King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 16:19 Mean?

1 Kings 16:19 in the King James Version says “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 w...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 16:19 · KJV

Context

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?

21

Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri.

Read 1 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 17 words
עַל1 of 17
H5921

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

וּבְחַטָּאתוֹ֙2 of 17

“For his sins”

H2403

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 17
H834

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

לְהַֽחֲטִ֖יא4 of 17

“to sin”

H2398

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

עָשָׂ֔ה5 of 17

“in doing”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הָרַ֖ע6 of 17

“evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בְּעֵינֵ֣י7 of 17

“in the sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֑ה8 of 17

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

לָלֶ֙כֶת֙9 of 17
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ10 of 17

“in the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

יָֽרָבְעָ֔ם11 of 17

“of Jeroboam”

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

וּבְחַטָּאתוֹ֙12 of 17

“For his sins”

H2403

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר13 of 17
H834

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

עָשָׂ֔ה14 of 17

“in doing”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְהַֽחֲטִ֖יא15 of 17

“to sin”

H2398

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

אֶת16 of 17
H853

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃17 of 17

“to make 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 16:19 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 16:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 15:261 Kings 12:281 Kings 14:161 Kings 15:34Psalms 9:16Psalms 58:9-11

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Kings 16 with CommentaryAll 1 Kings ChaptersComplete 1 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes