King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 12:16 Mean?

1 Kings 12:16 in the King James Version says “So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

1 Kings 12:16 · KJV


Context

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.

16

So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

17

But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.

18

Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. made: Heb. strengthened himself


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

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 temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').

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. 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 · 31 words
רְאֵ֥ה1 of 31

now see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כָּל2 of 31
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל3 of 31

O Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כִּ֠י4 of 31
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹֽא5 of 31
H3808

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

שָׁמַ֣ע6 of 31

hearkened

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ׀7 of 31

that the king

H4428

a king

אֲלֵהֶם֒8 of 31
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיָּשִׁ֣בוּ9 of 31

So

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

הָעָ֣ם10 of 31

not unto them the people

H5971

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

אֶת11 of 31
H853

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

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ׀12 of 31

that the king

H4428

a king

דָּבָ֣ר׀13 of 31

answered

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

לֵאמֹ֡ר14 of 31

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מַה15 of 31
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לָּנוּ֩16 of 31
H0
חֵ֨לֶק17 of 31

What portion

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

דָּוִ֑ד18 of 31

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְלֹֽא19 of 31
H3808

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

נַחֲלָ֣ה20 of 31

neither have we inheritance

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

בְּבֶן21 of 31

in the 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

יִשַׁ֗י22 of 31

of Jesse

H3448

jishai, david's father

לְאֹֽהָלָֽיו׃23 of 31

to your tents

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל24 of 31

O Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עַתָּ֕ה25 of 31
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

רְאֵ֥ה26 of 31

now see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בֵֽיתְךָ֖27 of 31

to thine own house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

דָּוִ֑ד28 of 31

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ29 of 31
H1980

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל30 of 31

O Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לְאֹֽהָלָֽיו׃31 of 31

to your tents

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)


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 12:16 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 12:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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