King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:29 Mean?

1 Kings 11:29 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

1 Kings 11:29 · KJV

Context

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:

30

And Ahijah caught the new garment that was on him, and rent it in twelve pieces:

31

And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee:

Read 1 Kings 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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 prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.

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
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 19
H1961

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

בָּעֵ֣ת2 of 19

“And it came to pass at that time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֔יא3 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְיָֽרָבְעָ֖ם4 of 19

“when Jeroboam”

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

יָצָ֣א5 of 19

“went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם6 of 19

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וַיִּמְצָ֣א7 of 19

“found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

אֹת֡וֹ8 of 19
H853

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

אֲחִיָּה֩9 of 19

“Ahijah”

H281

achijah, the name of nine israelites

הַשִּֽׁילֹנִ֨י10 of 19

“the Shilonite”

H7888

a shilonite or inhabitant of shiloh

הַנָּבִ֜יא11 of 19

“that the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

בַּדֶּ֗רֶךְ12 of 19

“him in the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וְה֤וּא13 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מִתְכַּסֶּה֙14 of 19

“and he had clad”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

בְּשַׂלְמָ֣ה15 of 19

“garment”

H8008

a dress

חֲדָשָׁ֔ה16 of 19

“himself with a new”

H2319

new

וּשְׁנֵיהֶ֥ם17 of 19

“and they two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

לְבַדָּ֖ם18 of 19
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

בַּשָּׂדֶֽה׃19 of 19

“were alone in the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

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 11:29 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 11:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 12:152 Chronicles 9:291 Kings 14:22 Samuel 14:6Genesis 4:8Joshua 18:1

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
ShilohSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Seilun · 32.06°N, 35.29°E37 verses across 8 books
View all places in 1 Kings 11 →

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