King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 16:30 Mean?

1 Kings 16:30 in the King James Version says “And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him.” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 16:30 · KJV

Context

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

32

And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria.

Read 1 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

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

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
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ1 of 10

“did”

H6213

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

אַחְאָ֧ב2 of 10

“And Ahab”

H256

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

בֶּן3 of 10

“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

עָמְרִ֛י4 of 10

“of Omri”

H6018

omri, an israelite

הָרַ֖ע5 of 10

“evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בְּעֵינֵ֣י6 of 10

“in the sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֑ה7 of 10

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

מִכֹּ֖ל8 of 10
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 10
H834

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

לְפָנָֽיו׃10 of 10

“above all that were before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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 16:30 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 16:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 16:251 Kings 21:251 Kings 14:92 Kings 3:21 Kings 16:331 Kings 16:31

Test Your Knowledge

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

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