King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 12:13 Mean?

1 Kings 12:13 in the King James Version says “And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him; roughly: Heb. hardly” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him; roughly: Heb. hardly”

1 Kings 12:13 · KJV

Context

11

And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

12

So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day.

13

And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him; roughly: Heb. hardly

14

And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

15

Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him;

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kingdom divided: rehoboam and jeroboam, within the book's focus on kingdom division as judgment for Solomon's idolatry.

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. The kingdom division (c. 930 BCE) created the northern kingdom (Israel, 10 tribes) and southern kingdom (Judah, 2 tribes).

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 can leaders today avoid Rehoboam's mistakes and lead with wisdom rather than pride?
  2. What does the kingdom division teach about the long-term consequences of generational sin and compromise?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיַּ֧עַן1 of 11

“answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ2 of 11

“And the king”

H4428

a king

אֶת3 of 11
H853

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

הָעָ֖ם4 of 11

“the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

קָשָׁ֑ה5 of 11

“roughly”

H7186

severe (in various applications)

וַֽיַּעֲזֹ֛ב6 of 11

“and forsook”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

אֶת7 of 11
H853

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

עֲצַ֥ת8 of 11

“counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

הַזְּקֵנִ֖ים9 of 11

“the old men's”

H2205

old

אֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 11
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יְעָצֻֽהוּ׃11 of 11

“that they gave”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

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 12:13 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 12:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 10:11Ecclesiastes 10:12James 3:17Proverbs 10:32Proverbs 13:20Proverbs 18:23

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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