King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:26 Mean?

1 Kings 11:26 in the King James Version says “And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.”

1 Kings 11:26 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, beside the mischief that Hadad did: and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.

26

And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.

27

And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father. repaired: Heb. closed

28

And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious , he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph. was industrious: Heb. did work charge: Heb. burden

Read 1 Kings 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.

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 · 16 words
וְיָֽרָבְעָם֩1 of 16

“And Jeroboam”

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

בֶּן2 of 16

“the 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

נְבָ֨ט3 of 16

“of Nebat”

H5028

nebat, the father of jeroboam i

אֶפְרָתִ֜י4 of 16

“an Ephrathite”

H673

an ephrathite or an ephraimite

מִן5 of 16
H4480

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

הַצְּרֵדָ֗ה6 of 16

“of Zereda”

H6868

tseredah, a place in palestine

וְשֵׁ֤ם7 of 16

“~”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אִמּוֹ֙8 of 16

“whose mother's”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

צְרוּעָה֙9 of 16

“was Zeruah”

H6871

tseruah, an israelitess

אִשָּׁ֣ה10 of 16

“woman”

H802

a woman

אַלְמָנָ֔ה11 of 16

“a widow”

H490

a widow; also a desolate place

עֶ֖בֶד12 of 16

“servant”

H5650

a servant

לִשְׁלֹמֹ֑ה13 of 16

“Solomon's”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וַיָּ֥רֶם14 of 16

“even he lifted up”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

יָ֖ד15 of 16

“his hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בַּמֶּֽלֶךְ׃16 of 16

“against the king”

H4428

a king

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 11:26 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 11:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 12:22 Chronicles 13:6Ruth 1:21 Samuel 1:11 Kings 11:282 Samuel 20:21

Places in This Verse

Zeredah 1Settlement · Modern: Deir Ghassaneh · 32.05°N, 35.10°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in 1 Kings 11 →

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