King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:18 Mean?

1 Kings 11:18 in the King James Version says “And they arose out of Midian, and came to Paran: and they took men with them out of Paran, and they came to Egypt, unto ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they arose out of Midian, and came to Paran: and they took men with them out of Paran, and they came to Egypt, unto Pharaoh king of Egypt; which gave him an house, and appointed him victuals, and gave him land.

1 Kings 11:18 · KJV


Context

16

(For six months did Joab remain there with all Israel, until he had cut off every male in Edom:)

17

That Hadad fled, he and certain Edomites of his father's servants with him, to go into Egypt; Hadad being yet a little child.

18

And they arose out of Midian, and came to Paran: and they took men with them out of Paran, and they came to Egypt, unto Pharaoh king of Egypt; which gave him an house, and appointed him victuals, and gave him land.

19

And Hadad found great favour in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him to wife the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen.

20

And the sister of Tahpenes bare him Genubath his son, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh's house: and Genubath was in Pharaoh's household among the sons of Pharaoh.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they arose out of Midian, and came to Paran: and they took men with them out of Paran, and they came to Egypt, unto Pharaoh king of Egypt; which gave him an house, and appointed him victuals, and gave him land.

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 temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַיָּקֻ֙מוּ֙1 of 23

And they arose

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

מִמִּדְיָ֔ן2 of 23

out of Midian

H4080

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants

וַיָּבֹ֤אוּ3 of 23

and came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מִפָּארָ֗ן4 of 23

to Paran

H6290

paran, a desert of arabia

וַיִּקְחוּ֩5 of 23

and they took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֲנָשִׁ֨ים6 of 23

men

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

עִמָּ֜ם7 of 23
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

מִפָּארָ֗ן8 of 23

to Paran

H6290

paran, a desert of arabia

וַיָּבֹ֤אוּ9 of 23

and came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מִצְרַ֔יִם10 of 23

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

אֶל11 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פַּרְעֹ֣ה12 of 23

unto Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

מֶֽלֶךְ13 of 23

king

H4428

a king

מִצְרַ֔יִם14 of 23

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

נָ֥תַן15 of 23

and gave

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

ל֣וֹ16 of 23
H0
בַ֗יִת17 of 23

him an house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְלֶ֙חֶם֙18 of 23

him victuals

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

אָ֣מַר19 of 23

and appointed

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֔וֹ20 of 23
H0
וְאֶ֖רֶץ21 of 23

him land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

נָ֥תַן22 of 23

and gave

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לֽוֹ׃23 of 23
H0

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 11:18 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 11:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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