King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:33 Mean?

1 Kings 11:33 in the King James Version says “Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the M... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 11:33 · KJV


Context

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.

34

Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: but I will make him prince all the days of his life for David my servant's sake, whom I chose, because he kept my commandments and my statutes:

35

But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give it unto thee, even ten tribes.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 24 words
יַ֣עַן׀1 of 24
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

אֲשֶׁ֣ר2 of 24
H834

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

עֲזָב֗וּנִי3 of 24

Because that they have forsaken

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲווּ֮4 of 24

me and have worshipped

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לְעַשְׁתֹּרֶת֮5 of 24

Ashtoreth

H6253

ashtoreth, the phoenician goddess of love (and increase)

אֱלֹהֵ֣י6 of 24

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

צִֽדֹנִין֒7 of 24

of the Zidonians

H6722

a tsidonian or inhabitant of tsidon

לִכְמוֹשׁ֙8 of 24

Chemosh

H3645

kemosh, the god of the moabites

אֱלֹהֵ֣י9 of 24

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

מוֹאָ֔ב10 of 24

of the Moabites

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

וּלְמִלְכֹּ֖ם11 of 24

and Milcom

H4445

milcom, the national idol of the ammonites

אֱלֹהֵ֣י12 of 24

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

בְנֵֽי13 of 24

of the children

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

עַמּ֑וֹן14 of 24

of Ammon

H5983

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

וְלֹֽא15 of 24
H3808

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

הָלְכ֣וּ16 of 24

and have not walked

H1980

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

בִדְרָכַ֗י17 of 24

in my ways

H1870

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

לַֽעֲשׂ֨וֹת18 of 24

to do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַיָּשָׁ֧ר19 of 24

that which is right

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

בְּעֵינַ֛י20 of 24

in mine eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וְחֻקֹּתַ֥י21 of 24

and to keep my statutes

H2708

a statute

וּמִשְׁפָּטַ֖י22 of 24

and my judgments

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

כְּדָוִ֥ד23 of 24

as did David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִֽיו׃24 of 24

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 11:33 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 11:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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