King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 16:15 Mean?

1 Kings 16:15 in the King James Version says “In the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah did Zimri reign seven days in Tirzah. And the people were encamped a... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

In the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah did Zimri reign seven days in Tirzah. And the people were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines.

1 Kings 16:15 · KJV


Context

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?

15

In the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah did Zimri reign seven days in Tirzah. And the people were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines.

16

And the people that were encamped heard say, Zimri hath conspired, and hath also slain the king: wherefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the host, king over Israel that day in the camp.

17

And Omri went up from Gibbethon, and all Israel with him, and they besieged Tirzah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah did Zimri reign seven days in Tirzah. And the people were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines.

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 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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
שָׁנָ֗ה1 of 18

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

עֶשְׂרִ֨ים2 of 18

In the twenty

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

שִׁבְעַ֥ת3 of 18

and seventh

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

שָׁנָ֗ה4 of 18

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

לְאָסָא֙5 of 18

of Asa

H609

asa, the name of a king and of a levite

מֶ֣לֶךְ6 of 18

king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֔ה7 of 18

of Judah

H3063

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

מָלַ֥ךְ8 of 18

reign

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

זִמְרִ֛י9 of 18

did Zimri

H2174

zimri, the name of five israelites, and of an arabian tribe

שִׁבְעַ֥ת10 of 18

and seventh

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יָמִ֖ים11 of 18

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בְּתִרְצָ֑ה12 of 18

in Tirzah

H8656

tirtsah, a place in palestine; also an israelitess

וְהָעָ֣ם13 of 18

And the people

H5971

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

חֹנִ֔ים14 of 18

were encamped

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

עַֽל15 of 18
H5921

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

גִּבְּת֖וֹן16 of 18

against Gibbethon

H1405

gibbethon, a place in palestine

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 18
H834

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

לַפְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃18 of 18

which belonged to the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth


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 16:15 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 16:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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