King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 16:24 Mean?

1 Kings 16:24 in the King James Version says “And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the ci...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 16:24 · KJV

Context

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.

26

For he walked in all the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin, to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger with their vanities.

Read 1 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 23 words
וַיִּ֜קֶן1 of 23

“And he bought”

H7069

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

אֶת2 of 23
H853

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

הָהָ֥ר3 of 23

“of the hill”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

שֹֽׁמְרֽוֹן׃4 of 23

“Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

מֵ֥אֶת5 of 23
H853

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

שֶׁ֔מֶר6 of 23

“of Shemer”

H8106

shemer, the name of three israelites

בְּכִכְּרַ֣יִם7 of 23

“for two talents”

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

כָּ֑סֶף8 of 23

“of silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

בָּנָ֔ה9 of 23

“and built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת10 of 23
H853

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

הָהָ֥ר11 of 23

“of the hill”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וַיִּקְרָ֗א12 of 23

“and called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת13 of 23
H853

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

שֶׁם14 of 23

“after the ~”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הָעִיר֙15 of 23

“of the city”

H5892

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר16 of 23
H834

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

בָּנָ֔ה17 of 23

“and built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

עַ֣ל18 of 23
H5921

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

שֶׁם19 of 23

“after the ~”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שֶׁ֔מֶר20 of 23

“of Shemer”

H8106

shemer, the name of three israelites

אֲדֹנֵ֖י21 of 23

“owner”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

הָהָ֥ר22 of 23

“of the hill”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

שֹֽׁמְרֽוֹן׃23 of 23

“Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

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 16:24 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 16:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 13:32John 4:4-52 Kings 17:12 Kings 17:61 Kings 22:371 Kings 18:2

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in 1 Kings 16 →

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