King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 15:27 Mean?

1 Kings 15:27 in the King James Version says “And Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him; and Baasha smote him at Gibbethon, which ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 15:27 · KJV

Context

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.

28

Even in the third year of Asa king of Judah did Baasha slay him, and reigned in his stead.

29

And it came to pass, when he reigned, that he smote all the house of Jeroboam; he left not to Jeroboam any that breathed, until he had destroyed him, according unto the saying of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite:

Read 1 Kings 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 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.

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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
וַיִּקְשֹׁ֨ר1 of 18

“conspired”

H7194

to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)

עָלָ֜יו2 of 18
H5921

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

בַעְשָׁ֔א3 of 18

“And Baasha”

H1201

basha, a king of israel

בֶן4 of 18

“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

אֲחִיָּה֙5 of 18

“of Ahijah”

H281

achijah, the name of nine israelites

לְבֵ֣ית6 of 18

“of the house”

H1004

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

יִשָּׂשכָ֔ר7 of 18

“of Issachar”

H3485

jissaskar, a son of jacob

וַיַּכֵּ֣הוּ8 of 18

“smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

בַעְשָׁ֔א9 of 18

“And Baasha”

H1201

basha, a king of israel

גִּבְּתֽוֹן׃10 of 18

“him at Gibbethon”

H1405

gibbethon, a place in palestine

אֲשֶׁ֣ר11 of 18
H834

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

לַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים12 of 18

“which belonged to the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וְנָדָב֙13 of 18

“for Nadab”

H5070

nadab, the name of four israelites

וְכָל14 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל15 of 18

“and all Israel”

H3478

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

צָרִ֖ים16 of 18

“laid siege”

H6696

to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)

עַֽל17 of 18
H5921

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

גִּבְּתֽוֹן׃18 of 18

“him at Gibbethon”

H1405

gibbethon, a place in palestine

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 15:27 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 15:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 14:14Joshua 19:44Joshua 21:231 Kings 16:151 Kings 15:16-171 Kings 16:9

Places in This Verse

GibbethonSettlement · Modern: Tell Melat · 31.86°N, 34.87°E5 verses across 2 books
View all places in 1 Kings 15 →

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