King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 12:6 Mean?

1 Kings 12:6 in the King James Version says “And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?

1 Kings 12:6 · King James Version


Context

4

Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.

5

And he said unto them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. And the people departed.

6

And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?

7

And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.

8

But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?

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.

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
נֽוֹעָצִ֔ים1 of 23

How do ye advise

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ2 of 23

And king

H4428

a king

רְחַבְעָ֗ם3 of 23

Rehoboam

H7346

rechabam, an israelite king

אֶת4 of 23
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הַזְּקֵנִים֙5 of 23

with the old men

H2205

old

אֲשֶׁר6 of 23
H834

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

הָי֣וּ7 of 23
H1961

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

עֹֽמְדִ֗ים8 of 23

that stood

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

אֶת9 of 23
H853

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

פְּנֵי֙10 of 23

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

שְׁלֹמֹ֣ה11 of 23

Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

אָבִ֔יו12 of 23

his father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

בִּֽהְיֹת֥וֹ13 of 23
H1961

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

חַ֖י14 of 23

while he yet lived

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

לֵאמֹ֑ר15 of 23

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵ֚יךְ16 of 23
H349

how? or how!; also where

אַתֶּ֣ם17 of 23
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

נֽוֹעָצִ֔ים18 of 23

How do ye advise

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

לְהָשִׁ֥יב19 of 23

that I may

H7725

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

אֶת20 of 23
H853

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

הָֽעָם21 of 23

this people

H5971

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

הַזֶּ֖ה22 of 23
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

דָּבָֽר׃23 of 23

answer

H1697

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


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 12:6 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 12:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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