King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 4:12 Mean?

1 Kings 4:12 in the King James Version says “Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:

1 Kings 4:12 · KJV


Context

10

The son of Hesed , in Aruboth; to him pertained Sochoh, and all the land of Hepher: The son: or, Ben Heseb

11

The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife: The son: or, Bena Binadab

12

Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:

13

The son of Geber, in Ramothgilead ; to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; to him also pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars: The son: or, Ben Geber

14

Ahinadab the son of Iddo had Mahanaim: Mahanaim: or, to Mahanaim


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth-shean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's administration and prosperity, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.

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. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

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 the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
  2. What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
בַּֽעֲנָא֙1 of 21

Baana

H1195

banana, the name of four israelite

בֶּן2 of 21

the son

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

אֲחִיל֔וּד3 of 21

of Ahilud

H286

achilud, an israelite

תַּעְנַ֖ךְ4 of 21

to him pertained Taanach

H8590

taanak or tanak, a place in palestine

וּמְגִדּ֑וֹ5 of 21

and Megiddo

H4023

megiddon or megiddo, a place in palestine

וְכָל6 of 21
H3605

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

בֵּ֣ית7 of 21
H0
שְׁאָן֙8 of 21

and all Bethshean

H1052

beth-shean or beth-shan, a place in palestine

אֲשֶׁר֩9 of 21
H834

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

אֵ֨צֶל10 of 21

which is by

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

צָֽרְתַ֜נָה11 of 21

Zartanah

H6891

tsarethan, a place in palestine

מִתַּ֣חַת12 of 21
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

לְיִזְרְעֶ֗אל13 of 21

beneath Jezreel

H3157

jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites

מִבֵּ֤ית14 of 21
H0
שְׁאָן֙15 of 21

and all Bethshean

H1052

beth-shean or beth-shan, a place in palestine

עַ֚ד16 of 21
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אָבֵ֣ל17 of 21
H0
מְחוֹלָ֔ה18 of 21

to Abelmeholah

H65

abel-mecholah, a place in palestine

עַ֖ד19 of 21
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מֵעֵ֥בֶר20 of 21

even unto the place that is beyond

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

לְיָקְמֳעָֽם׃21 of 21

Jokneam

H3361

jokmeam, a place in palestine


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 4:12 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 4:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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