King James Version
1 Kings 12:31 in the King James Version says “And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.”
1 Kings 12:31 · KJV
And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan.
And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.
And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.
And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon the altar. So did he in Bethel, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had made. offered: or, went up to the altar, etc sacrificing: or, to sacrifice
So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense. offered: or, went up to the altar, etc and burnt: Heb. to burn incense
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“an house”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
“priests”
H3548literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
“of the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
“which were not of the sons”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
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.
1 Kings 12:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 1 Kings 12:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge