King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:27 Mean?

1 Kings 11:27 in the King James Version says “And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of th... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 11:27 · KJV


Context

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

29

And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 16 words
וְזֶ֣ה1 of 16
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הַדָּבָ֔ר2 of 16

And this was the cause

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁר3 of 16
H834

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

הֵרִ֥ים4 of 16

that he lifted up

H7311

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

יָ֖ד5 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

בַּמֶּ֑לֶךְ6 of 16

against the king

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹה֙7 of 16

Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בָּנָ֣ה8 of 16

built

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת9 of 16
H853

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

הַמִּלּ֔וֹא10 of 16

Millo

H4407

a rampart (as filled in), i.e., the citadel

סָגַ֕ר11 of 16

and repaired

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

אֶת12 of 16
H853

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

פֶּ֕רֶץ13 of 16

the breaches

H6556

a break (literally or figuratively)

עִ֖יר14 of 16

of the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

דָּוִ֥ד15 of 16

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִֽיו׃16 of 16

his father

H1

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


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 11:27 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 11:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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