King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 16:28 Mean?

1 Kings 16:28 in the King James Version says “So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria: and Ahab his son reigned in his stead.” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 16:28 · KJV

Context

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.

30

And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him.

Read 1 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 · 10 words
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב1 of 10

“slept”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

עָמְרִי֙2 of 10

“So Omri”

H6018

omri, an israelite

עִם3 of 10
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֲבֹתָ֔יו4 of 10

“with his fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַיִּקָּבֵ֖ר5 of 10

“and was buried”

H6912

to inter

בְּשֹֽׁמְר֑וֹן6 of 10

“in Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ7 of 10

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אַחְאָ֥ב8 of 10

“and Ahab”

H256

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

בְּנ֖וֹ9 of 10

“his 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

תַּחְתָּֽיו׃10 of 10
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

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 16:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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

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