King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 16:3 Mean?

1 Kings 16:3 in the King James Version says “Behold, I will take away the posterity of Baasha, and the posterity of his house; and will make thy house like the house...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Behold, I will take away the posterity of Baasha, and the posterity of his house; and will make thy house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat.”

1 Kings 16:3 · KJV

Context

1

Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,

2

Forasmuch as I exalted thee out of the dust, and made thee prince over my people Israel; and thou hast walked in the way of Jeroboam, and hast made my people Israel to sin, to provoke me to anger with their sins;

3

Behold, I will take away the posterity of Baasha, and the posterity of his house; and will make thy house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

4

Him that dieth of Baasha in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth of his in the fields shall the fowls of the air eat.

5

Now the rest of the acts of Baasha, and what he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Read 1 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, I will take away the posterity of Baasha, and the posterity of his house; and will make thy house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

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 temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').

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 · 13 words
הִנְנִ֥י1 of 13
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

מַבְעִ֛יר2 of 13

“Behold I will take away”

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

וְאַֽחֲרֵ֣י3 of 13

“and the posterity”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

בַעְשָׁ֖א4 of 13

“of Baasha”

H1201

basha, a king of israel

וְאַֽחֲרֵ֣י5 of 13

“and the posterity”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

כְּבֵ֖ית6 of 13

“like the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְנָֽתַתִּי֙7 of 13

“and will make”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת8 of 13
H853

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

כְּבֵ֖ית9 of 13

“like the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

כְּבֵ֖ית10 of 13

“like the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יָֽרָבְעָ֥ם11 of 13

“of Jeroboam”

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

בֶּן12 of 13

“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

נְבָֽט׃13 of 13

“of Nebat”

H5028

nebat, the father of jeroboam i

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 16:3 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 16:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 14:101 Kings 21:21-241 Kings 15:29-30Jeremiah 22:191 Kings 16:11-12Isaiah 66:24

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