King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 14:7 Mean?

1 Kings 14:7 in the King James Version says “Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Forasmuch as I exalted thee from among the people, and made thee p...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,”

1 Kings 14:7 · KJV

Context

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,

8

And rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it thee: and yet thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do that only which was right in mine eyes;

9

But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back:

Read 1 Kings 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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,

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 · 18 words
לְכִ֞י1 of 18
H1980

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

אָמַ֤ר2 of 18

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְיָֽרָבְעָ֗ם3 of 18

“Jeroboam”

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

כֹּֽה4 of 18
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֤ר5 of 18

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙6 of 18

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֣י7 of 18

“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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃8 of 18

“Israel”

H3478

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

יַ֛עַן9 of 18

“Forasmuch as”

H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

אֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 18
H834

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

הֲרִֽמֹתִ֖יךָ11 of 18

“I exalted”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

מִתּ֣וֹךְ12 of 18

“thee from among”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

עַמִּ֥י13 of 18

“over my people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וָֽאֶתֶּנְךָ֣14 of 18

“and made”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

נָגִ֔יד15 of 18

“thee prince”

H5057

a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes

עַ֖ל16 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עַמִּ֥י17 of 18

“over my people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃18 of 18

“Israel”

H3478

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

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 14:7 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 14:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 16:22 Samuel 12:7-81 Samuel 2:27-301 Kings 12:241 Samuel 15:16

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