je... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.”

1 Kings 11:13 · King James Version

Context

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.

13

Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.

14

And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom.

15

For it came to pass, when David was in Edom, and Joab the captain of the host was gone up to bury the slain, after he had smitten every male in Edom;

Read 1 Kings 11 full chapter

Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.

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?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
רַ֤ק
1 of 17

“Howbeit”

H7535
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
אֶת
2 of 17
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
3 of 17
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַמַּמְלָכָה֙
4 of 17

“all the kingdom”

H4467
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
לֹ֣א
5 of 17
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶקְרָ֔ע
6 of 17

“I will not rend away”

H7167
to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)
שֵׁ֥בֶט
7 of 17

“tribe”

H7626
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
אֶחָ֖ד
8 of 17

“one”

H259
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
אֶתֵּ֣ן
9 of 17

“but will give”

H5414
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לִבְנֶ֑ךָ
10 of 17

“to thy son”

H1121
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְמַ֙עַן֙
11 of 17
H4616
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
דָּוִ֣ד
12 of 17

“for David”

H1732
david, the youngest son of jesse
עַבְדִּ֔י
13 of 17

“my servant's”

H5650
a servant
וּלְמַ֥עַן
14 of 17
H4616
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
15 of 17

“sake and for Jerusalem's”

H3389
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
16 of 17
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בָּחָֽרְתִּי׃
17 of 17

“sake which I have chosen”

H977
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

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 11:13 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 11:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 12:20Deuteronomy 12:111 Kings 11:32Psalms 132:13-14Deuteronomy 12:5Luke 1:32-33

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 1 Kings 11 →

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