King James Version
What Does 1 Kings 16:12 Mean?
“Thus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake against Baasha by Jehu the prophet, by: Heb. by the hand of”
1 Kings 16:12 · KJV
Context
10
And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him, in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his stead.
11
And it came to pass, when he began to reign, as soon as he sat on his throne, that he slew all the house of Baasha: he left him not one that pisseth against a wall, neither of his kinsfolks, nor of his friends. neither: or, both his kinsmen and his friends
12
Thus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake against Baasha by Jehu the prophet, by: Heb. by the hand of
13
For all the sins of Baasha, and the sins of Elah his son, by which they sinned, and by which they made Israel to sin, in provoking the LORD God of Israel to anger with their vanities.
14
Now the rest of the acts of Elah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake against Baasha by Jehu the prophet,
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, 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 prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.
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.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, 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 prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.
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.
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
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 15 wordsאֵ֖ת3 of 15
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל4 of 15
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בֵּ֣ית5 of 15
“all the house”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
כִּדְבַ֤ר7 of 15
“according to the word”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָה֙8 of 15
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 15
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֣ר10 of 15
“which he spake”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְּיַ֖ד13 of 15
“by”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
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 16:12 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 16:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge