King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 12:8 Mean?

1 Kings 12:8 in the King James Version says “But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

1 Kings 12:8 · KJV

Context

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:

9

And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter?

10

And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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.

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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 · 15 words
וַֽיַּעֲזֹ֛ב1 of 15

“But he forsook”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

אֶת2 of 15
H853

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

עֲצַ֥ת3 of 15

“the counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

הַזְּקֵנִ֖ים4 of 15

“of the old men”

H2205

old

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 15
H834

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

וַיִּוָּעַ֗ץ6 of 15

“him and consulted”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

וַיִּוָּעַ֗ץ7 of 15

“him and consulted”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

אֶת8 of 15
H853

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

הַיְלָדִים֙9 of 15

“with the young men”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 15
H834

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

גָּֽדְל֣וּ11 of 15

“that were grown up”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

אִתּ֔וֹ12 of 15
H854

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 15
H834

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

הָעֹֽמְדִ֖ים14 of 15

“with him and which stood”

H5975

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

לְפָנָֽיו׃15 of 15

“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

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 12:8 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 12:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 19:20Proverbs 25:122 Chronicles 25:15-16Proverbs 1:30Ecclesiastes 10:2-3Proverbs 1:2-5

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