King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:40 Mean?

1 Kings 11:40 in the King James Version says “Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.

1 Kings 11:40 · KJV


Context

38

And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.

39

And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever.

40

Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.

41

And the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon? acts: or, words, or, things

42

And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. time: Heb. days


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.

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 · 18 words
וַיְבַקֵּ֥שׁ1 of 18

sought

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃2 of 18

Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

לְהָמִ֣ית3 of 18

therefore to kill

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אֶת4 of 18
H853

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

יָֽרָבְעָ֗ם5 of 18

And Jeroboam

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

וַיָּ֣קָם6 of 18

arose

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

יָֽרָבְעָ֗ם7 of 18

And Jeroboam

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

וַיִּבְרַ֤ח8 of 18

and fled

H1272

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

בְמִצְרַ֖יִם9 of 18

and was in Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

אֶל10 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שִׁישַׁ֣ק11 of 18

unto Shishak

H7895

shishak, an egyptian king

מֶֽלֶךְ12 of 18

king

H4428

a king

בְמִצְרַ֖יִם13 of 18

and was in Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וַיְהִ֥י14 of 18
H1961

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

בְמִצְרַ֖יִם15 of 18

and was in Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

עַד16 of 18
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מ֥וֹת17 of 18

until the death

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃18 of 18

Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor


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 11:40 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 11:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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