King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 16:18 Mean?

1 Kings 16:18 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that he went into the palace of the king's house, and burnt...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass, when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that he went into the palace of the king's house, and burnt the king's house over him with fire, and died,”

1 Kings 16:18 · KJV

Context

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.

18

And it came to pass, when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that he went into the palace of the king's house, and burnt the king's house over him with fire, and died,

19

For his sins which he sinned in doing evil in the sight of the LORD, in walking in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin which he did, to make Israel to sin.

20

Now the rest of the acts of Zimri, and his treason that he wrought, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Read 1 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that he went into the palace of the king's house, and burnt the king's house over him with fire, and died,

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 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
וַיְהִ֞י1 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּרְא֤וֹת2 of 18

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

זִמְרִי֙3 of 18

“And it came to pass when Zimri”

H2174

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

כִּֽי4 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִלְכְּדָ֣ה5 of 18

“was taken”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

הָעִ֔יר6 of 18

“that the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיָּבֹ֖א7 of 18

“that he went”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל8 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַרְמ֣וֹן9 of 18

“into the palace”

H759

a citadel (from its height)

בֵּֽית10 of 18

“house”

H1004

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

מֶ֛לֶךְ11 of 18

“of the king's”

H4428

a king

וַיִּשְׂרֹ֨ף12 of 18

“and burnt”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

עָלָ֧יו13 of 18
H5921

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

אֶת14 of 18
H853

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

בֵּֽית15 of 18

“house”

H1004

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

מֶ֛לֶךְ16 of 18

“of the king's”

H4428

a king

בָּאֵ֖שׁ17 of 18

“over him with fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וַיָּמֹֽת׃18 of 18

“and died”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 16:18 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 16:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 17:231 Samuel 31:4-5Matthew 27:5Job 2:9-10Judges 9:54

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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