King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 16:9 Mean?

1 Kings 16:9 in the King James Version says “And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah. steward: Heb. which was over”

1 Kings 16:9 · KJV

Context

7

And also by the hand of the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani came the word of the LORD against Baasha, and against his house, even for all the evil that he did in the sight of the LORD, in provoking him to anger with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam; and because he killed him.

8

In the twenty and sixth year of Asa king of Judah began Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, two years.

9

And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah. steward: Heb. which was over

10

And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him, in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his stead.

11

And it came to pass, when he began to reign, as soon as he sat on his throne, that he slew all the house of Baasha: he left him not one that pisseth against a wall, neither of his kinsfolks, nor of his friends. neither: or, both his kinsmen and his friends

Read 1 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah.

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 · 17 words
וַיִּקְשֹׁ֤ר1 of 17

“conspired”

H7194

to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)

עָלָיו֙2 of 17
H5921

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

עַבְדּ֣וֹ3 of 17

“And his servant”

H5650

a servant

זִמְרִ֔י4 of 17

“Zimri”

H2174

zimri, the name of five israelites, and of an arabian tribe

שַׂ֖ר5 of 17

“captain”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

מַֽחֲצִ֣ית6 of 17

“of half”

H4276

a halving or the middle

הָרָ֑כֶב7 of 17

“his chariots”

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וְה֤וּא8 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בְּתִרְצָֽה׃9 of 17

“against him as he was in Tirzah”

H8656

tirtsah, a place in palestine; also an israelitess

שֹׁתֶ֣ה10 of 17

“drinking”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

שִׁכּ֔וֹר11 of 17

“himself drunk”

H7910

intoxicated, as a state or a habit

הַבַּ֖יִת12 of 17

“in the house”

H1004

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

אַרְצָ֔א13 of 17

“of Arza”

H777

artsa, an israelite

אֲשֶׁ֥ר14 of 17
H834

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

עַל15 of 17
H5921

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

הַבַּ֖יִת16 of 17

“in the house”

H1004

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

בְּתִרְצָֽה׃17 of 17

“against him as he was in Tirzah”

H8656

tirtsah, a place in palestine; also an israelitess

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 16:9 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 16:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 24:21 Kings 18:3Genesis 39:4Daniel 5:1-41 Kings 15:272 Kings 9:30-33

Places in This Verse

TirzahSettlement · Modern: Tell el Farah · 32.29°N, 35.34°E13 verses across 4 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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