King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 22:48 Mean?

1 Kings 22:48 in the King James Version says “Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber.... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber. made: or, had ten ships

1 Kings 22:48 · KJV


Context

46

And the remnant of the sodomites, which remained in the days of his father Asa, he took out of the land.

47

There was then no king in Edom: a deputy was king.

48

Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber. made: or, had ten ships

49

Then said Ahaziah the son of Ahab unto Jehoshaphat, Let my servants go with thy servants in the ships. But Jehoshaphat would not.

50

And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoram his son reigned in his stead.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Ezion-geber.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of ahab's death and jehoshaphat's alliance, 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 · 13 words
יְהוֹשָׁפָט1 of 13

Jehoshaphat

yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ

H3092
עָשָׂה2 of 13

made

'ā·śāh

H6213
אֳנִיּוֹת3 of 13

ships

'o·nî·yō·wṯ

H591
תַּרְשִׁישׁ4 of 13

of Tarshish

tar·šîš

H8659
לָלֶכֶת5 of 13

to go

lā·le·ḵeṯ

H1980
אוֹפִירָה6 of 13

to Ophir

'ō·w·p̄î·rāh

H211
לַזָּהָב7 of 13

for gold

laz·zā·hāḇ

H2091
וְלֹא8 of 13

but never

wə·lō

H3808
הָלָךְ9 of 13

they sailed

hā·lāḵ

H1980
נִשְׁבְּרוּ10 of 13

were wrecked

niš·bə·rū

H7665
אֳנִיּוֹת11 of 13

the ships

'o·nî·yō·wṯ

H591
בְּעֶצְיוֹן12 of 13

at Ezion

bə·'eṣ·yō·wn

H6100
גָּבֶר13 of 13

Geber

gā·ḇer

H1397

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 22:48 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 22:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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