King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 22:52 Mean?

1 Kings 22:52 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

1 Kings 22:52 · KJV

Context

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
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:

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 · 16 words
וַיַּעַשׂ1 of 16

“And He did”

way·ya·'aś

H6213
הָרַע2 of 16

“evil”

hā·ra'

H7451
בְּעֵינֵי3 of 16

“in the sight”

bə·'ê·nê

H5869
יְהוָה4 of 16

“of the LORD”

Yah·weh

H3068
וַיֵּלֶךְ5 of 16

“and walked”

way·yê·leḵ

H1980
בְּדֶרֶךְ6 of 16

“in the way”

bə·ḏe·reḵ

H1870
אָבִיו7 of 16

“of his father”

'ā·ḇîw

H1
וּבְדֶרֶךְ8 of 16

“and in the way”

ū·ḇə·ḏe·reḵ

H1870
אִמּוֹ9 of 16

“of mother”

'im·mōw

H517
וּבְדֶרֶךְ10 of 16

“and in the way”

ū·ḇə·ḏe·reḵ

H1870
יָרָבְעָם11 of 16

“of Jeroboam”

yā·rā·ḇə·'ām

H3379
בֶּן־12 of 16

“son”

ben-

H1121
נְבָט13 of 16

“of Nebat”

nə·ḇāṭ

H5028
אֲשֶׁר14 of 16

“who”

'ă·šer

H834
הֶחֱטִיא15 of 16

“had made sin”

he·ḥĕ·ṭî

H2398
יִשְׂרָאֵל16 of 16

“Israel”

yiś·rā·'êl

H3478

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 22:52 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 22:52 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 15:261 Kings 21:252 Kings 1:2-72 Kings 8:271 Kings 14:9-16Mark 6:24

Test Your Knowledge

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

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