King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:5 Mean?

1 Kings 11:5 in the King James Version says “For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 11:5 · KJV

Context

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

7

Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.

Read 1 Kings 11 full chapter

Commentary

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

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.

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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 · 10 words
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ1 of 10
H1980

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

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה2 of 10

“For Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וְאַֽחֲרֵ֣י3 of 10

“after”

H310

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

עַשְׁתֹּ֔רֶת4 of 10

“Ashtoreth”

H6253

ashtoreth, the phoenician goddess of love (and increase)

אֱלֹהֵ֖י5 of 10

“the goddess”

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

צִֽדֹנִ֑ים6 of 10

“of the Zidonians”

H6722

a tsidonian or inhabitant of tsidon

וְאַֽחֲרֵ֣י7 of 10

“after”

H310

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

מִלְכֹּ֔ם8 of 10

“Milcom”

H4445

milcom, the national idol of the ammonites

שִׁקֻּ֖ץ9 of 10

“the abomination”

H8251

disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol

עַמֹּנִֽים׃10 of 10

“of the Ammonites”

H5984

an ammonite or (the adjective) ammonitish

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 11:5 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 11:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 11:7Judges 2:131 Kings 11:332 Kings 23:131 Samuel 7:3-4Judges 10:6

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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