King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:31 Mean?

1 Kings 11:31 in the King James Version says “And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingd... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

1 Kings 11:31 · KJV


Context

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:

32

(But he shall have one tribe for my servant David's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel:)

33

Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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 · 23 words
אָמַ֨ר1 of 23

And he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְיָֽרָבְעָ֔ם2 of 23

to Jeroboam

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

קַח3 of 23

Take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לְךָ֖4 of 23
H0
עֲשָׂרָ֥ה5 of 23

ten

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

קְרָעִ֑ים6 of 23

pieces

H7168

a rag

כִּ֣י7 of 23
H3588

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

כֹה֩8 of 23
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֨ר9 of 23

And he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֜ה10 of 23

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֣י11 of 23

the God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל12 of 23

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הִנְנִ֨י13 of 23
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

קֹרֵ֤עַ14 of 23

Behold I will rend

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

אֶת15 of 23
H853

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

הַמַּמְלָכָה֙16 of 23

the kingdom

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

מִיַּ֣ד17 of 23

out of the 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

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה18 of 23

of Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וְנָֽתַתִּ֣י19 of 23

and will give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְךָ֔20 of 23
H0
אֵ֖ת21 of 23
H853

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

עֲשָׂרָ֥ה22 of 23

ten

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

הַשְּׁבָטִֽים׃23 of 23

tribes

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan


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 11:31 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 11:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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