King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 12:24 Mean?

1 Kings 12:24 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD.

1 Kings 12:24 · KJV


Context

22

But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,

23

Speak unto Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and unto all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the remnant of the people, saying,

24

Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD.

25

Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel.

26

And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD.

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 · 27 words
כֹּ֣ה1 of 27
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר2 of 27

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָֽה׃3 of 27

of the LORD

H3068

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

לֹֽא4 of 27
H3808

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

תַעֲלוּ֩5 of 27

Ye shall not go up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

וְלֹא6 of 27
H3808

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

תִלָּ֨חֲמ֜וּן7 of 27

nor fight

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

עִם8 of 27
H5973

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

אֲחֵיכֶ֣ם9 of 27

against your brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

בְּנֵֽי10 of 27

the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל11 of 27

of Israel

H3478

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

וַיָּשֻׁ֥בוּ12 of 27

and returned

H7725

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

אִ֣ישׁ13 of 27

every man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְבֵית֔וֹ14 of 27

to his house

H1004

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

כִּ֧י15 of 27
H3588

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

מֵֽאִתִּ֛י16 of 27
H853

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

נִֽהְיָ֖ה17 of 27

is

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּדְבַ֥ר18 of 27

according to the word

H1697

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

הַזֶּ֑ה19 of 27
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וַֽיִּשְׁמְעוּ֙20 of 27

from me They hearkened

H8085

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

אֶת21 of 27
H853

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

כִּדְבַ֥ר22 of 27

according to the word

H1697

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

יְהוָֽה׃23 of 27

of the LORD

H3068

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

וַיָּשֻׁ֥בוּ24 of 27

and returned

H7725

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

לָלֶ֖כֶת25 of 27
H1980

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

כִּדְבַ֥ר26 of 27

according to the word

H1697

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

יְהוָֽה׃27 of 27

of the LORD

H3068

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


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 12:24 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 12:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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