King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 13:31 Mean?

1 Kings 13:31 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, after he had buried him, that he spake to his sons, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the sep...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass, after he had buried him, that he spake to his sons, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones:”

1 Kings 13:31 · King James Version

Context

29

And the prophet took up the carcase of the man of God, and laid it upon the ass, and brought it back: and the old prophet came to the city, to mourn and to bury him.

30

And he laid his carcase in his own grave; and they mourned over him, saying, Alas, my brother!

31

And it came to pass, after he had buried him, that he spake to his sons, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones:

32

For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.

33

After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places. made: Heb. returned and made consecrated: Heb. filled his hand

Read 1 Kings 13 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And it came to pass, after he had buried him, that he spake to his sons, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones:

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of the man of god from judah, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers.

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. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.

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 does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
  2. What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
  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 · 22 words
וַיְהִי֮1 of 22
H1961

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

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י2 of 22

“And it came to pass after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

קָב֣וּר3 of 22

“he had buried”

H6912

to inter

אֹתוֹ֒4 of 22
H853

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

לֵאמֹ֔ר5 of 22

“him that he spake”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל6 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בָּנָיו֙7 of 22

“to his sons”

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

לֵאמֹ֔ר8 of 22

“him that he spake”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בְּמוֹתִי֙9 of 22

“When I am dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

קָב֣וּר10 of 22

“he had buried”

H6912

to inter

אֹתִ֔י11 of 22
H853

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

בַּקֶּ֕בֶר12 of 22

“me in the sepulchre”

H6913

a sepulcher

אֲשֶׁ֛ר13 of 22
H834

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

אִ֥ישׁ14 of 22

“wherein the 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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים15 of 22

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

קָב֣וּר16 of 22

“he had buried”

H6912

to inter

בּ֑וֹ17 of 22
H0
אֵ֚צֶל18 of 22

“beside”

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

עַצְמֹתָֽי׃19 of 22

“his bones”

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

הַנִּ֖יחוּ20 of 22

“lay”

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

אֶת21 of 22
H853

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

עַצְמֹתָֽי׃22 of 22

“his bones”

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

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 13:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 13:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 23:17-18Ecclesiastes 8:10Numbers 23:10Psalms 26:9Luke 16:22-23

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