King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 14:4 Mean?

1 Kings 14:4 in the King James Version says “And Jeroboam's wife did so, and arose, and went to Shiloh, and came to the house of Ahijah. But Ahijah could not see; fo...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Jeroboam's wife did so, and arose, and went to Shiloh, and came to the house of Ahijah. But Ahijah could not see; for his eyes were set by reason of his age. were: Heb. stood for his hoariness”

1 Kings 14:4 · KJV

Context

2

And Jeroboam said to his wife, Arise, I pray thee, and disguise thyself, that thou be not known to be the wife of Jeroboam; and get thee to Shiloh: behold, there is Ahijah the prophet, which told me that I should be king over this people.

3

And take with thee ten loaves, and cracknels, and a cruse of honey, and go to him: he shall tell thee what shall become of the child. with: Heb. in thine hand cracknels: or, cakes cruse: or, bottle

4

And Jeroboam's wife did so, and arose, and went to Shiloh, and came to the house of Ahijah. But Ahijah could not see; for his eyes were set by reason of his age. were: Heb. stood for his hoariness

5

And the LORD said unto Ahijah, Behold, the wife of Jeroboam cometh to ask a thing of thee for her son; for he is sick: thus and thus shalt thou say unto her: for it shall be, when she cometh in, that she shall feign herself to be another woman.

6

And it was so, when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the door, that he said, Come in, thou wife of Jeroboam; why feignest thou thyself to be another? for I am sent to thee with heavy tidings. heavy: Heb. hard

Read 1 Kings 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jeroboam's wife did so, and arose, and went to Shiloh, and came to the house of Ahijah. But Ahijah could not see; for his eyes were set by reason of his age.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַתַּ֤עַשׂ1 of 18

“did so”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כֵּן֙2 of 18
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אֵ֣שֶׁת3 of 18

“wife”

H802

a woman

יָֽרָבְעָ֔ם4 of 18

“And Jeroboam's”

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

קָ֥מוּ5 of 18

“and arose”

H6965

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

וַתֵּ֣לֶךְ6 of 18
H1980

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

שִׁלֹ֔ה7 of 18

“to Shiloh”

H7887

shiloh, a place in palestine

וַתָּבֹ֖א8 of 18

“and came”

H935

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

בֵּ֣ית9 of 18

“to the house”

H1004

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

וַֽאֲחִיָּ֙הוּ֙10 of 18

“But Ahijah”

H281

achijah, the name of nine israelites

וַֽאֲחִיָּ֙הוּ֙11 of 18

“But Ahijah”

H281

achijah, the name of nine israelites

לֹֽא12 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָכֹ֣ל13 of 18

“could”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לִרְא֔וֹת14 of 18

“not see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כִּ֛י15 of 18
H3588

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

קָ֥מוּ16 of 18

“and arose”

H6965

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

עֵינָ֖יו17 of 18

“for his eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

מִשֵּׂיבֽוֹ׃18 of 18

“by reason of his age”

H7869

old age

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 14:4 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 14:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 11:291 Samuel 3:21 Samuel 4:15Ecclesiastes 12:31 Samuel 4:3-4Genesis 48:10

Places in This Verse

ShilohSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Seilun · 32.06°N, 35.29°E37 verses across 8 books
View all places in 1 Kings 14 →

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