King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:22 Mean?

1 Kings 11:22 in the King James Version says “Then Pharaoh said unto him, But what hast thou lacked with me, that, behold, thou seekest to go to thine own country? An...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 11:22 · King James Version

Context

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:

24

And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a band, when David slew them of Zobah: and they went to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus.

Read 1 Kings 11 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר׀1 of 18

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֣וֹ2 of 18
H0
פַרְעֹ֗ה3 of 18

“Then Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

כִּ֠י4 of 18
H3588

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

מָה5 of 18
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

אַתָּ֤ה6 of 18
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

חָסֵר֙7 of 18

“unto him But what hast thou lacked”

H2638

lacking; hence, without

עִמִּ֔י8 of 18
H5973

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

וְהִנְּךָ֥9 of 18
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

מְבַקֵּ֖שׁ10 of 18

“with me that behold thou seekest”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

לָלֶ֣כֶת11 of 18
H1980

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

אֶל12 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַרְצֶ֑ךָ13 of 18

“to thine own country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר׀14 of 18

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֔א15 of 18
H3808

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

כִּ֥י16 of 18
H3588

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

תְּשַׁלְּחֵֽנִי׃17 of 18

“Nothing howbeit let me go”

H7971

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

תְּשַׁלְּחֵֽנִי׃18 of 18

“Nothing howbeit let me go”

H7971

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

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 11:22 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 11:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 22:352 Samuel 18:22-23Psalms 37:8Mark 14:31Jeremiah 2:31

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Kings 11 with CommentaryAll 1 Kings ChaptersComplete 1 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes