King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 16:26 Mean?

1 Kings 16:26 in the King James Version says “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 th...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 16:26 · KJV

Context

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.

27

Now the rest of the acts of Omri which he did, and his might that he shewed, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

28

So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria: and Ahab his son reigned in his stead.

Read 1 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 17 words
וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ1 of 17
H1980

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

בְּכָל2 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דֶּ֙רֶךְ֙3 of 17

“in all the way”

H1870

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

יָֽרָבְעָ֣ם4 of 17

“of Jeroboam”

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

בֶּן5 of 17

“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

נְבָ֔ט6 of 17

“of Nebat”

H5028

nebat, the father of jeroboam i

וּ֨בְחַטָּאת֔וֹ7 of 17

“and in his sin”

H2403

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 17
H834

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

הֶֽחֱטִ֖יא9 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

אֶת10 of 17
H853

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל11 of 17

“of Israel”

H3478

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

לְהַכְעִ֗יס12 of 17

“to anger”

H3707

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

אֶת13 of 17
H853

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

יְהוָ֛ה14 of 17

“to provoke the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֥י15 of 17

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל16 of 17

“of Israel”

H3478

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

בְּהַבְלֵיהֶֽם׃17 of 17

“with their vanities”

H1892

emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb

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 16:26 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 16:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 16:191 Kings 16:13Jeremiah 8:19Acts 14:15Jeremiah 16:19Jeremiah 10:3

Test Your Knowledge

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

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