King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 15:30 Mean?

1 Kings 15:30 in the King James Version says “Because of the sins of Jeroboam which he sinned, and which he made Israel sin, by his provocation wherewith he provoked ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Because of the sins of Jeroboam which he sinned, and which he made Israel sin, by his provocation wherewith he provoked the LORD God of Israel to anger.”

1 Kings 15:30 · King James Version

Context

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:

30

Because of the sins of Jeroboam which he sinned, and which he made Israel sin, by his provocation wherewith he provoked the LORD God of Israel to anger.

31

Now the rest of the acts of Nadab, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

32

And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days.

Read 1 Kings 15 full chapter

Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Because of the sins of Jeroboam which he sinned, and which he made Israel sin, by his provocation wherewith he provoked the LORD God of Israel to anger.

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 · 16 words
עַל1 of 16
H5921

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

חַטֹּ֤אות2 of 16

“Because of the sins”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

יָֽרָבְעָם֙3 of 16

“of Jeroboam”

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 16
H834

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

הֶֽחֱטִ֖יא5 of 16

“sin”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר6 of 16
H834

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

הֶֽחֱטִ֖יא7 of 16

“sin”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

אֶת8 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃9 of 16

“and which he made Israel”

H3478

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

בְּכַעְס֕וֹ10 of 16

“by his provocation”

H3708

vexation

אֲשֶׁ֣ר11 of 16
H834

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

הִכְעִ֔יס12 of 16

“to anger”

H3707

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

אֶת13 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָ֖ה14 of 16

“wherewith he provoked the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֥י15 of 16

“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׃16 of 16

“and which he made 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 15:30 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 15:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 15:261 Kings 14:221 Kings 14:9-16

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