King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 13:32 Mean?

1 Kings 13:32 in the King James Version says “For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the hig... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 13:32 · KJV


Context

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

34

And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to cut it off, and to destroy it from off the face of the earth.


Commentary

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

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 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. 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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
כִּי֩1 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הָיֹ֨ה2 of 20
H1961

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

יִֽהְיֶ֜ה3 of 20
H1961

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

בִּדְבַ֣ר4 of 20

For the saying

H1697

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

אֲשֶׁ֤ר5 of 20
H834

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

קָרָא֙6 of 20

which he cried

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

בִּדְבַ֣ר7 of 20

For the saying

H1697

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

יְהוָ֔ה8 of 20

of the LORD

H3068

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

עַל9 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ10 of 20

against the altar

H4196

an altar

אֲשֶׁ֣ר11 of 20
H834

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

בְּבֵֽית12 of 20
H0
אֵ֑ל13 of 20

in Bethel

H1008

beth-el, a place in palestine

וְעַל֙14 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל15 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בָּתֵּ֣י16 of 20

and against all the houses

H1004

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

הַבָּמ֔וֹת17 of 20

of the high places

H1116

an elevation

אֲשֶׁ֖ר18 of 20
H834

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

בְּעָרֵ֥י19 of 20

which are in the cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

שֹֽׁמְרֽוֹן׃20 of 20

of Samaria

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine


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 13:32 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 13:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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