King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 14:20 Mean?

1 Kings 14:20 in the King James Version says “And the days which Jeroboam reigned were two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the days which Jeroboam reigned were two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead. slept: Heb. lay down”

1 Kings 14:20 · KJV

Context

18

And they buried him; and all Israel mourned for him, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by the hand of his servant Ahijah the prophet.

19

And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred, and how he reigned, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.

20

And the days which Jeroboam reigned were two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead. slept: Heb. lay down

21

And Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah. Rehoboam was forty and one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD did choose out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess.

22

And Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and they provoked him to jealousy with their sins which they had committed, above all that their fathers had done.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the days which Jeroboam reigned were two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead.

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 · 14 words
וְהַיָּמִים֙1 of 14

“And the days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֲשֶׁ֣ר2 of 14
H834

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

וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ3 of 14

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

יָֽרָבְעָ֔ם4 of 14

“which Jeroboam”

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים5 of 14

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וּשְׁתַּ֖יִם6 of 14

“were two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

שָׁנָ֑ה7 of 14

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וַיִּשְׁכַּב֙8 of 14

“and he slept”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

עִם9 of 14
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֲבֹתָ֔יו10 of 14

“with his fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ11 of 14

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

נָדָ֥ב12 of 14

“and Nadab”

H5070

nadab, the name of four israelites

בְּנ֖וֹ13 of 14

“his son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

תַּחְתָּֽיו׃14 of 14
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

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 14:20 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 14:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 14:12Psalms 3:51 Kings 11:431 Kings 2:101 Kings 15:25-31Psalms 4:8

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