King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 22:51 Mean?

1 Kings 22:51 in the King James Version says “Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and rei...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 22:51 · KJV

Context

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:

53

For he served Baal, and worshipped him, and provoked to anger the LORD God of Israel, according to all that his father had done.

Read 1 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 15 words
אֲחַזְיָהוּ1 of 15

“Ahaziah”

'ă·ḥaz·yā·hū

H274
בֶן־2 of 15

“son”

ḇen-

H1121
אַחְאָב3 of 15

“of Ahab”

'aḥ·'āḇ

H256
מָלַךְ4 of 15

“became king”

mā·laḵ

H4427
עַל־5 of 15

“over”

'al-

H5921
יִשְׂרָאֵל6 of 15

“Israel”

yiś·rā·'êl

H3478
בְּשֹׁמְרוֹן7 of 15

“in Samaria”

bə·šō·mə·rō·wn

H8111
בִּשְׁנַת8 of 15

“in the year”

biš·naṯ

H8141
שְׁבַע9 of 15

“seven”

šə·ḇa'

H7651
עֶשְׂרֵה10 of 15

“and ten”

'eś·rêh

H6240
לִיהוֹשָׁפָט11 of 15

“of Jehoshaphat”

lî·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ

H3092
מֶלֶךְ12 of 15

“king”

me·leḵ

H4428
יְהוּדָה13 of 15

“of Judah”

yə·hū·ḏāh

H3063
וַיִּמְלֹךְ14 of 15

“and reigned”

way·yim·lōḵ

H4427
שְׁנָתַיִם15 of 15

“two years”

šə·nā·ṯā·yim

H8141

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 22:51 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 22:51 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 22:402 Kings 1:171 Kings 15:25

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in 1 Kings 22 →

Test Your Knowledge

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