King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 12:27 Mean?

1 Kings 12:27 in the King James Version says “If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn aga... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah.

1 Kings 12:27 · KJV


Context

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:

27

If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah.

28

Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

29

And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah.

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 sacrificial system points forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling all temple offerings (Hebrews 10:1-18).

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 · 25 words
אִֽם1 of 25
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יַעֲלֶ֣ה׀2 of 25

go up

H5927

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

הָעָ֤ם3 of 25

If this people

H5971

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

הַזֶּ֗ה4 of 25
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לַֽעֲשׂ֨וֹת5 of 25

to do

H6213

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

זְבָחִ֤ים6 of 25

sacrifice

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

בְּבֵית7 of 25

in the house

H1004

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

יְהוָה֙8 of 25

of the LORD

H3068

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

בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם9 of 25

at Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְשָׁ֖בוּ10 of 25

me and go again

H7725

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

לֵ֣ב11 of 25

then shall the heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

הָעָ֤ם12 of 25

If this people

H5971

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

הַזֶּה֙13 of 25
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֶל14 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲדֹ֣נֵיהֶ֔ם15 of 25

unto their lord

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

אֶל16 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רְחַבְעָ֥ם17 of 25

even unto Rehoboam

H7346

rechabam, an israelite king

מֶֽלֶךְ18 of 25

king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָֽה׃19 of 25

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וַֽהֲרָגֻ֕נִי20 of 25

and they shall kill

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

וְשָׁ֖בוּ21 of 25

me and go again

H7725

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

אֶל22 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רְחַבְעָ֥ם23 of 25

even unto Rehoboam

H7346

rechabam, an israelite king

מֶֽלֶךְ24 of 25

king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָֽה׃25 of 25

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory


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 12:27 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 12:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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