King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 16:34 Mean?

1 Kings 16:34 in the King James Version says “In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.

1 Kings 16:34 · KJV


Context

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.

34

In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In his days did Hiel the Beth-elite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.

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 · 22 words
בְּיָמָ֞יו1 of 22

In his days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בָּנָ֥ה2 of 22

build

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

חִיאֵ֛ל3 of 22

did Hiel

H2419

chiel, an israelite

בֵּ֥ית4 of 22
H0
הָֽאֱלִ֖י5 of 22

the Bethelite

H1017

a beth-elite, or inhabitant of bethel

אֶת6 of 22
H853

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

יְרִיחֹ֑ה7 of 22

Jericho

H3405

jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine

בַּֽאֲבִירָ֨ם8 of 22

thereof in Abiram

H48

abiram, the name of two israelites

בְּכֹר֜וֹ9 of 22

his firstborn

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

יִסְּדָ֗הּ10 of 22

he laid the foundation

H3245

to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult

וּבִשְׂג֤יּב11 of 22

son Segub

H7687

segub, the name of two israelites

צְעִירוֹ֙12 of 22

thereof in his youngest

H6810

little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble

הִצִּ֣יב13 of 22

and set up

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

דְּלָתֶ֔יהָ14 of 22

the gates

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

כִּדְבַ֣ר15 of 22

according to the word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֔ה16 of 22

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר17 of 22
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֔ר18 of 22

which he spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בְּיַ֖ד19 of 22

by

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יְהוֹשֻׁ֥עַ20 of 22

Joshua

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

בִּן21 of 22

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

נֽוּן׃22 of 22

of Nun

H5126

nun or non, the father of joshua


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 16:34 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 16:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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