King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 16:29 Mean?

1 Kings 16:29 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 16:29 · KJV

Context

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.

31

And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. as if: Heb. was it a light thing, etc

Read 1 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
אַחְאָ֨ב1 of 23

“and Ahab”

H256

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

בֶּן2 of 23

“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

עָמְרִ֤י3 of 23

“of Omri”

H6018

omri, an israelite

וַ֠יִּמְלֹךְ4 of 23

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

עַל5 of 23
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙6 of 23

“over Israel”

H3478

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

שָׁנָֽה׃7 of 23

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים8 of 23

“And in the thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וּשְׁמֹנֶה֙9 of 23

“and eighth”

H8083

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

שָׁנָֽה׃10 of 23

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

לְאָסָ֖א11 of 23

“of Asa”

H609

asa, the name of a king and of a levite

מֶ֣לֶךְ12 of 23

“king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֑ה13 of 23

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וַ֠יִּמְלֹךְ14 of 23

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אַחְאָ֨ב15 of 23

“and Ahab”

H256

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

בֶּן16 of 23

“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

עָמְרִ֤י17 of 23

“of Omri”

H6018

omri, an israelite

עַל18 of 23
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙19 of 23

“over Israel”

H3478

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

בְּשֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן20 of 23

“in Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים21 of 23

“twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וּשְׁתַּ֖יִם22 of 23

“and two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

שָׁנָֽה׃23 of 23

“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 16:29 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

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

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