King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:2 Mean?

1 Kings 11:2 in the King James Version says “Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall the... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 11:2 · KJV


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.

4

For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
מִן1 of 25
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַגּוֹיִ֗ם2 of 25

Of the nations

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 25
H834

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

אָֽמַר4 of 25

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֩5 of 25

concerning which the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל6 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֨י7 of 25

unto the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל8 of 25

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֹֽא9 of 25
H3808

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

יָבֹ֣אוּ10 of 25

Ye shall not go in

H935

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

בָהֶ֗ם11 of 25
H0
וְהֵם֙12 of 25
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לֹֽא13 of 25
H3808

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

יָבֹ֣אוּ14 of 25

Ye shall not go in

H935

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

בָכֶ֔ם15 of 25
H0
אָכֵן֙16 of 25

unto you for surely

H403

firmly; figuratively, surely; also (adversative) but

יַטּ֣וּ17 of 25

they will turn away

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אֶת18 of 25
H853

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

לְבַבְכֶ֔ם19 of 25

your heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י20 of 25

after

H310

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֑ם21 of 25

their 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

בָּהֶ֛ם22 of 25
H0
דָּבַ֥ק23 of 25

clave

H1692

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה24 of 25

Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

לְאַֽהֲבָֽה׃25 of 25

unto these in love

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)


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 11:2 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 11:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study