King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 16:27 Mean?

1 Kings 16:27 in the King James Version says “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 chr... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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?

1 Kings 16:27 · King James Version


Context

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.

29

And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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?

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְיֶ֨תֶר1 of 17

Now the rest

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

דִּבְרֵ֥י2 of 17

of the acts

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

עָמְרִי֙3 of 17

of Omri

H6018

omri, an israelite

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 17
H834

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

עָשָׂ֑ה5 of 17

that he shewed

H6213

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

וּגְבֽוּרָת֖וֹ6 of 17

and his might

H1369

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 17
H834

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

עָשָׂ֑ה8 of 17

that he shewed

H6213

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

הֲלֹא9 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֵ֣ם10 of 17
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כְּתוּבִ֗ים11 of 17

are they not written

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

עַל12 of 17
H5921

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

סֵ֛פֶר13 of 17

in the book

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

דִּבְרֵ֥י14 of 17

of the acts

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַיָּמִ֖ים15 of 17
H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

לְמַלְכֵ֥י16 of 17

of the kings

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃17 of 17

of 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 16:27 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 16:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study