King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:19 Mean?

1 Kings 11:19 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 11:19 · KJV

Context

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.

21

And when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the host was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, Let me depart, that I may go to mine own country. Let: Heb. Send me away

Read 1 Kings 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 15 words
וַיִּמְצָא֙1 of 15

“found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

הֲדַ֥ד2 of 15

“And Hadad”

H1908

hadad, the name of an idol, and of several kings of edom, possibly a royal title

חֵ֛ן3 of 15

“favour”

H2580

graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)

בְּעֵינֵ֥י4 of 15

“in the sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

פַרְעֹ֖ה5 of 15

“of Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

מְאֹ֑ד6 of 15

“great”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וַיִּתֶּן7 of 15

“so that he gave”

H5414

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

ל֤וֹ8 of 15
H0
אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ9 of 15

“him to wife”

H802

a woman

אֶת10 of 15
H853

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

אֲח֖וֹת11 of 15

“the sister”

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ12 of 15

“him to wife”

H802

a woman

אֲח֖וֹת13 of 15

“the sister”

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

תַּחְפְּנֵ֥יס14 of 15

“of Tahpenes”

H8472

tachpenes, an egyptian woman

הַגְּבִירָֽה׃15 of 15

“the queen”

H1377

a mistress

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 11:19 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 11:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 39:21Acts 7:10Genesis 39:4Acts 7:21Jeremiah 43:7-9Genesis 41:45

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