King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:20 Mean?

1 Kings 11:20 in the King James Version says “And the sister of Tahpenes bare him Genubath his son, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh's house: and Genubath was in Phara... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 11:20 · KJV


Context

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

22

Then Pharaoh said unto him, But what hast thou lacked with me, that, behold, thou seekest to go to thine own country? And he answered, Nothing: howbeit let me go in any wise. Nothing: Heb. Not


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 19 words
וַתֵּ֨לֶד1 of 19

bare

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

ל֜וֹ2 of 19
H0
אֲח֣וֹת3 of 19

And the sister

H269

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

תַחְפְּנֵ֔ס4 of 19

of Tahpenes

H8472

tachpenes, an egyptian woman

אֵ֚ת5 of 19
H853

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

גְנֻבַת֙6 of 19

and Genubath

H1592

genubath, an edomitish prince

בְּנֵ֥י7 of 19

his 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

וַתִּגְמְלֵ֣הוּ8 of 19

weaned

H1580

to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean

תַחְפְּנֵ֔ס9 of 19

of Tahpenes

H8472

tachpenes, an egyptian woman

בְּת֖וֹךְ10 of 19

among

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

בֵּ֣ית11 of 19

house

H1004

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

פַרְעֹֽה׃12 of 19

Pharaoh's

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וַיְהִ֤י13 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

גְנֻבַת֙14 of 19

and Genubath

H1592

genubath, an edomitish prince

בֵּ֣ית15 of 19

house

H1004

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

פַרְעֹֽה׃16 of 19

Pharaoh's

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

בְּת֖וֹךְ17 of 19

among

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

בְּנֵ֥י18 of 19

his 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

פַרְעֹֽה׃19 of 19

Pharaoh's

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings


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 11:20 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 11:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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