King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:21 Mean?

1 Kings 11:21 in the King James Version says “And when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the host was dead, Hadad s... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 11:21 · KJV


Context

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

23

And God stirred him up another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 21 words
הֲדַד֙1 of 21

And when Hadad

H1908

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

שָׁמַ֣ע2 of 21

heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בְּמִצְרַ֗יִם3 of 21

in Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

כִּֽי4 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁכַ֤ב5 of 21

slept

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

דָּוִד֙6 of 21

that David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עִם7 of 21
H5973

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

אֲבֹתָ֔יו8 of 21

with his fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְכִי9 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מֵ֖ת10 of 21

was dead

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

יוֹאָ֣ב11 of 21

and that Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

שַׂר12 of 21

the captain

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַצָּבָ֑א13 of 21

of the host

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר14 of 21

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲדַד֙15 of 21

And when Hadad

H1908

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

אֶל16 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פַּרְעֹ֔ה17 of 21

to Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

שַׁלְּחֵ֖נִי18 of 21

Let me depart

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

וְאֵלֵ֥ךְ19 of 21
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֶל20 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַרְצִֽי׃21 of 21

to mine own country

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 11:21 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 11:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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