King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 13:33 Mean?

1 Kings 13:33 in the King James Version says “After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 13:33 · KJV


Context

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
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.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
אַחַר֙1 of 21

After

H310

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

הַדָּבָ֣ר2 of 21

this thing

H1697

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

הַזֶּ֔ה3 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לֹא4 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

וַ֠יָּשָׁב5 of 21

again

H7725

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

יָֽרָבְעָ֖ם6 of 21

Jeroboam

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

מִדַּרְכּ֣וֹ7 of 21

way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הָֽרָעָ֑ה8 of 21

not from his evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וַ֠יָּשָׁב9 of 21

again

H7725

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

וַיַּ֜עַשׂ10 of 21

but made

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מִקְצ֤וֹת11 of 21

of the lowest

H7098

a termination

הָעָם֙12 of 21

of the people

H5971

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

כֹּֽהֲנֵ֥י13 of 21

him and he became one of the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

בָמֽוֹת׃14 of 21

of the high places

H1116

an elevation

הֶֽחָפֵץ֙15 of 21

whosoever would

H2655

pleased with

יְמַלֵּ֣א16 of 21

he consecrated

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

אֶת17 of 21
H853

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

יָד֔וֹ18 of 21
H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וִיהִ֖י19 of 21
H1961

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

כֹּֽהֲנֵ֥י20 of 21

him and he became one of the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

בָמֽוֹת׃21 of 21

of the high places

H1116

an elevation


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 13:33 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 13:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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