King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 14:13 Mean?

And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him: for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 14:13 · King James Version


Context

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.

15

For the LORD shall smite Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water, and he shall root up Israel out of this good land, which he gave to their fathers, and shall scatter them beyond the river, because they have made their groves, provoking the LORD to anger.


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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.

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?
KS
Written by KJV Study CommentaryBiblical Commentary

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וְסָֽפְדוּ
1 of 24

shall mourn

H5594
properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail
ל֤וֹ
2 of 24
H0
כָל
3 of 24
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
4 of 24

And all Israel

H3478
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְקָֽבְר֣וּ
5 of 24

for him and bury

H6912
to inter
אֹת֔וֹ
6 of 24
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כִּי
7 of 24
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
זֶ֣ה
8 of 24
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
לְבַדּ֔וֹ
9 of 24
H905
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
יָבֹ֥א
10 of 24

shall come

H935
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
יָֽרָבְעָֽם׃
11 of 24

him for he only of Jeroboam

H3379
jarobam, the name of two israelite kings
אֶל
12 of 24
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
קָ֑בֶר
13 of 24

to the grave

H6913
a sepulcher
יַ֣עַן
14 of 24
H3282
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
נִמְצָא
15 of 24

because in him there is found

H4672
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
ב֞וֹ
16 of 24
H0
דָּבָ֣ר
17 of 24

thing

H1697
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
ט֗וֹב
18 of 24

some good

H2896
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
אֶל
19 of 24
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
יְהוָ֛ה
20 of 24

toward the LORD

H3068
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
21 of 24

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
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
22 of 24

And all Israel

H3478
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בְּבֵ֥ית
23 of 24

in the house

H1004
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יָֽרָבְעָֽם׃
24 of 24

him for he only of Jeroboam

H3379
jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

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 14:13 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 14:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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