King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 14:31 Mean?

1 Kings 14:31 in the King James Version says “And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother's name was Naa... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess. And Abijam his son reigned in his stead.

1 Kings 14:31 · KJV


Context

29

Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

30

And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days.

31

And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess. And Abijam his son reigned in his stead.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess. And Abijam 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.

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 · 17 words
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֨ב1 of 17

slept

H7901

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

רְחַבְעָ֜ם2 of 17

And Rehoboam

H7346

rechabam, an israelite king

עִם3 of 17
H5973

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

אֲבֹתָיו֙4 of 17

with his fathers

H1

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

וַיִּקָּבֵ֤ר5 of 17

and was buried

H6912

to inter

עִם6 of 17
H5973

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

אֲבֹתָיו֙7 of 17

with his fathers

H1

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

בְּעִ֣יר8 of 17

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)

דָּוִ֔ד9 of 17

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְשֵׁ֣ם10 of 17

~

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אִמּ֔וֹ11 of 17

And his mother's

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

נַֽעֲמָ֖ה12 of 17

was Naamah

H5279

naamah, the name of a place in palestine

הָֽעַמֹּנִ֑ית13 of 17

an Ammonitess

H5985

an ammonitess

וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ14 of 17

reigned

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אֲבִיָּ֥ם15 of 17

And Abijam

H38

abijam (or abijah), a king of judah

בְּנ֖וֹ16 of 17

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׃17 of 17
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 14:31 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 14:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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