King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 22:50 Mean?

1 Kings 22:50 in the King James Version says “And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoram his...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 22:50 · KJV

Context

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.

51

Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned two years over Israel.

52

And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father, and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin:

Read 1 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 14 words
וַיִּשְׁכַּב1 of 14

“And rested”

way·yiš·kaḇ

H7901
יְהוֹשָׁפָט2 of 14

“Jehoshaphat”

yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ

H3092
עִם־3 of 14

“with”

'im-

H5973
אֲבֹתָיו4 of 14

“his fathers”

'ă·ḇō·ṯāw

H1
וַיִּקָּבֵר5 of 14

“and was buried”

way·yiq·qā·ḇêr

H6912
עִם־6 of 14

“with”

'im-

H5973
אֲבֹתָיו7 of 14

“his fathers”

'ă·ḇō·ṯāw

H1
בְּעִיר8 of 14

“in the City”

bə·'îr

H5892
דָּוִד9 of 14

“of David”

dā·wiḏ

H1732
אָבִיו10 of 14

“his father”

'ā·ḇîw

H1
וַיִּמְלֹךְ11 of 14

“and reigned”

way·yim·lōḵ

H4427
יְהוֹרָם12 of 14

“Joram”

yə·hō·w·rām

H3088
בְּנוֹ13 of 14

“his son”

bə·nōw

H1121
תַּחְתָּיו14 of 14

“in his place”

taḥ·tāw

H8478

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 22:50 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 22:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 21:11 Kings 22:402 Chronicles 21:5-71 Kings 14:311 Kings 15:241 Kings 2:10

Places in This Verse

City of DavidSettlement · Modern: City of David · 31.77°N, 35.24°E46 verses across 7 books
View all places in 1 Kings 22 →

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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