King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 16:21 Mean?

1 Kings 16:21 in the King James Version says “Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 16:21 · KJV

Context

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.

22

But the people that followed Omri prevailed against the people that followed Tibni the son of Ginath: so Tibni died, and Omri reigned.

23

In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah began Omri to reign over Israel, twelve years: six years reigned he in Tirzah.

Read 1 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 16 words
אָ֧ז1 of 16
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

יֵֽחָלֵ֛ק2 of 16

“divided”

H2505

to be smooth (figuratively)

הָעָ֜ם3 of 16

“Then were the people”

H5971

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל4 of 16

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וְהַֽחֲצִ֖י5 of 16

“and half”

H2677

the half or middle

וְהַֽחֲצִ֖י6 of 16

“and half”

H2677

the half or middle

הָעָ֜ם7 of 16

“Then were the people”

H5971

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

הָ֠יָה8 of 16

“followed”

H1961

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

אַֽחֲרֵ֥י9 of 16

“followed”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

תִבְנִ֤י10 of 16

“Tibni”

H8402

tibni, an israelite

בֶן11 of 16

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

גִּינַת֙12 of 16

“of Ginath”

H1527

ginath, an israelite

לְהַמְלִיכ֔וֹ13 of 16

“to make him king”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

וְהַֽחֲצִ֖י14 of 16

“and half”

H2677

the half or middle

אַֽחֲרֵ֥י15 of 16

“followed”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

עָמְרִֽי׃16 of 16

“Omri”

H6018

omri, an israelite

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 16:21 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 16:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 28:21 Corinthians 1:12-13Isaiah 19:2Matthew 12:25Isaiah 9:18-21Ephesians 4:3-5

Test Your Knowledge

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

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