King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 14:11 Mean?

1 Kings 14:11 in the King James Version says “Him that dieth of Jeroboam in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air ea...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Him that dieth of Jeroboam in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat: for the LORD hath spoken it.”

1 Kings 14:11 · KJV

Context

9

But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back:

10

Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone.

11

Him that dieth of Jeroboam in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat: for the LORD hath spoken it.

12

Arise thou therefore, get thee to thine own house: and when thy feet enter into the city, the child shall die.

13

And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him: for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found some good thing toward the LORD God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam.

Read 1 Kings 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Him that dieth of Jeroboam in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat: for the LORD hath spoken it.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of jeroboam's judgment and rehoboam's reign, 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.

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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. 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 · 13 words
וְהַמֵּת֙1 of 13

“Him that dieth”

H4191

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

לְיָֽרָבְעָ֤ם2 of 13

“of Jeroboam”

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

בָּעִיר֙3 of 13

“in the city”

H5892

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

יֹֽאכְל֖וּ4 of 13

“eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

הַכְּלָבִ֔ים5 of 13

“shall the dogs”

H3611

a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute

וְהַמֵּת֙6 of 13

“Him that dieth”

H4191

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

בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה7 of 13

“in the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

יֹֽאכְל֖וּ8 of 13

“eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

ע֣וֹף9 of 13

“shall the fowls”

H5775

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם10 of 13

“of the air”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

כִּ֥י11 of 13
H3588

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

יְהוָ֖ה12 of 13

“for the LORD”

H3068

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

דִּבֵּֽר׃13 of 13

“hath spoken”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

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 14:11 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 14:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 16:41 Kings 21:23-24Revelation 19:17-18Jeremiah 15:3Ezekiel 39:17-19Isaiah 66:24

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