King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 14:12 Mean?

1 Kings 14:12 in the King James Version says “Arise thou therefore, get thee to thine own house: and when thy feet enter into the city, the child shall die.” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 14:12 · KJV

Context

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.

14

Moreover the LORD shall raise him up a king over Israel, who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam that day: but what? even now.

Read 1 Kings 14 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').

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 · 9 words
וְאַ֥תְּ1 of 9
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

ק֖וּמִי2 of 9

“Arise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

לְכִ֣י3 of 9
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לְבֵיתֵ֑ךְ4 of 9

“thee to thine own house”

H1004

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

בְּבֹאָ֥ה5 of 9

“enter”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

רַגְלַ֛יִךְ6 of 9

“and when thy feet”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

הָעִ֖ירָה7 of 9

“into the city”

H5892

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

וּמֵ֥ת8 of 9

“shall die”

H4191

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

הַיָּֽלֶד׃9 of 9

“the child”

H3206

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

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 14:12 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 14:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 4:50-521 Kings 14:16-171 Kings 14:32 Kings 1:62 Kings 1:16

Test Your Knowledge

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