King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 21:26 Mean?

1 Kings 21:26 in the King James Version says “And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the LORD cast out befor... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

1 Kings 21:26 · KJV


Context

24

Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat.

25

But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. stirred: or, incited

26

And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

27

And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.

28

And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of naboth's vineyard, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism.

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. Elijah's ministry (c. 860-850 BCE) occurred during Ahab's reign, a time of intense spiritual crisis in Israel.

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 · 15 words
וַיַּתְעֵ֣ב1 of 15

abominably

H8581

to loathe, i.e., (morally) detest

מְאֹ֔ד2 of 15

And he did very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

לָלֶ֖כֶת3 of 15
H1980

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

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י4 of 15
H310

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

הַגִּלֻּלִ֑ים5 of 15

idols

H1544

properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol

כְּכֹל֙6 of 15
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 15
H834

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

עָשׂ֣וּ8 of 15

according to all things as did

H6213

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

הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י9 of 15

the Amorites

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

אֲשֶׁר֙10 of 15
H834

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

הוֹרִ֣ישׁ11 of 15

cast out

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

יְהוָ֔ה12 of 15

whom the LORD

H3068

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

מִפְּנֵ֖י13 of 15

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

בְּנֵ֥י14 of 15

the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃15 of 15

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


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 21:26 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 21:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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