King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 15:25 Mean?

1 Kings 15:25 in the King James Version says “And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israe...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two years. began: Heb. reigned”

1 Kings 15:25 · King James Version

Context

23

The rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities which he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? Nevertheless in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet.

24

And Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead. Jehoshaphat: Gr. Josaphat

25

And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two years. began: Heb. reigned

26

And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin.

27

And Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him; and Baasha smote him at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines; for Nadab and all Israel laid siege to Gibbethon.

Read 1 Kings 15 full chapter

Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two years.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of judah and israel: abijam, asa, nadab, baasha, 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 · 15 words
וְנָדָ֣ב1 of 15

“And Nadab”

H5070

nadab, the name of four israelites

בֶּן2 of 15

“the 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

יָֽרָבְעָ֗ם3 of 15

“of Jeroboam”

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

וַיִּמְלֹ֥ךְ4 of 15

“and reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

עַל5 of 15
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל6 of 15

“over Israel”

H3478

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

שְׁנָתָֽיִם׃7 of 15

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שְׁתַּ֔יִם8 of 15

“in the second”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

לְאָסָ֖א9 of 15

“of Asa”

H609

asa, the name of a king and of a levite

מֶ֣לֶךְ10 of 15

“king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֑ה11 of 15

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וַיִּמְלֹ֥ךְ12 of 15

“and reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

עַל13 of 15
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל14 of 15

“over Israel”

H3478

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

שְׁנָתָֽיִם׃15 of 15

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

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 15:25 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 15:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 14:201 Kings 14:12

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