King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 14:5 Mean?

1 Kings 14:5 in the King James Version says “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: t... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 14:5 · King James Version


Context

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

7

Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Forasmuch as I exalted thee from among the people, and made thee prince over my people Israel,


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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?

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


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וַֽיהוָ֞ה1 of 24

And the LORD

H3068

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

אָמַ֣ר2 of 24

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל3 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲחִיָּ֗הוּ4 of 24

unto Ahijah

H281

achijah, the name of nine israelites

הִנֵּ֣ה5 of 24
H2009

lo!

אֵ֣שֶׁת6 of 24

Behold the wife

H802

a woman

יָֽרָבְעָ֡ם7 of 24

of Jeroboam

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

כְבֹאָ֔הּ8 of 24

cometh

H935

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

לִדְרֹשׁ֩9 of 24

to ask

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

דָּבָ֨ר10 of 24

a thing

H1697

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

מֵֽעִמְּךָ֤11 of 24
H5973

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

אֶל12 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנָהּ֙13 of 24

of thee for her 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

כִּֽי14 of 24
H3588

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

חֹלֶ֣ה15 of 24

for he is sick

H2470

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

ה֔וּא16 of 24
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

כָּזֹ֥ה17 of 24

thus

H2090

this or that

וְכָזֶ֖ה18 of 24
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

תְּדַבֵּ֣ר19 of 24

and thus shalt thou say

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלֶ֑יהָ20 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וִיהִ֣י21 of 24
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְבֹאָ֔הּ22 of 24

cometh

H935

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

וְהִ֖יא23 of 24
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מִתְנַכֵּרָֽה׃24 of 24

that she shall feign herself to be another

H5234

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (


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 14:5 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 14:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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