King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:43 Mean?

1 Kings 11:43 in the King James Version says “And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead. Rehoboam: Gr. Roboam”

1 Kings 11:43 · KJV

Context

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

43

And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead. Rehoboam: Gr. Roboam

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Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.

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?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב1 of 12

“slept”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

שְׁלֹמֹה֙2 of 12

“And Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

עִם3 of 12
H5973

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

אָבִ֑יו4 of 12

“his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַיִּ֨קָּבֵ֔ר5 of 12

“and was buried”

H6912

to inter

בְּעִ֖יר6 of 12

“in the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

דָּוִ֣ד7 of 12

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִ֑יו8 of 12

“his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ9 of 12

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

רְחַבְעָ֥ם10 of 12

“and Rehoboam”

H7346

rechabam, an israelite king

בְּנ֖וֹ11 of 12

“his son”

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

תַּחְתָּֽיו׃12 of 12
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

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 11:43 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 11:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 21:181 Kings 2:10Matthew 1:72 Chronicles 28:272 Chronicles 9:311 Kings 1:21

Places in This Verse

City of DavidSettlement · Modern: City of David · 31.77°N, 35.24°E46 verses across 7 books
View all places in 1 Kings 11 →

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