King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 16:31 Mean?

1 Kings 16:31 in the King James Version says “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 t...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 16:31 · KJV

Context

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.

33

And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him.

Read 1 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. Canaanite fertility religion promised agricultural prosperity through ritual practices honoring Baal (storm god) and Asherah (mother goddess), posing constant temptation to syncretism. 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 · 21 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הֲנָקֵ֣ל2 of 21

“And it came to pass as if it had been a light thing”

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

לֶכְתּ֔וֹ3 of 21
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּחַטֹּ֖אות4 of 21

“in the sins”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

יָֽרָבְעָ֣ם5 of 21

“of Jeroboam”

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

בֶּן6 of 21

“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

נְבָ֑ט7 of 21

“of Nebat”

H5028

nebat, the father of jeroboam i

וַיִּקַּ֨ח8 of 21

“that he took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אִשָּׁ֜ה9 of 21

“to wife”

H802

a woman

אֶת10 of 21
H853

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

אִיזֶ֗בֶל11 of 21

“Jezebel”

H348

izebel, the wife of king ahab

בַּת12 of 21

“the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אֶתְבַּ֙עַל֙13 of 21

“of Ethbaal”

H856

ethbaal, a phoenician king

מֶ֣לֶךְ14 of 21

“king”

H4428

a king

צִֽידֹנִ֔ים15 of 21

“of the Zidonians”

H6722

a tsidonian or inhabitant of tsidon

וַיֵּ֙לֶךְ֙16 of 21
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֣ד17 of 21

“and served”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

אֶת18 of 21
H853

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

הַבַּ֔עַל19 of 21

“Baal”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ20 of 21

“and worshipped”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לֽוֹ׃21 of 21
H0

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 16:31 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 16:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 17:162 Kings 10:18Judges 18:71 Kings 21:25-26Judges 2:11Deuteronomy 7:3-4

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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