King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:4 Mean?

1 Kings 11:4 in the King James Version says “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.

1 Kings 11:4 · KJV


Context

2

Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.

3

And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.

4

For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.

5

For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

6

And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. went: Heb. fulfilled not after


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. This tragic verse marks Solomon's spiritual decline after decades of wisdom and faithfulness. The phrase 'when Solomon was old' (le'et ziknat Shlomoh, לְעֵת זִקְנַת שְׁלֹמֹה) suggests that apostasy often comes through gradual compromise rather than sudden rebellion. The verb 'turned away' (natah, נָטָה) describes a bending or inclining, indicating subtle drift rather than abrupt rejection.

The role of Solomon's foreign wives in his apostasy fulfills the warning of Deuteronomy 7:3-4 and demonstrates the spiritual danger of intimate relationships with those who don't share covenant faith. These marriages, often political alliances to secure peace with neighboring nations, brought pagan worship practices into Solomon's household and eventually into Israel's religious life. Love and influence intertwined with political convenience created conditions for compromise.

The comparison with David's heart reveals the standard: wholehearted devotion to Yahweh. The phrase 'perfect with the LORD' (shalem im-YHWH, שָׁלֵם עִם־יְהוָה) means complete, undivided, fully devoted. Though David sinned grievously, he never served other gods or sponsored idolatry. Solomon's divided heart—attempting to honor both Yahweh and foreign deities—violated the first commandment and the Shema's call for exclusive love of God (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). This apostasy would lead directly to the kingdom's division under Rehoboam.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines (11:3) primarily resulted from political marriages sealing alliances with surrounding nations. Ancient Near Eastern diplomacy regularly used royal marriages to cement treaties and ensure peace. Each wife likely brought her household gods and religious practices, expecting accommodation for her worship. Solomon's construction of high places for Chemosh (Moabite god) and Molech (Ammonite god) near Jerusalem (11:7) demonstrates the extent of his compromise.

The timing 'when Solomon was old' suggests this occurred later in his 40-year reign, perhaps in the final decade (c. 940-930 BCE). The gradual accumulation of foreign wives and the subtle shift in priorities demonstrate how spiritual decline often happens imperceptibly over years. What began as political pragmatism evolved into personal participation in idolatry. Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to Solomon's later life, may reflect his disillusionment after pursuing wisdom, pleasure, and achievement apart from exclusive devotion to God.

This apostasy violated explicit biblical warnings. Deuteronomy 17:14-20 outlined kingship regulations prohibiting multiple wives specifically because they would 'turn away his heart' (17:17). Solomon knew these commands but rationalized disobedience through political necessity and personal desire. His case demonstrates that knowledge without obedience leads to spiritual disaster. The wisest man who ever lived became an idolater through gradual compromise.

Reflection Questions

  1. What areas of gradual compromise or tolerated disobedience in your life might become footholds for greater spiritual decline if left unaddressed?
  2. How do your closest relationships either strengthen or weaken your devotion to God, and what changes might be necessary to guard your heart?
  3. What practices of spiritual vigilance and self-examination can help ensure your heart remains 'perfect' (whole, undivided) toward God throughout life's stages?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 21
H1961

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

לְעֵת֙2 of 21

For it came to pass when

H6256

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

זִקְנַ֣ת3 of 21

was old

H2209

old age

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה4 of 21

Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

נָשָׁיו֙5 of 21

that his wives

H802

a woman

הִטּ֣וּ6 of 21

turned away

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אֶת7 of 21
H853

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

כִּלְבַ֖ב8 of 21

and his heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י9 of 21

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אֱלֹהָ֔יו10 of 21

gods

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

אֲחֵרִ֑ים11 of 21

other

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וְלֹֽא12 of 21
H3808

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

הָיָ֨ה13 of 21
H1961

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

כִּלְבַ֖ב14 of 21

and his heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

שָׁלֵם֙15 of 21

was not perfect

H8003

complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly

עִם16 of 21
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

יְהוָ֣ה17 of 21

with the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהָ֔יו18 of 21

gods

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

כִּלְבַ֖ב19 of 21

and his heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

דָּוִ֥יד20 of 21

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִֽיו׃21 of 21

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 11:4 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 11:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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