King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 16:23 Mean?

1 Kings 16:23 in the King James Version says “In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah began Omri to reign over Israel, twelve years: six years reigned he in...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 16:23 · KJV

Context

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.

24

And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, Samaria. Samaria: Heb. Shomeron

25

But Omri wrought evil in the eyes of the LORD, and did worse than all that were before him.

Read 1 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
שָׁנִֽים׃1 of 18

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים2 of 18

“In the thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וְאַחַ֜ת3 of 18

“and first”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

שָׁנִֽים׃4 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

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

עָמְרִי֙9 of 18

“began Omri”

H6018

omri, an israelite

עַל10 of 18
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל11 of 18

“over Israel”

H3478

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

שְׁתֵּ֥ים12 of 18

“twelve”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה13 of 18
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

שָׁנִֽים׃14 of 18

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

בְּתִרְצָ֖ה15 of 18

“he in Tirzah”

H8656

tirtsah, a place in palestine; also an israelitess

מָלַ֥ךְ16 of 18

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

שֵׁשׁ17 of 18

“six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

שָׁנִֽים׃18 of 18

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

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 16:23 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 16:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 16:81 Kings 15:211 Kings 16:292 Chronicles 22:2

Places in This Verse

TirzahSettlement · Modern: Tell el Farah · 32.29°N, 35.34°E13 verses across 4 books
View all places in 1 Kings 16 →

Test Your Knowledge

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