King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:6 Mean?

1 Kings 11:6 in the King James Version says “And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. went: Heb. fu...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 11:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.

Read 1 Kings 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, 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.

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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 · 11 words
וַיַּ֧עַשׂ1 of 11

“did”

H6213

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

שְׁלֹמֹ֛ה2 of 11

“And Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

הָרַ֖ע3 of 11

“evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בְּעֵינֵ֣י4 of 11

“in the sight”

H5869

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

יְהוָ֖ה5 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וְלֹ֥א6 of 11
H3808

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

מִלֵּ֛א7 of 11

“and went not fully”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

אַֽחֲרֵ֥י8 of 11

“after”

H310

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

יְהוָ֖ה9 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

כְּדָוִ֥ד10 of 11

“as did David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִֽיו׃11 of 11

“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 11:6 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 11:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 14:24Joshua 14:8Joshua 14:14

Test Your Knowledge

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