1 Kings

1 Kings front

Introduction to 1 Kings

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of 1 Kings

1. David dies and Solomon begins to reign (1:1-2:46)
2. Solomon reigns (3:1–11:43)
   • Solomon becomes wise and wealthy (3:1–4:43)
   • Solomon’s temple (5:1–8:66)
   • Rise and fall of Solomon (9:1–11:43)
3. The kingdom divides (12:1-14:31)
   • Rehoboam succeeds Solomon (12:1–24)
   • Jeroboam rules the northern kingdom of Israel (12:25–33)
   • Ahijah prophesies against Jeroboam (13:1–14:20)
   • Rehoboam’s end (14:21–31)
4. Kings and events in Israel and Judah (15:1-22:53)
   • Abijah and Asa in Judah (15:1–24)
   • Nadab in Israel (15:25–32)
   • Baasha in Israel (15:33–16:7)
   • Elah in Israel (16:8–14)
   • Zimri in Israel (16:15–22)
   • Omri in Israel (16:23–28)
   • Ahab in Israel (16:29–22:40)
   • Jehoshaphat in Judah (22:41–50)
   • Ahaziah in Israel (22:51–53)

What are the Books of 1 and 2 Kings about?

These books are about what happened to the people of Israel, from the time of King Solomon to the time both the northern and southern kingdoms were destroyed. These books describe how Israel split into two kingdoms after Solomon died. It also tells about all the kings that ruled over each kingdom after Solomon died.

In the southern kingdom, some kings did what Yahweh judged to be right. For example, King Josiah repaired the temple and reformed the worship of Yahweh. He responded to the high priest finding a copy of the Law of Yahweh in Jerusalem (2 Kings 22–23). However, all of the kings of the northern kingdom were wicked.

The Assyrians destroyed the northern kingdom in 722 B.C. The Babylonians destroyed the southern kingdom in 586 B.C.

How should the title of this book be translated?

The Books of 1 and 2 Kings were originally one book in Hebrew. They were separated into two books when translated into Greek. Translators might choose more meaningful titles such as “The First Book about the Kings” and “The Second Book about the Kings.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What was the purpose of 1 and 2 Kings?

These books were probably finished during the exile, after the Babylonians had destroyed the temple. They show how being faithful to Yahweh results in his blessing and prospering his people. Worshipping idols and not being faithful result in their being punished and destroyed.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Why do the Books of 1 and 2 Kings refer to someone being addressed indirectly?

In the Bible, people often referred to themselves as “your servant” when speaking to anyone in a superior position to themselves. Indirectly addressing people in this way was intended to honor the one addressed. English sometimes uses the address “sir” in this way. But a translator should use whatever expressions that are natural in the project language in order to honor someone in a superior position.

What does the king “did what was right (or evil) in the eyes of Yahweh” mean?

The writer repeats this kind of expression throughout the Books of 1 and 2 Kings. Here “in the eyes of Yahweh” represents what Yahweh thinks about someone. If a king was faithful and obeyed the covenant, he did what was right according to Yahweh. If he was not faithful and disobeyed the covenant, he did what was evil according to Yahweh.

What is the meaning of the term “Israel”?

The name “Israel” is used in many different ways in the Bible. Jacob was the son of Isaac. God changed his name to Israel. The descendants of Jacob became a nation also called Israel. Eventually, the nation of Israel split into two kingdoms. The northern kingdom was named Israel. The southern kingdom was named Judah. (See: Israel, Israelites)

Can I translate the Book of 1 Kings before I translate the Books of 1 and 2 Samuel?

The Books of 1 and 2 Samuel should be translated before 1 Kings, since 1 Kings continues from where 2 Samuel ends.

1 Kings 1

1 Kings 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1 Kings is a continuation of 2 Samuel.

This chapter records the beginning of the reign of Solomon (chapters 1-11) after the death of David.

Special concepts in this chapter

The next king

David did not announce who was to succeed him. Because of this, there was fighting between David’s sons over who should be king. Adonijah invited guests to a banquet and declared himself king. Then those favoring Solomon told David and he declared Solomon the new king.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

Several times in this chapter, the people use the idiom “sit on the throne” to mean “be king.” Solomon assures Adonijah that if he behaves himself “not a hair of his will fall to the earth,” meaning “he will not be harmed.” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 1:1

They put many blankets on King David to try to keep him warm.

“very old.” The two phrases are similar in meaning and are combined for emphasis. (See: Doublet.)

1 Kings 1:3

Alternate translation: “So the king’s servants searched”

This is a generalization. Alternate translation: “all over the land of Israel” (See: Hyperbole)

This is a woman’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

a person from the city of Shunem (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “King David”

1 Kings 1:5

Haggith was a wife of David. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “began to boast”

These are men who drive chariots pulled by horses.

These men would go ahead of the chariots to clear the way for them and protect them.

1 Kings 1:6

Alternate translation: “had never troubled him. He had never even asked him” or “had never wanted to make him angry, so he never even asked him”

This is a rhetorical question that a father would ask to discipline his son. Alternate translation: “You should know that what you have done is wrong.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

David was the father or both Absalom and Adonijah, but they had different mothers. Absalom was born, then Adonijah.

1 Kings 1:7

Alternate translation: “Adonijah discussed his plans with Joab”

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “supported and helped Adonijah” or “promised to support and help Adonijah”

1 Kings 1:8

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 1:9

Alternate translation: “calves that were given plenty of food so that they would be fat” or “young cows that were specially prepared for sacrifice”

This is a rocky area near Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

This was the name of a spring where people got water. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is a generalization. (See: Hyperbole)

These two phrases refer to the same people.

These two phrases refer to the same people.

1 Kings 1:11

The purpose of this question is to introduce the information that Nathan wants to tell Bathsheba. Alternate translation: “You do not seem to have heard … it.” or “Have you heard … it?” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “that Haggith’s son Adonijah is trying to become king”

Adonijah’s mother and a wife of David. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 1:13

The purpose of this question was to remind David of what he had promised Bathsheba. Alternate translation: “you swore to your servant … throne.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Bathsheba speaks to David as if she were someone else to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: “to me, your servant” (See: Pronouns)

Sitting on the throne is a metonym for being king. Alternate translation: “he will be king just as I was” (See: Metonymy)

Bathsheba was to use a question so David would pay attention. Alternate translation: “So then, Adonijah should not be reigning.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Kings 1:14

Alternate translation: “tell him that what you have said is true”

1 Kings 1:15

Alternate translation: “the room in which the king slept”

This is the young virgin that King David’s servants had brought to care for him. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 1:3.

1 Kings 1:16

Alternate translation: “bowed close to the ground in front of the king”

Alternate translation: “What can I do for you?”

1 Kings 1:17

The form of “you” here is emphatic. Alternate translation: “you yourself swore to”

Bathsheba speaks as if she were another person to show David that she respects him. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 1:13. Alternate translation: “me, your servant”

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

Sitting on the throne is a metonym for being king. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 1:13. Alternate translation: “he will be king just as I was” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 1:18

Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

1 Kings 1:19

Alternate translation: “many oxen, fatted calves, and sheep”

1 Kings 1:20

Here “eyes” refers to the people. Here “the eyes … are on you” is an idiom that means the people are waiting expectantly. Alternate translation: “all the people of Israel are waiting expectantly” (See: Synecdoche and Idiom)

Sitting on the throne is a metonym for being king. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 1:13. Alternate translation: “will be king”

1 Kings 1:21

Bathsheba speaks to King David as if she were speaking about him to show that she respects him. Alternate translation: “when you sleep with your fathers” (See: Pronouns)

This is a polite way of saying “dies.” (See: Euphemism)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the new king will regard my son Solomon and me as criminals” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 1:22

Nathan the prophet speaks to King David.

1 Kings 1:23

Alternate translation: “bowed very low”

1 Kings 1:24

This can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “have you said that Adonijah will reign after you, and he will sit on your throne?” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Sitting on the throne is a metonym for being king. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 1:13. Alternate translation: “he will be king just as I was”

1 Kings 1:25

Adonijah probably sat at a table where he could watch all those he had invited as they ate and drank. The main idea is that the people Nathan named were with Adonijah and they were celebrating together. Alternate translation: “eating and drinking with him” or “eating and drinking where he can see them” (See: Idiom and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 1:27

Nathan refers to David in the third person. This is a way of showing respect to the king. It can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: “Have you, my master the king, done this without telling us, your servants, who should sit on the throne after you?” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Sitting on the throne is a metonym for being king. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 1:13. Alternate translation: “who would be king after him” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 1:28

King David makes a promise to Bathsheba.

Alternate translation: “came before the king” or “came back to the king”

1 Kings 1:29

Alternate translation: “made a solemn promise”

1 Kings 1:30

Sitting on the throne is a metonym for being king. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 1:13. Alternate translation: “he will take my place and be king just as I was” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 1:31

Bathsheba knew David would not live forever; this is a way of saying that he is a good king. (See: Hyperbole)

1 Kings 1:32

King David anoints Solomon king.

1 Kings 1:33

David speaks of himself as if he were speaking of someone else so Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah would remember that David is still king. Alternate translation: “my servants” (See: Pronouns)

This is the name of a water spring. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 1:35

The words “sit on the throne” are used as a metonym for being king in 1 Kings 1:13, 1 Kings 1:17, and 1 Kings 1:30. Here David speaks of Solomon literally sitting on a physical throne.

1 Kings 1:36

They agree and will do what King David said.

Benaiah speaks to King David as if he were speaking to someone else to show that he respects King David. Alternate translation: “My master and king, may Yahweh your God confirm” (See: Pronouns)

1 Kings 1:37

Benaiah speaks to King David as if he were speaking to someone else to show that he respects King David. Alternate translation: “has been with you, my master the king, so” (See: Pronouns)

The word throne is a metonym for either: (1) the person who sits on the throne. Alternate translation: “make the one who sits on the throne greater than my master King David” or (2) the kingdom over which the one who sits on the throne rules. Alternate translation: “make his kingdom greater than the kingdom of my master King David” (See: Metonymy)

Benaiah speaks to King David as if he were speaking to someone else to show that he respects King David. Alternate translation: “your throne, my master King David” (See: Pronouns)

1 Kings 1:38

The people of Israel anoint Solomon as king over Israel.

These are names of people groups. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a spring, where fresh water comes out of the ground. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 1:39

This means the priest took the special animal horn filled with olive oil that was kept in Yahweh’s special tent.

This could mean: (1) the horn of an animal filled with olive oil or (2) a container that had replaced the original horn, but the people still called it a horn. Alternate translation: “took a container of oil”

This is a generalization. (See: Hyperbole)

1 Kings 1:41

Adonijah hears the loud noise and waits for the news.

1 Kings 1:43

Adonijah learns that Solomon is the new king.

1 Kings 1:44

These are names of people groups. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 1:46

This could mean: (1) that these words are a metonym for being king. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 1:35. Alternate translation: “is now king” or (2) that Solomon was physically sitting on the physical throne. (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 1:48

This could mean: (1) that these words are a metonym for being king. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 1:35. Alternate translation: “a person to be king today as I was” or (2) that Solomon was physically sitting on the physical throne. (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 1:49

Adonijah becomes terrified of King Solomon.

Another possible meaning is “They began to act quickly” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 1:50

The “horns of the altar” symbolized the strength and protection of Yahweh, but because Adonijah literally went into the area of the physical tent to take literal hold of the physical horns, you should translate this literally.

Another possible meaning is “Adonijah … quickly went” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 1:51

The servants speak to King Solomon as if they were speaking of someone else to show that they respected King Solomon. Alternate translation: “is afraid of you, King Solomon” (See: Pronouns)

Adonijah speaks of himself as if he were speaking of another person so people will think that he respects King Solomon. Alternate translation: “he will not kill me” (See: Pronouns)

1 Kings 1:52

Solomon spares the life of Adonijah.

This is an exaggeration to say that Solomon will keep Adonijah safe. Alternate translation: “not a hair of his head will fall” or “I will keep him safe” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Hyperbole)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wickedness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. It is spoken of as if it were an object that could be found in a container. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “he does what is evil” (See: Abstract Nouns and Metaphor and Active or Passive)

1 Kings 2

1 Kings 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter has two stories: David’s last advice to Solomon and Solomon’s punishment of those who supported Adonijah and also Shimei, who had cursed David when David was fleeing from Absalom. (See: curse, cursed, cursing)

Special concepts in this chapter

Exalting oneself

Exalting oneself can lead to disaster as when Adonijah made himself king. (See: exalt, exalted, exaltation)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Euphemism

David spoke of his impending death using a euphemism: “I am going the way of all the earth.” (See: Euphemism)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Parallelism

David wanted to emphasize the importance of obeying God to his son Solomon. He used parallelism, saying the same thing seven times using different words: “Keep the commands of Yahweh your God to walk in his ways, to obey his statutes, his commandments, his decisions, and his covenant decrees, being careful to do what is written in the law of Moses.” Some languages have other ways of emphasizing an idea. (See: Parallelism)

1 Kings 2:2

This is a polite way of saying “I am going to die.” (See: Euphemism)

The ellipsis can be filled in. Alternate translation: “show everyone that you are a man” or “live so that everyone can see you are a good man” (See: Ellipsis)

1 Kings 2:3

Walking on a path is a metonym for the way a person lives. Alternate translation: “live the way he commands” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “so you may succeed” or “so you may do well”

1 Kings 2:4

Alternate translation: “do everything he promised he would do”

Yahweh is talking to David, so the words “you” and “your” refer to David.

Yahweh is talking to David, so the word “me” refers to Yahweh.

The idiom “with all … heart” means “completely” and “with all … soul” means “with all … being.” These two phrases have similar meanings. Alternate translation: “with all their being” or “with all their energy” (See: Idiom and Doublet)

The word “throne” is a metonym for the king who sits on the throne. The litotes “will never cease to have” can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “your descendants will never cease to be kings of Israel” or “one of your descendants will always be the king of Israel” (See: Metonymy and Litotes)

1 Kings 2:5

David is referring to the same thing twice. Alternate translation: “what Joab … did to me—that is, what he did”

This could mean: (1) “killed those men during a time of peace as if he were killing them in war” or (2) “took revenge on those men during a time of peace because they had killed people in war” (See: Metonymy)

This could mean: (1) Joab was close enough to these men when he killed them that their blood spattered on his belt and on his sandals or (2) the word “blood” is a metonym for guilt of murder, and the belt and the shoes are metonyms for Joab’s authority as commander, so David is saying that because Joab is guilty of murder, he should not be commander of the army. Either way, it is best to translate this literally. (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 2:6

Here being old is represented by having gray hair, that is, a “gray head.” Alternate translation: “make sure Joab dies a violent death before he grows old” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 2:7

a man’s name (See: How to Translate Names)

The table is a metonym for the home where the table is. Alternate translation: “welcome them to eat at your home” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 2:8

men’s names (See: How to Translate Names)

descendant of Benjamin

place names (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 2:9

This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “be sure to punish him” (See: Double Negatives)

Blood is a metonym for violent death, and the head is synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “make sure he dies a violent death” (See: Metonymy and Synecdoche)

1 Kings 2:10

David dies and Solomon takes his place as the new king of Israel.

David dying is spoken of as if he had fallen asleep. Alternate translation: “died” (See: Euphemism)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “David … and they buried him” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 2:11

Alternate translation: “The time that David reigned over Israel was” or “David reigned over Israel for”

1 Kings 2:12

The throne represents the authority of the king. Alternate translation: “became king, as his father David had been” (See: Metonymy)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh firmly established Solomon’s rule” or “Yahweh caused Solomon to take complete control of the kingdom” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 2:13

Adonijah comes to speak to Bathsheba.

with no desire to cause harm

1 Kings 2:15

This is a generalization. (See: Hyperbole)

Alternate translation: “what we expected to happen did not happen”

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave the kingdom to my brother” or “my brother became king” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 2:16

Adonijah shares his request with Bathsheba.

Turning from the face of someone is a metonym for refusing to look at someone, which in turn is a metonym for refusing to do what that person requests. Alternate translation: “do not refuse to do what I request” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 2:17

Turning from the face of someone is a metonym for refusing to look at someone, which in turn is a metonym for refusing to do what that person requests. Alternate translation: “he will not refuse to do what you request” (See: Metonymy)

See 1 Kings 1:3.

1 Kings 2:19

Bathsheba goes to King Solomon with Adonijah’s request.

“The king stood up” from where he was sitting on his throne.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “told someone to bring a throne” (See: Active or Passive)

Bathsheba

1 Kings 2:20

Turning from the face of someone is a metonym for refusing to look at someone, which in turn is a metonym for refusing to do what that person requests. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 2:16 and 1 Kings 2:17. Alternate translation: “you will not refuse to do what I request … I will not refuse to do what you request” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 2:21

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Allow Adonijah … to marry Abishag the Shunammite” or “Give Abishag the Shunammite to Adonijah … as his wife” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 2:22

King Solomon gives an answer to Adonijah’s request.

King Solomon was angered by his mother’s request. Alternate translation: “You are wrong to ask … Adonijah! This is the same as asking the kingdom for him also … Zeruiah!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Kings 2:23

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “God will have every right to execute me—and to do even worse things to me—if I do not execute Adonijah because he has made this request” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 2:24

King Solomon executes Adonijah.

The word “throne” refers to Solomon’s authority to rule that was given by Yahweh. (See: Metonymy)

Here “house” refers to descendants that Yahweh gave to King Solomon, who would continue to reign after him. (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 2:26

Solomon dismisses Abiathar from being priest.

Abiathar had suffered alongside King David before David became king.

1 Kings 2:27

The word “he” refers to King Solomon.

Alternate translation: “the things that Yahweh had said”

The word “he” refers to Yahweh.

1 Kings 2:28

King Solomon orders Benaiah to execute Joab.

Alternate translation: “Joab heard what Solomon did after he had become king”

The horns of the altar symbolized Yahweh’s power and protection. (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 2:29

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone told King Solomon that Joab had fled” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 2:30

Benaiah goes to execute Joab.

1 Kings 2:31

Here “house” stands for the descendants of David while “blood” represents guilt. Alternate translation: “bury him and so remove from me and my family the guilt for the murders Joab committed without cause” or “bury him. Do that so Yahweh will not hold me and my father’s house guilty because Joab murdered people for no reason” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 2:32

King Solomon explains why Joab should die.

The word “his” refers to Joab. “Blood” is a metonym for murder. And, the idiom “his blood on his own head” means the person should be considered guilty for murder. Alternate translation: “Joab has murdered people, and I want Yahweh to hold him guilty for what he has done” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

These words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Abner and Amasa were much better men than Joab. (See: Doublet)

1 Kings 2:33

The word “blood” is a metonym for murder. And, the idiom “blood return on the head of” means the person should be considered guilty for murder. Alternate translation: “I want Yahweh to hold Joab and his descendants guilty” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

The words “house” and “throne” are metonyms for the family and the kingdom. Alternate translation: “to David’s descendants and to David’s kingdom” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 2:34

Benaiah kills Joab and becomes the commander of King Solomon’s army.

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “They buried Joab in his own house”

The house is a metonym for the land on which the house stood. The Israelites buried people out of doors in graves or tombs. Alternate translation: “where his family lived” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 2:36

King Solomon tells Shimei to stay in Jerusalem or Shimei will die.

1 Kings 2:37

Here “blood” is a metonym for guilt and the head is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “You will be responsible for your own death” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 2:39

Shimei leaves Jerusalem.

men’s names (See: How to Translate Names)

a Philistine city (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 2:40

This is an idiom. “Shimei quickly” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 2:41

King Solomon judges Shimei for leaving Jerusalem.

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone told Solomon” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 2:42

Solomon is reminding Shimei of what Shimei had promised. Alternate translation: “You know very well that I made you swear … saying, ‘Know … die’!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Kings 2:43

King Solomon pronounces judgment upon Shimei for leaving Jerusalem.

This could mean: (1) Solomon is asking for an answer or (2) Alternate translation: “You have done wrong by breaking your oath … you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Kings 2:44

Here the head represents the person, and wickedness is spoken of as if it were a solid or liquid that could be put on a person’s head. Alternate translation: “will hold you responsible for all your wickedness” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 2:45

King Solomon orders Shimei to be put to death.

Here “throne of David” represents the authority and rule of David and all his descendants forever. (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 2:46

This use of “hand” represents Solomon’s power and authority. (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 3

1 Kings 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter has two stories. Verses 1-15 is the story of Solomon’s dream when God asked him what he wanted and he said he needed wisdom to be a good and fair ruler. Verses 16-28 is the story of a court case showing Solomon’s wisdom. (See: wise, wisdom)

Special concepts in this chapter

Wisdom

God was very pleased with Solomon’s request for wisdom. This is because wisdom was something that he could use to serve other people instead of himself. Because this was a noble request, God promised Solomon wisdom, wealth, and fame. (See: promise, promised)

Putting the needs of others first

There are two additional examples of people putting the needs of others in front of their own needs. God is pleased with people wanting to do their job well more than wanting to be blessed. A mother will put the life of her child above every other concern. (See: bless, blessed, blessing)

1 Kings 3:1

Solomon marries an Egyptian.

Solomon became the son-in-law of Pharaoh king of Egypt so the two kings would work together and fight together against their enemies.

She was still in the city of David after he had finished building.

Alternate translation: “the temple”

1 Kings 3:2

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one had yet built a house” (See: Active or Passive)

The word “name” is a metonym for the person, and “for the name” refers to worshiping the person. Alternate translation: “in which people would worship Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 3:3

How one lives one’s life is spoken of as walking on a path. Alternate translation: “obeying the laws that David his father had made” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 3:4

God asks Solomon what he can do for Solomon.

Alternate translation: “the most famous place for makings sacrifices” or “the most important altar”

1 Kings 3:5

Alternate translation: “Ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to you.” or “What do you want? Ask and I will give it to you.”

1 Kings 3:6

Solomon responds to God’s question.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithful” or “faithfully.” Alternate translation: “You have been very faithful to your covenant with your servant” or “You have greatly and faithfully loved your servant” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Walking is a metaphor for the way one lives. The abstract nouns “trustworthiness,” “righteousness,” and “uprightness” can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “because he was trustworthy and righteous, and his heart was upright” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

A sincere person is spoken of as one whose heart is upright. Alternate translation: “he was sincere” or “he spoke the truth and did what was good” (See: Metaphor)

The “son” is Solomon. (See: Pronouns)

Sitting on the throne represents ruling as king. Alternate translation: “to rule in his place” (See: Metonymy)

Solomon is speaking of the years he had already been ruling, not of the time since the sun had last set.

1 Kings 3:7

Solomon asks for wisdom.

Solomon speaks as if he is another person to show respect to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “me” (See: Pronouns)

Solomon is saying that he is like a child who does not know as much as a father. (See: Metaphor)

This is an idiom that means Solomon does not know how to govern as king. Alternate translation: “I do not know how to be the king” or “I do not know the right way to do things as king” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 3:9

Solomon asks a question to emphasize that he knows that no one can judge. Alternate translation: “No one is able to judge this great people of yours.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Kings 3:10

God gives Solomon wisdom and more.

1 Kings 3:11

The “life” is a metonym for the power to kill. Alternate translation: “the power to kill your enemies” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 3:12

Alternate translation: “I will do what you asked me to do when you spoke with me”

The heart is a metonym for what a person thinks and desires. Alternate translation: “I make you able to be wise and to understand many things” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 3:14

Living one’s life is spoken of as walking on a path. Alternate translation: “live as I want you to live and obey” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “make you live a long time”

1 Kings 3:15

The word “behold” here shows that Solomon saw something interesting.

1 Kings 3:16

Two prostitutes ask Solomon to make a decision.

1 Kings 3:18

The two prostitutes tell Solomon their story.

1 Kings 3:19

It may be helpful to state that this caused the baby to die. Alternate translation: “accidentally rolled on top of her baby and smothered him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 3:20

The woman speaks as if she were speaking of someone else to show that she respects Solomon. Alternate translation: “I” (See: Pronouns)

1 Kings 3:21

Two prostitutes continue to share their story with Solomon.

This means to feed her baby milk from her breast.

1 Kings 3:22

Alternate translation: “before Solomon” or “while Solomon could see and hear them”

1 Kings 3:23

Solomon makes a decision for the two women.

1 Kings 3:26

The real mother asks the king to spare the child’s life.

This speaks of the woman having a lot of compassion as if her heart were a container and compassion were a solid object. Alternate translation: “she greatly loved her baby” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 3:28

This is a generalization. (See: Hyperbole)

1 Kings 4

1 Kings 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter names the important people in Solomon’s government and shows the extent of his kingdom.

1 Kings 4:1

This is the beginning of a list of Solomon’s officials. The list ends in 1 Kings 4:6.

1 Kings 4:2

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 4:3

This continues the list of Solomon’s officials.

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 4:4

This continues the list of Solomon’s officials.

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 4:5

This continues the list of Solomon’s officials.

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 4:6

This ends the list of Solomon’s officials.

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the men whom Solomon forced to work for him” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 4:7

This begins a list of Solomon’s 12 officers. The list ends in 1 Kings 4:19.

1 Kings 4:8

This is the name of a man. Note that “Ben” before a name means “son of” so “Ben-Hur” means “the son of Hur.” (See: How to Translate Names)

“who was the officer in charge of the hill country

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 4:9

The list of Solomon’s 12 officers continues.

This is the name of a man. Note that “Ben” before a name means “son of” so “Ben-Deker” means “the son of Deker.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of Makaz”

These are names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 4:10

The list of Solomon’s 12 officers continues.

This is the name of a man. Note that “Ben” before a name means “son of” so “Ben-Hesed” means “the son of Hesed.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of Arubboth”

These are names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 4:11

The list of Solomon’s 12 officers continues.

This is the name of a man. Note that “Ben” before a name means “son of” so “Ben-Abinadab” means “the son of Abinadab.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of all Naphoth Dor”

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 4:12

The list of Solomon’s 12 officers continues.

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of Taanach”

These are names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 4:13

The list of Solomon’s 12 officers continues.

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of Ramoth Gilead”

These are names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 4:14

The list of Solomon’s 12 officers continues.

These are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of Mahanaim”

This is the name of place. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 4:15

The list of Solomon’s 12 officers continues.

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of Naphtali”

This is a tribal land named after a son of Israel. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 4:16

The list of Solomon’s 12 officers continues.

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of Asher”

This is a tribal land named after a son of Israel. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a piece of land. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 4:17

The list of Solomon’s 12 officers continues.

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of Issachar”

This is a tribal land named after a son of Israel. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 4:18

The list of Solomon’s 12 officers continues.

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of Benjamin”

This is a tribal land named for a son of Israel. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 4:19

The list of Solomon’s 12 officers ends.

These are men’s names (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “who was the officer in charge of the land of Gilead”

These are names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “the land that in earlier years belonged to Sihon”

This is the name of a people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “the land” refers to the land of Judah; the previous officials presided over different parts of Israel.

1 Kings 4:20

The speaker uses exaggeration to say that there were so many people that it would be impossible to count them all. The words “Judah” and “Israel” are metonyms for the people who lived in Judah and Israel. Alternate translation: “There were as many people in Judah and Israel as there are grains of sand by the sea” or “there were more people in Judah and Israel than a person could count” (See: Hyperbole and Metonymy)

1 Kings 4:21

Alternate translation: “the Euphrates River”

1 Kings 4:22

A cor is a unit of dry measure. (See: Biblical Volume)

1 Kings 4:23

four-legged animals that run fast (See: Translate Unknowns)

more than one of these animals

Alternate translation: “birds that people fed so they would become fat”

1 Kings 4:24

name of a piece of land

1 Kings 4:25

The words “Judah” and “Israel” are metonyms for the people of Judah and Israel. (See: Metonymy)

“each family had their own garden with grapevines and fig trees,” This showed that the people lived in safety and peace, since they were not at war and had time to grow their gardens.

This represents the whole land of Israel from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south. (See: Merism)

1 Kings 4:26

A stall is a place where an animal such as a horse is kept and cared for.

1 Kings 4:27

Alternate translation: “who ate with King Solomon” or “whom King Solomon invited to eat with him”

Solomon had assigned 12 officers in 1 Kings 4:7 to bring him food in different months.

This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “They provided everything that Solomon needed” (See: Litotes)

1 Kings 4:29

The abstract nouns “wisdom” and “understanding” can be translated as verbs. God giving him these things means that God enabled him to have these qualities. Alternate translation: “God enabled Solomon to be wise and to understand many things” (See: Abstract Nouns and Idiom)

Solomon was able to understand many things about many different subjects. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wideness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “Solomon was able to understand many things about a wide range of subjects” (See: Simile)

1 Kings 4:30

Alternate translation: “Solomon was wiser than all the wise people”

This refers to people from countries east of Israel such as Arabia and Mesopotamia.

1 Kings 4:31

men’s names (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 4:33

These words form a merism that includes all plants. Alternate translation: “cedar tree … hyssop bush” or “the greatest of trees … least important of bushes” (See: Translate Unknowns and Merism)

1 Kings 5

1 Kings 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the beginning of the description of the building of the temple. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Special concepts in this chapter

Building the temple

Building the temple took a lot of work and cooperation. King Hiram of Tyre provided lumber for building the temple in exchange for wheat and olive oil. Solomon also had many people cutting rocks for the walls of the temple.

1 Kings 5:1

Solomon talks with King Hiram about building the Temple.

Alternate translation: “Hiram had always been a close friend of King David”

1 Kings 5:3

To put an enemy under someone’s foot means to conquer them. Alternate translation: “Yahweh was helping David to defeat his enemies” or “David was busy since Yahweh was giving him victory over his enemies” (See: Idiom)

The word “name” is a metonym for the person, and “for the name” refers to worshiping the person.See how you translated this in 1 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “in which people would worship Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

Another possible meaning is “because of the wars with which his enemies surrounded him” or “because he was fighting enemies on all sides”

This speaks of Yahweh giving David complete control over his enemies as putting them under his feet. Alternate translation: “Yahweh was enabling David to completely defeat his enemies” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 5:4

Before Solomon became king, King David and the people of Israel had been at war, but now King Solomon and the people were at rest and in a time of peace.

neither humans who cause harm nor natural events that cause harm. This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “We are safe from our enemies and from natural disasters” (See: Merism)

enemy

event that causes harm to people and their property

1 Kings 5:5

This is to emphasize the words that follow. “Listen! This is what I am going to do:” or “Because of what Yahweh has done for me, this is what I am going to do:”

The word “name” is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “where Yahweh my God will live … where I will live” (See: Metonymy)

Here “throne” refers to ruling as king. Alternate translation: “make to be the king after you” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 5:6

Alternate translation: “your workers know how to cut timber better than my men”

people of the city of Sidon

1 Kings 5:7

King Hiram answers Solomon.

Alternate translation: “what Solomon said”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I praise Yahweh today” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 5:8

Cypress is another kind of valuable wood that would be used for building the temple.

1 Kings 5:9

Alternate translation: “tie them together so they will float in groups”

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “my workers untie the logs from each other” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “You can do what I want” or “You can pay me”

1 Kings 5:10

The word “fir” refers to many kinds of trees, including cypress trees.

1 Kings 5:11

This was a dry measurement whereas the oil was a liquid measurement. It was not clear which measure was intended. The measurement in the UST is an educated guess. (See: Biblical Volume)

Alternate translation: “every year”

1 Kings 5:13

Solomon forces men to build the Temple.

Alternate translation: “forced men from all over Israel to work”

1 Kings 5:14

That is, there were three groups that took turns spending one month in Lebanon and two months at home.

Each of the three groups spent one month working in Lebanon and then two months at home in Israel.

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the men whom Solomon was forcing to work for him” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 5:15

“70,000” (See: Numbers)

heavy things that people have to work hard to carry

“80,000” (See: Numbers)

men who dig stones out of the ground and cut them to the proper shape

1 Kings 5:16

“three thousand three hundred chief officers” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 5:17

Alternate translation: “dug large, good stones out of the mountain and cut them to be the right shape”

1 Kings 5:18

men from the city of Gebal (See: Translate Unknowns)

1 Kings 6

1 Kings 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The building of the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Special concepts in this chapter

Building the temple

Solomon built the temple in seven years. The outside walls were made of rock. Solomon shaped the rocks for the wall in the quarry and then assembled them at the temple site. The inside was covered with wood. Inside the temple was a room covered by gold, which was the Most Holy Place where the ark was housed under statues of angels. It represented the presence of God.

1 Kings 6:1

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “Solomon commanded his workers to begin building” (See: Metonymy)

These are the ordinal forms of 480 and 4. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

“Ziv” is the name of the second month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of April and the first part of May on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers and How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 6:2

The narrator continues to describe the temple and its dimensions.

“60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high.” A cubit is 46 centimeters. This can be written used modern measures. Alternate translation: “27.6 meters long, 9.2 meters wide, and 13.8 meters high” (See: Numbers and Biblical Distance)

1 Kings 6:3

The narrator continues to describe the temple and its dimensions.

an area of a building made of columns and a roof that leads to and connects with the building’s entrance door. This portico was probably attached to the front part of the wall that surrounded the temple.

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “9.2 meters…4.6 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

1 Kings 6:4

The narrator continues to describe the temple and its dimensions.

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “they made windows” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 6:5

The narrator continues to describe the temple and its dimensions.

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “they built” (See: Metonymy)

He built rooms on the outside of the outside wall around the main chamber.

1 Kings 6:6

The narrator continues to describe the temple and its dimensions.

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “they made” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to the rooms in each story of the building.

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “about 2.3 meters … about 2.8 meters … about 3.2 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

They made ledges all around the main building to support the beams of the small rooms.

A beam is a long heavy piece of wood used to support a building.

1 Kings 6:7

The narrator continues to describe the temple.

Here “house” refers to God’s house, the temple.

A quarry is where people cut large stones from a mountain and shape them with tools so they are smooth. After they prepared the stones at the quarry, they brought them to the temple.

1 Kings 6:8

The narrator continues to describe the temple.

There were a total of three floors. Some languages call these “ground floor,” “first floor,” and “second floor.”

1 Kings 6:9

The narrator continues to describe the temple.

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “Solomon’s workers built … they covered” (See: Metonymy)

A beam is a long heavy piece of wood used to support a building. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:6.

A plank is a flat wooden board used for floors and walls.

1 Kings 6:10

The narrator continues to describe the temple and its dimensions.

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “They built” (See: Metonymy)

These are the same rooms that are referred to in 1 Kings 6:5.

This phrase is a metonym for the walls that enclosed the chambers. Alternate translation: “exterior walls that enclosed the inner chambers” (See: Metonymy)

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2.3 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

The word “timbers” is a general term that refers to wood used for building, such as beams and planks.

1 Kings 6:11

The idiom “The word of Yahweh came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to Solomon. He said,” or “Yahweh spoke this message to Solomon:” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 6:12

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “which you are having your workers build” (See: Metonymy)

The word “walk” is a metaphor for “live” or “obey.” Alternate translation: “continually obey all my statutes” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) “carry out all of my laws” or (2) “treat the people whom you are ruling justly.”

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the importance of obeying God’s commandments. AT “carefully obey all I tell you to do” (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “I will do everything I promised David your father that I would do for you”

1 Kings 6:14

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “Solomon’s workers” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 6:15

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “they built … they covered them … they covered the floor” (See: Metonymy)

walls between the rooms on the inside

Cypress is a kind of wood that was used for building the temple. (See: Translate Unknowns)

1 Kings 6:16

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: “He commanded them to build twenty cubits … He had them build this room” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “He built a room twenty cubits long”

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “9.2 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

1 Kings 6:17

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “18.4 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Alternate translation: “main room”

1 Kings 6:18

a type of hard, round vegetable that grows on a vine on the ground

Alternate translation: “blooming flowers” or “flowers that were open”

1 Kings 6:19

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They prepared” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 6:20

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They overlaid” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “9.2 meters”

This altar would be used for burning incense.

1 Kings 6:21

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They overlaid … they placed” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “covered”

1 Kings 6:22

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They overlaid … They also overlaid” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “altar of incense at the entrance to the inner room”

1 Kings 6:23

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Solomon commanded them to make” (See: Metonymy)

wood from an olive tree

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “4.6 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

1 Kings 6:24

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2.3 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

1 Kings 6:25

the distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other wing

Alternate translation: “same size”

1 Kings 6:27

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They placed” (See: Metonymy)

another name for the most holy place

1 Kings 6:28

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They overlaid” (See: Metonymy)

“covered.” See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:21.

1 Kings 6:29

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “He commanded them to carve” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 6:30

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “He had them overlay” (See: Metonymy)

covered

1 Kings 6:31

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They made” (See: Metonymy)

beam across the top of a door frame

toothlike notches on each of five sections

1 Kings 6:32

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “they made … they made … They overlaid … they spread” (See: Metonymy)

“covered.” See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:21.

1 Kings 6:33

Alternate translation: “In the same way, Solomon also made doorposts of olive wood for the temple entrance, with four indented sections”

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “they also made” (See: Metonymy)

tooth-like notches

1 Kings 6:34

This means each door had two sections connected by hinges so they could fold together.

1 Kings 6:35

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They carved … they evenly overlaid” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 6:36

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They built the inner courtyard” (See: Metonymy)

A beam is a long heavy piece of wood used to support a building. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:6.

1 Kings 6:37

The word “fourth” is the ordinal form of “four.” You may need to make explicit the event from which the writer counts the years. Alternate translation: “the fourth year after Solomon became king” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “the temple”

“Ziv” is the name of the second month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of April and the first part of May on Western calendars. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:1. (See: Hebrew Months and How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 6:38

The word “eleventh” is the ordinal forms of “eleven.” You may need to make explicit the event from which the writer counts the years. Alternate translation: “the eleventh year after Solomon became king” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“Bul” is the eighth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of October and the first part of November on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers and How to Translate Names)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “they finished building every part of the house. They built it exactly the way Solomon had told them to build it”

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “It took Solomon’s workers” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 7

1 Kings 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter has a description of the palace Solomon built and the materials used in the temple courtyard. It is the last chapter about the building of the temple. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Special concepts in this chapter

Bronze

Solomon hired a man from Tyre who was good at casting things out of bronze. The bronze objects were made by hollowing out the shape of the object in clay and then pouring in the hot melted liquid bronze and letting it cool. He made two large pillars and a large water reservoir set on the backs of 12 bronze cows. He made all the instruments for use in the sacrifices outside the temple. He made the furnishing inside the temple out of gold.

The temple and the palace

Solomon spent 13 years building a palace for himself that was much bigger than the temple. It is significant that the house of Solomon was much larger than the house of God. (See: house of God, Yahweh’s house)

1 Kings 7:1

The author is writing about Solomon’s palace.

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “It took Solomon’s workers thirteen years to build his palace” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not have a word for “palace,” you may translate this as “house” or “big house.”

1 Kings 7:2

Some details are given about the structure of the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “He commanded them to build” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “the house called the House of the Lebanon Forest”

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “46 meters…23 meters…13.8 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

A beam is a long piece of strong wood used to support walls and roofs.

1 Kings 7:3

Some details continue to be given about the structure of the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The carpenters built a roof from cedar planks and attached them to beams” (See: Active or Passive)

long pieces of strong wood usually used to support a roof

1 Kings 7:4

Some details continue to be given about the structure of the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.

1 Kings 7:5

Some details continue to be given about the structure of the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.

Alternate translation: “had rectangular frames”

1 Kings 7:6

The author writes about the structure of the Hall of Pillars.

a series of columns, all the same distance apart

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “23 meters…13.8 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

an area of a building made of columns and a roof that leads to and connects with the building’s entrance door. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:3

1 Kings 7:7

The author writes about the hall of the throne.

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Solomon had them build” (See: Metonymy)

This could mean: (1) “the house in which he was going to place his throne” or (2) “a house named The King’s Chair House”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The workers covered the floor with cedar wood” (See: Active or Passive)

This refers to the entire floor. Alternate translation: “from one wall to the other”

1 Kings 7:8

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Solomon had someone design the house in which he was to live, in another courtyard within the palace grounds, in the same way” (See: Active or Passive)

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “He also commanded them to build” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 7:9

The writer is writing about the stones used for the buildings.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The workers adorned the buildings with costly, hewn stones” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “hewn stones, that workers had precisely measured and cut with a saw and smoothed” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The workers used these stones” (See: Active or Passive)

The author is emphasizing that the workers used expensive stones for the foundations and all the buildings.

1 Kings 7:10

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The workers constructed the foundation” (See: Active or Passive)

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “about 3.7 meters and 4.6 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

1 Kings 7:11

A beam is a long piece of wood used for structural support.

1 Kings 7:12

See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:36.

1 Kings 7:13

Huram accepted Solomon’s invitation to come to Jerusalem. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 7:14

A widow is a woman whose husband has died, so we know that the father is dead. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The words “wisdom and understanding” mean basically the same thing and are used together for emphasis. Yahweh giving such things as wisdom is spoken of as if they were liquids that Yahweh had poured into a container, and Huram is spoken of as if he were that container. Alternate translation: “Yahweh had given Huram wisdom, understanding, and skill” (See: Active or Passive and Doublet and Metaphor)

1 Kings 7:15

A cubit is about 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “about 8.3 meters…5.5 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Circumference is the distance or measurement around a circular object or area.

1 Kings 7:16

A cubit is about 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2.3 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

decorations on top of each of the two pillars

They polished the bronze so that it would reflect sunlight. “gleaming bronze”

1 Kings 7:17

Alternate translation: “Crossed metal strips woven together and metal chains twisted together”

1 Kings 7:18

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Huram commanded his workers to make” (See: Metonymy)

A pomegranate is a fruit with a hard, red rind and many juicy seeds inside. Huram did not use real pomegranates to decorate the pillars. He made them out of bronze.

1 Kings 7:19

Lilies are plants whose flowers are wide at one end and very narrow at the other end. These words can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Huram decorated the capitals … with bronze lilies, four cubits high” (See: Active or Passive and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Translate “portico” as in 1 Kings 7:6.

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “about 1.8 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

1 Kings 7:20

“200 pomegranates.” A pomegranate is a fruit with a hard, red rind and many juicy seeds inside. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 7:18 (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 7:21

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They raised up” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The name of the pillar on the right side was Jakin” (See: How to Translate Names and Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The name of the pillar on the left side was Boaz” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 7:22

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Huram fashioned the pillars” or “Huram’s men fashioned the pillars” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 7:23

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Huram also commanded them to make” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to a bronze tank or basin that would hold water.

Huram melted the bronze and formed it in a mold.

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “4.6 meters…2.3 meters…13.8 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Alternate translation: “from one edge to the other”

Circumference is the distance or measurement around a circular object or area.

1 Kings 7:24

A gourd is a type of hard, round vegetable that grows on a vine on the ground.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when Huram cast that basin” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 7:25

This refers to the bronze tank or basin that held water for sacrifices.

Alternate translation: “was on top of”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Huram’s workers set ‘The Sea’ on top of the bronze oxen” (See: Active or Passive)

This is the back quarter of the body of an animal with four feet.

1 Kings 7:26

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Huram forged the brim to look like the brim of a cup, to curve outward like a lily” (See: Simile and Active or Passive)

A bath is a unit of volume equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: “2,000 baths” or “44,000 liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

1 Kings 7:27

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Huram also commanded them to make” or “They also made” (See: Metonymy)

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “about 1.8 meters … about 1.4 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

1 Kings 7:28

This means the author will describe the stands in the words that follow.

1 Kings 7:29

There were decorative pieces in the shapes of lions, oxen, and cherubim fastened to the sides of the stands.

Here the word “wreaths” refers to spiral-shaped pieces of bronze.

1 Kings 7:30

There was one axle for each pair of wheels. Alternate translation: “four bronze wheels and two axles” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Numbers)

Alternate translation: “the four corners of each stand”

Each support was cast as one piece with the wreaths. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Huram cast the supports with spiral-shaped pieces” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 7:31

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “about 70 centimeters … about 50 centimeters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Here the word “crown” refers to the circular piece at the top of the stand’s opening that held the basin.

“the panels of the stands were square.” This phrase returns to the description of the panels that began in 1 Kings 7:28.

1 Kings 7:32

Here the word “their” refers to the axles. The word “housings” refers to the casings into which the axles were inserted.

A cubit was 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “about 70 centimeters” (See: Biblical Distance)

1 Kings 7:33

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Huram made the wheels like small chariot wheels” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the word “Their” refers to the wheels.

1 Kings 7:34

Alternate translation: “There was a handle at each of the four corners of each stand”

1 Kings 7:35

A cubit was 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “twenty-three centimeters wide” (See: Biblical Distance)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Huram attached the supports and panels to the top of each stand” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 7:36

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “they engraved” (See: Metonymy)

Here the word “they” refers to the cherubim, lions, and palm trees.

The word “wreaths” refers to spiral-shaped pieces of bronze. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “there were wreaths all around them” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 7:37

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “He commanded them to make” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Huram cast all of the stands in the same mold” or “They cast all of the stand in the same mold” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “all of the stands were the same size and shape”

1 Kings 7:38

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Huram had them make ten” (See: Metonymy)

A bath is a unit of volume equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: “about 88 liters” or “about 90 liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “about 1.8 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

1 Kings 7:39

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Human had them make five … Huram commanded them to set” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “the south side … the north side”

Alternate translation: “near the southeast corner of the temple”

1 Kings 7:40

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Huram had them make … they finished” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 7:41

The capitals were shaped like bowls. (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “crossed metal strips woven together”

1 Kings 7:42

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They made” (See: Metonymy)

“400 pomegranates.” A pomegranate is a fruit with a hard, red rind and many juicy seeds inside. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 7:18. (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 7:44

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They made” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 7:45

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “They made” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “all the other tools”

bronze that was polished so that it would reflect light

1 Kings 7:46

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “The king had his workers cast them” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “flat land near the Jordan River”

These are names of cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 7:47

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Solomon did not have them weigh” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one could measure the weight of the bronze” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 7:48

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: “Solomon’s workers had made” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “on which the priests were to place the bread of the presence” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 7:49

The “flowers” and “lamps” were part of the lampstands.

1 Kings 7:50

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “had his workers make all the cups … out of pure gold” (See: Active or Passive)

Here, sockets may refer to either: (1) the sockets in which the door pegs turned, or (2) the hinges on which the doors hung.

1 Kings 7:51

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the workers finished the work that King Solomon had them do for the house of Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 8

1 Kings 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ark is placed in the new temple. This is a very significant event in the history of the Israelites. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Special concepts in this chapter

Celebration of the temple’s completion

When the temple was finished, Solomon told all of the people to come to Jerusalem. They took the ark out of the tent and brought it to the temple. Then Solomon prayed that God would hear and answer prayers made to him when they faced towards the temple.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

Solomon prayed that God would respond to people’s prayers using an idiom: “that your eyes may be open to the request of your servant.” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 8:1

Alternate translation: “called together the leaders of Israel”

1 Kings 8:2

This may refer either: (1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in 8:1 or (2) generally to those who traveled to Jerusalem for the feast, not necessarily to every male person who lived in Israel. (See: Hyperbole)

This is a reference to the Feast of Succoth, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Feast of Shelters .

“Ethanim” is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of September and the first part of October on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers and How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 8:5

This is a generalization. (See: Hyperbole)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “more sheep and oxen than anyone would ever be able to count” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 8:6

Alternate translation: “into the inner room of the house—that is, to the most holy place—under”

1 Kings 8:7

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “poles by which the priests carried it” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 8:8

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people could see their ends … people could not see them”

This means the day on which the writer wrote.

1 Kings 8:10

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

1 Kings 8:12

Solomon speaks to Yahweh as if he were speaking to someone else to show that he respects Yahweh. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

1 Kings 8:13

beautiful building in which someone very important lives

1 Kings 8:14

Alternate translation: “all the people of Israel who were gathered there”

1 Kings 8:15

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Praise Yahweh, the God of Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

The hand is a metonym for the power in the hand. Alternate translation: “by his own power” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 8:16

The word “name” is a metonym for the person, and “for … name” refers to worshiping the person. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “so that people would worship me” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 8:17

What David desired is spoken of as if it were an item in a container and the heart as if it were a container. Alternate translation: “David my father desired” (See: Metaphor)

The word “name” is a metonym for the person, and “for the name” refers to worshiping the person. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “in which people would worship Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 8:18

What David desired is spoken of as if it were an item in a container and the heart as if it were a container. Alternate translation: “Because you desired” (See: Metaphor)

The word “name” is a metonym for the person, and “for … name” refers to worshiping the person. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “in which people will worship me” (See: Metonymy)

What David desired is spoken of as if it were an item in a container and the heart as if it were a container. Alternate translation: “to desire to do that” or “by wanting to do that” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 8:19

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “one who will be your own offspring” or “one whom you yourself will father” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 8:20

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “has done exactly what he said he would do” (See: Idiom)

Height is a metaphor for power. Alternate translation: “I have gained the power that David my father had” (See: Metaphor)

The throne is a metonym for the activity of the one who sits on the throne. Alternate translation: “I rule over Israel” (See: Metonymy)

The word “name” is a metonym for the person, and “for … name” refers to worshiping the person. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “in which people will worship Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 8:21

The stone tablets on which Yahweh had written the terms of the covenant are spoken of as if they were the covenant itself. Alternate translation: “are the tablets on which Yahweh wrote the terms of the covenant that” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 8:22

Alternate translation: “all the people of Israel who were gathered there”

1 Kings 8:23

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithfully” or “faithful.” Alternate translation: “who faithfully loves your servants” or “who is faithful to your covenant with your servants” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: “live wholeheartedly the way that you want them to” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 8:24

The hand is a metonym for the power of the hand. Alternate translation: “by your power fulfilled what you said” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 8:25

The throne is a metonym for the activity of the one who sits on the throne. Alternate translation: “to rule over Israel” (See: Metonymy)

The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: “live as I want you to … have lived as I want you to” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 8:27

Possible meanings of this question are: (1) Solomon is asking a real question and expecting an answer or (2) the question is rhetorical and Solomon is emphasizing that God is too big and mighty to live on earth. Alternate translation: “But it surely cannot be that God will actually live on the earth!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here Solomon speaks about God in the third person. It can be stated in the second person. Alternate translation: “But will you” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Alternate translation: “What I am about to say is important” or “The truth is that”

Alternate translation: “you, so this temple that I have built certainly cannot contain you”

1 Kings 8:28

The words “prayer” and “request” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that he is sincere as he makes his request. Solomon refers to himself as “your servant” to show that he respects Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “respect me, your servant, as I make this request” (See: Doublet and Pronouns)

The words “cry” and “prayer” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that he is sincere as he asks Yahweh to help him. Solomon refers to himself as “your servant” to show that he respects Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “listen to me, your servant, as I call today for you to help me” (See: Doublet and Pronouns)

1 Kings 8:29

The eye is a metonym for what the eye does. Alternate translation: “May you watch over” (See: Metonymy)

This is a merism. Alternate translation: “all the time” or “continually” (See: Merism)

These two words together emphasize that Yahweh will dwell in the temple. (See: Doublet)

Solomon speaks of himself as “your servant” to show that he respects Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “that I, your servant, will pray” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

1 Kings 8:30

Solomon speaks of himself as “your servant” to show that he respects Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “listen to my request and the request of your people Israel” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

1 Kings 8:31

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone requires him to swear” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 8:32

Here “head” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “on him” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “to give him what he deserves because he is righteous”

1 Kings 8:33

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “an enemy defeats your people Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) “confess that they have sinned against you” or (2) “praise you” or (3) “say that they will obey you from now on.”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word forgiveness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “ask you to forgive them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

1 Kings 8:35

The sky is spoken of as if it were a building in which God stores the rain. Alternate translation: “you do not allow rain to fall” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) “confess that they have sinned against you” or (2) “praise you” or (3) “say that they will obey you from now on.” See how you translated this in 1 Kings 8:33.

1 Kings 8:36

The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: “that they should live” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 8:37

These are agricultural terms that refer to the death of crops from either too little or too much rain, respectively.

A “locust” is a type of grasshopper that causes destruction by eating crops. The word “caterpillar” refers to an early growth stage of the locust.

1 Kings 8:38

The words “prayer” and “request” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the person is sincere as he makes his request. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 8:28. Alternate translation: “requests” (See: Doublet)

This could mean: (1) The person’s sin is spoken of as if it were a plague. Alternate translation: “knowing the sin in his own heart” or (2) The “plague” is a metonym for the sins that the disasters are a punishment for. Alternate translation: “knowing in his heart that the plague is the result of his own sin” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

1 Kings 8:43

The phrase “is called by your name” shows that God possesses and owns the house. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you own this house that I have built” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 8:44

When Solomon was speaking, these hypothetical situations had not happened, but Solomon knew that they might happen in the future. Use the form in your language for talking about events that have not happened but might happen in the future. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

The word “name” is a metonym for the person, and “for … name” refers to worshiping the person. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “in which people will worship you” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 8:45

The words “prayer” and “request” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the people are sincere as they make their request. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 8:28. Alternate translation: “their request” (See: Doublet)

1 Kings 8:46

When Solomon was speaking, these hypothetical situations had not happened, but Solomon knew that they might happen in the future. Use the form in your language for talking about events that have not happened but might happen in the future. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

1 Kings 8:47

When Solomon was speaking, these hypothetical situations had not happened, but Solomon knew that they might happen in the future. Use the form in your language for talking about events that have not happened but might happen in the future. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “where their enemies have taken them as exiles” (See: Active or Passive)

people who keep others as prisoners

These two sentences mean the same thing. Together they emphasize how bad the people’s actions were. (See: Parallelism)

The words mean basically the same thing and emphasize how badly the people sinned. (See: Doublet)

1 Kings 8:48

When Solomon was speaking, these hypothetical situations had not happened, but Solomon knew that they might happen in the future. Use the form in your language for talking about events that have not happened but might happen in the future. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

The idiom “with all … heart” means “completely” and “with all … soul” means “with all … being.” These two phrases have similar meanings. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 2:4. Alternate translation: “with all their being” or “with all their energy” (See: Idiom and Doublet)

Alternate translation: “while they are living in the land”

“toward the land in which they belong.” This refers to Israel.

The word “name” is a metonym for the person, and “for … name” refers to worshiping the person. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: “in which people will worship you” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 8:49

The two words “prayer” and “request” mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize that the people were sincere as they made their request to Yahweh. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 8:28. (See: Doublet)

1 Kings 8:50

Solomon twice requests Yahweh to forgive the people. This emphasizes the earnestness of his request. (See: Parallelism)

1 Kings 8:51

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a furnace where people forge iron” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 8:52

The eye is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “Please pay attention” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 8:54

The words “prayer” and “request” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that he is sincere as he makes his request. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 8:28. Alternate translation: “request” (See: Doublet)

1 Kings 8:56

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Praise Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has made every word of his good promises come true” (See: Litotes)

1 Kings 8:57

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize Solomon’s desire for Yahweh to be present with the people. (See: Doublet)

1 Kings 8:58

Here their “hearts” refer to the people’s desires and emotions. Desiring to please someone is spoken of as inclining the heart toward that person. Alternate translation: “make us want to please him” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Here “in his ways” is an idiom that refers to the way he wants people to live. Alternate translation: “live as he requires us to live” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 8:59

This merism refers to “all the time” or “continually.” (See: Merism)

1 Kings 8:61

Alternate translation: “be wholly devoted”

The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: “always obey his statutes” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 8:62

This generalization may refer either: (1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in 1 Kings 8:1, or (2) to those who traveled to Jerusalem for the feast, not necessarily to every person who lived in Israel. (See: Hyperbole)

1 Kings 8:63

This generalization may refer either: (1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in 1 Kings 8:1, or (2) to those who traveled to Jerusalem for the feast, not necessarily to every person who lived in Israel. (See: Hyperbole)

“22,000 oxen” (See: Numbers)

“one hundred twenty thousand sheep” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 8:64

“the bronze altar that was in Yahweh’s presence.” Since the temple is Yahweh’s dwelling place among his people, the altar is described as being in his presence.

1 Kings 8:65

This generalization may refer either: (1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in 1 Kings 8:1, or (2) to those who traveled to Jerusalem for the feast, not necessarily to every person who lived in Israel. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 8:62. (See: Hyperbole)

“7 days…7 days…14 days” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 8:66

The word “eighth” is the ordinal form of “8.” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

The two words mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. (See: Doublet)

1 Kings 9

1 Kings 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

There are two parts to this chapter. Verses 1–9 is a dream in which God warned Solomon that he and his descendants were not to worship idols. If they did this, the temple would be destroyed. Verses 10–28 is about Solomon’s extensive building and his partnership with Hiram, king of Tyre. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Special concepts in this chapter

Worship only Yahweh

Yahweh alone must be worshiped. It is necessary for people to stay faithful to God and not worship idols. (See: faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

‘Walk” is a common image in Scripture. It is said, “if you walk before me as David your father walked.” (See: walk, walked)

1 Kings 9:3

The words “prayer” and “request” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh recognized that Solomon’s request was sincere. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 8:28. Alternate translation: “your request” (See: Doublet)

The name is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “to dwell there and to claim possession of it forever” (See: Metonymy)

The eyes and heart are synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “I will protect and care for it” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 9:4

The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: “if you live the way I want you to live, just as David your father did” (See: Metaphor)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize how righteous David was. (See: Doublet)

1 Kings 9:5

Here “throne” refers to his reign. Alternate translation: “your dynasty” or “your reign” (See: Metonymy)

The action of ruling a kingdom is spoken of as if it were a person sitting on a throne. This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “will always rule over Israel” (See: Metonymy and Litotes)

1 Kings 9:6

Here the words “commandments” and “statutes” mean basically the same thing and emphasize all that Yahweh has commanded. (See: Doublet)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

1 Kings 9:7

Here the word “name” is a metonym for the person who possesses something. Alternate translation: “set apart for myself” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word sight, you could express the same idea with the verb “see.” Looking at something is a metaphor for protecting it. Alternate translation: “I will put it where I no longer have to see it” or “I will get rid of it so I no longer have to protect it” (See: Abstract Nouns and Metaphor)

1 Kings 9:8

Alternate translation: “This temple will be destroyed and its remains will be piled into a high mound”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “will express amazement and make a sound of disrespect” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 9:9

These two phrases mean the same thing. The phrase “bowed down to them” describes the posture that people used in worship. (See: Parallelism)

1 Kings 9:10

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way of doing this, you could consider using it here.

Alternate translation: “after 20 years”

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this. (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 9:13

Hiram is rebuking Solomon. This questions can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “These cities that you have given me are good for nothing.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and people still call them that today” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 9:14

“one hundred and twenty talents of gold.” A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “about 4,000 kilograms of gold” (See: Numbers and Biblical Weight)

1 Kings 9:15

Alternate translation: “the account of Solomon requiring men to work”

This could mean: (1) “the terrace system” or (2) “the landfill.”

1 Kings 9:16

The person is a metonym for the army he commands. Alternate translation: “The army of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, had gone up” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 9:17

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this. (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 9:22

Alternate translation: “Solomon did not force the people of Israel to labor”

1 Kings 9:23

“five hundred and fifty of them” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 9:24

This could mean: (1) “built the terrace system” or (2) “built the landfill.” See how you translated “the Millo” in 1 Kings 9:15.

1 Kings 9:25

See how you translated this phrase in 1 Kings 8:64.

Solomon is a metonym for the workers he hired to do the work. Alternate translation: “So his workers completed the temple” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 9:26

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this. (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “a large group of ships”

1 Kings 9:28

“four hundred and twenty talents of gold.” A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “about 14,000 kilograms of gold” (See: Numbers and Biblical Weight)

1 Kings 10

1 Kings 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

There are two parts to this chapter: The fame of Solomon’s wisdom and the wealth of his kingdom. (See: wise, wisdom)

Special concepts in this chapter

Queen of Sheba

King Solomon became so famous for his wisdom that the queen of Sheba (modern day Yemen) came all the way to see him and was deeply impressed. God promised him great wealth and he became famously rich. (See: promise, promised)

1 Kings 10:1

Here Yahweh is represented by his “name.” This could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “Solomon’s fame, which glorified Yahweh” or (2) Alternate translation: “Solomon’s fame, which Yahweh had given him” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 10:2

This is a generalization. Alternate translation: “everything she wanted to know” (See: Hyperbole)

1 Kings 10:5

This could mean: (1) “how his servants were seated around the table” or (2) “where his servants lived.”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “she was utterly amazed” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 10:6

Alternate translation: “I heard while I was in my own land”

Here the word “wisdom” can describe the word “words.” Alternate translation: “your wise sayings” (See: Hendiadys)

1 Kings 10:7

The phrase “my eyes” emphasizes that she herself saw it. Alternate translation: “I have seen it for myself” (See: Metonymy)

This can be stated without the passive form. Alternate translation: “They did not tell me about even half of your wisdom and wealth” or “You are much more wise and wealthy than what they told me” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 10:8

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “who are always in your presence waiting to serve you” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 10:9

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May people praise Yahweh your God” (See: Active or Passive)

The throne is a metonym for the king who sits on it. Alternate translation: “who made you king of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 10:10

“one hundred and twenty talents of gold.” A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “about 4,000 kilograms of gold” (See: Numbers and Biblical Weight)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one ever again gave to King Solomon more spices than the queen of Sheba gave to him” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 10:11

a type of wood, possibly one with a pleasant scent (See: Translate Unknowns)

1 Kings 10:12

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this. Alternate translation: “The king told his people to make” (See: Synecdoche)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “nor has anyone ever seen such a great quantity again” (See: Active or Passive)

This means to the day that the author was writing this.

1 Kings 10:13

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “because as king he had so much”

1 Kings 10:14

“each year.” This refers to every year of Solomon’s reign, and not to just one time.

“six hundred sixty-six.” A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “almost 22,000 kilograms of gold” (See: Numbers and Biblical Weight)

1 Kings 10:16

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this. Alternate translation: “King Solomon’s men made” (See: Synecdoche)

“200 large shields” (See: Numbers)

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: “About 6.6 kilograms of gold” or “Six and one half kilograms of gold” (See: Biblical Weight)

Because the word “shekels” does not appear here in the Hebrew text, some modern versions assume instead the unit of bekah, which was equivalent to only a half shekel. Any version making this assumption would signal a metric equivalent of about three kilograms.

1 Kings 10:17

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this. Alternate translation: “The king’s men also made” (See: Synecdoche)

“300 shields” (See: Numbers)

A mina is a unit of weight equal to about 550 grams. Alternate translation: “About 1.7 kilograms of gold” or “One and three-quarters kilograms of gold” (See: Biblical Weight)

“the house called the House of the Lebanon Forest.” See how you translated this in 1 Kings 7:2.

1 Kings 10:18

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped the king do this. Alternate translation: “the king’s men made” (See: Synecdoche)

Ivory is the hard, white substance from the tusks or teeth of large animals. (See: Translate Unknowns)

1 Kings 10:21

“the house called the House of the Lebanon Forest.” See how you translated this in 1 Kings 7:2.

1 Kings 10:22

Ivory is the hard, white substance from the tusks or teeth of large animals. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 10:18. (See: Translate Unknowns)

These animals live wild in Africa. At the ends of their four limbs are what look like human hands and feet, and they have long tails. Some people consider baboons a type of ape. (See: Translate Unknowns)

1 Kings 10:24

This is a generalization. Alternate translation: “People from everywhere” or “People from many different places” (See: Hyperbole)

The presence of the person is a metonym for being able to speak and listen to the person. Alternate translation: “sought an audience with Solomon” or “wanted to visit Solomon” (See: Metonymy)

The heart is a metonym for what a person thinks and is spoken of as if it were a container. Here, wisdom is spoken of as if it were an object that could be put in a container and can be translated as an adjective. It can be a metonym for either the person or the words the person speaks. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wisdom, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “to hear his wisdom, which God had given him” or “to hear how wise God had enabled him to be” or “to hear him speak the wise words that God had enabled him to speak” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 10:26

“one thousand four hundred chariots and 12,000 horsemen” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 10:27

The narrator uses exaggeration to emphasize the great amount of silver that was in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “The king had so much silver in Jerusalem, it was like there was as much silver as there was stones on the ground” (See: Hyperbole)

1 Kings 10:28

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that his merchants had bought from people in Egypt” (See: Active or Passive)

This is the name of a region. Some think that Kue was the same as Cilicia, in Asia Minor. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 10:29

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “His merchants purchased chariots” (See: Active or Passive)

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: “about 6.6 kilograms of silver … about 1.7 kilograms” (See: Biblical Weight)

“600 shekels of silver” (See: Numbers)

“one hundred and fifty shekels” (See: Numbers)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “His merchants then sold many of these” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 11

1 Kings 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the end of the story of Solomon. (Chapters 1-11)

Special concepts in this chapter

Intermarriage with Gentiles

God had told the people of Israel in Moses’s law never to marry women from the Gentile nations. But Solomon married many women from Gentile countries. This was because their religious beliefs would negatively affect Israel. Solomon, the wisest man, became a fool and his wives persuaded him to worship foolish idols. God became angry and warned he would take away 10 tribes from the kingdom of his son. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God, believe, believer, belief, unbeliever, unbelief, wise, wisdom and fool, foolish, folly and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 11:1

The word “Now” is used here to mark a break in the main story line where the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.

These are names of people groups. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 11:2

To “turn someone’s heart” is to convince that person to change his affection. Alternate translation: “persuade you to worship the gods that they worship” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

1 Kings 11:3

“700 royal wives and 300 concubines” (See: Numbers)

To “turn someone’s heart” is to convince that person to change his affection. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Kings 11:1. Alternate translation: “turned his heart away from Yahweh” or “persuaded him to stop worshiping Yahweh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Metonymy)

1 Kings 11:4

To “surrender” your heart refers to giving total allegiance and affection. Alternate translation: “he was not fully devoted … as was David” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 11:5

These are the names of false gods. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

Some version render this as “Milcom.” (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 11:6

The phrase, “in the sight of” refers to someone’s opinion. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh considered to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 11:7

These are the names of false gods. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 11:8

Here the words “at them” refer to the shrines that Solomon built.

1 Kings 11:9

The words “his heart had turned” refer to his having changed allegiance and affection. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Kings 11:1. Alternate translation: “Solomon had stopped worshiping Yahweh” (See: Idiom and Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh had appeared to Solomon twice”

1 Kings 11:11

To “tear from” is to forcefully remove. This is like a person tears apart a piece of cloth. Alternate translation: “forcefully take the kingdom from you” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 11:12

The word “hand” refers to control, authority and power. Alternate translation: “your son’s control” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 11:14

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 11:15

This begins three verses of background material that happened long before.

1 Kings 11:16

This continues background material that happened long before.

The words “all Israel” refer to the army of Israel. Alternate translation: “Joab and all of the Israelite army” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 11:17

This concludes background material that happened long before.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. “But the servants of Hadad’s father took him with other Edomites” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 11:18

Here the word “They” refers to Hadad and the other Edomites mentioned in 1 Kings 11:17.

These are the names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 11:19

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 11:20

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 11:21

This is a polite way of saying David was dead. Alternate translation: “David had died” (See: Euphemism)

1 Kings 11:23

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a location. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 11:24

These are names of locations. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “David” refers to David and his army. Alternate translation: “when David’s army overcame” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 11:25

This is the name of a location. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “during the time that Solomon was alive” or “all the days of Solomon’s life”

Alternate translation: “Rezon hated Israel very much”

1 Kings 11:26

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a location. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

The word “hand” refers to authority, power and control. The phrase “lifted up against” refers to having opposed someone by using authority, power and control. This is a metonym used as a common idiom. Alternate translation: “rebelled against the king” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

1 Kings 11:27

Translate “Millo” as in 1 Kings 9:15.

1 Kings 11:28

This could mean: (1) “a great warrior” or (2) “a very capable man” or (3) “a wealthy and influential man.”

Alternate translation: “he made him commander”

The word “labor” refers to the work that Solomon commanded the people to do for his government. This is a metonym. (See: Metonymy)

This refers to the descendants of Joseph who were the people groups of Ephraim and Manasseh. This is a metonym. (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 11:29

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

The Shilonites are a people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 11:31

Here the word “He” refers to Ahijah.

Here “tear … out” is a metaphor that refers to the action of forcefully removing. This is like a person tears apart a piece of cloth. See how you translated this phrase in 1 Kings 11:11. Alternate translation: “forcefully take the kingdom out” (See: Metaphor)

Here “hand” is a metonym that refers to a person’s authority, control and power. Alternate translation: “Solomon’s control” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 11:32

The name “Solomon” here is a metonym referring to his descendants. Alternate translation: “Solomon’s sons will have” or “Solomon’s descendants will have” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 11:33

These are the names of false gods. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the names of locations and the people groups that live there. (See: How to Translate Names)

“Eyes” here is a metonym for someone’s opinion or idea. This is a commonly used idiom. Alternate translation: “what I consider to be right” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

1 Kings 11:34

Here the word “I” refers to Yahweh.

Here the word “hand” is a metonym that refers to a person’s authority, control and power. Alternate translation: “out of Solomon’s control” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 11:35

Here the word “you” refers to Jeroboam.

1 Kings 11:36

The word “lamp” is a metonym that refers to a person’s influence and guidance. Alternate translation: “will always have a descendant to rule as an influence and a guide for obeying my covenant with David’s family” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 11:37

Here the word “I” refers to Yahweh and the word “you” refers to Jeroboam.

1 Kings 11:38

The word “eyes” here is a metonym for someone’s opinion or idea. This is a commonly used idiom. See how you translated this phrase in 1 Kings 11:33. (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

The clause “build a house” is a metaphor for establishing descendants from that time on. Alternate translation: “establish for you a lasting kingdom” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 11:40

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 11:41

This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. Alternate translation: “you can find them in the book of the events of Solomon.” (See: Active or Passive and Rhetorical Question)

This book no longer exists.

1 Kings 11:43

The clause “slept with his ancestors” is a metaphor that expresses as a euphemism the death of a person in more gentle words. Alternate translation: “He died and he was buried with his ancestors” (See: Metaphor and Euphemism)

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “people buried him” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 12

1 Kings 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Civil war

This chapter explains how the united kingdom of Israel was split into the two kingdoms: Israel and Judah. This is sometimes called a “civil war.”

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel splits

God’s warning to Solomon came true. In spite of his famous wealth, Solomon had over-taxed his own people and forced them to work for free. When the people requested that King Rehoboam reduce taxes and forced labor, he said that he would be harsher than his father. This caused the 10 northern tribes to revolt and appoint Jeroboam as their king. These northern tribes are now called the kingdom of Israel. Only Judah and Benjamin stayed with Rehoboam. They are called Judah. (See: appoint, appointed)

Jeroboam introduces calf worship

Jeroboam made a terrible mistake. He was afraid that if the people continued to go to Jerusalem to worship in the temple, they would want to return to Rehoboam as their king. So he made two shrines with calves made of gold for the people to worship. This eventually caused the destruction of his whole family. The kingdom of Israel continued worshiping the idols until they were taken slaves by the Assyrians. The northern tribes were unable to truly worship Yahweh without going to Jerusalem in the kingdom of Judah.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

The people used the metaphor of “yoke” for oppressive government: “Your father made our yoke difficult. Now then, make your father’s hard work easier, and lighten the heavy yoke that he put on us.” But Rehoboam promised to increase their oppression with three metaphors: “My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. So now, although my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father punished you with whips, but I will punish you with scorpions.” (See: Metaphor and oppress, oppressed, oppression, oppressor, dominate and promise, promised)

1 Kings 12:1

Here “Israel” represents all the men of Israel capable of fighting. Here “all Israel” is a generalization which means almost all the men of Israel. Alternate translation: “all the men of Israel were coming” (See: Synecdoche and Hyperbole)

1 Kings 12:2

This phrase is used here to mark where the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 12:3

Here the word “him” refers to Jeroboam.

1 Kings 12:4

A heavy yoke is a metaphor for very difficult labor and requirements. Alternate translation: “treated us cruelly” or “forced us to work very hard” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 12:6

To “stand before” is an idiom for serving the king in his presence. Alternate translation: “the old men who counseled Solomon” or “the old men who attended to Solomon” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 12:9

To “lighten the yoke” is a metaphor to represent lifting of the burden. Alternate translation: “Do not treat us as cruelly as your father did” or “Do not force us to work as hard as your father did” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 12:10

This metaphor means that Rehoboam is more cruel and intimidating than his father. Alternate translation: “What I will do to make your burden heavier is much more than what my father put on you” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 12:11

This metaphor means that the punishment Rehoboam plans to give will be worse than what his father gave. Alternate translation: “My father used whips to force you to work but I will use even crueler punishment” (See: Metaphor)

The word scorpions may refer to: (1) a whip with sharp metal barbs on the end or (2) a spider-like creature that has a poisonous sting.

1 Kings 12:14

A heavy yoke is a metaphor for very difficult labor and requirements. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 12:4. Alternate translation: “treated you cruelly” or “forced you to work very hard” (See: Metaphor)

This metaphor means that the punishment Rehoboam plans to give will be worse than what his father gave. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 12:11. Alternate translation: “My father used whips to force you to work but I will use even crueler punishment” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 12:15

This is an idiom and can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh caused things to happen like this” (See: Idiom and Active or Passive)

The idiom “had spoken by” someone refers to giving someone a message to tell others. (See: Idiom)

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a people group from the town of Shiloh. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 12:16

Here “Israel” represents all he men of Israel capable of fighting. “All Israel” is a generalization which means almost all the men of Israel. Alternate translation: “all the men of Israel” (See: Synecdoche and Hyperbole)

“Share” here is a metonym meaning a part, involvement, or interest. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate translation: “We will have no part in the family of David.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metonymy)

“Son of Jesse” here is a metonym for David, a son of Jesse. “Inheritance” is a metonym for the part left for these people from David’s successes. Alternate translation: “We will have nothing to do with the descendants of Jesse” (See: Metonymy)

“Tents” here is a metonym representing a person’s place of residence. Alternate translation: “Go to your homes, people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

“House” here is a metonym for David’s lineage of power and prestige. Alternate translation: “Now take care of your own kingdom, descendant of David” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 12:18

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “Israel” is a metonym for the people of Israel. “All Israel” is a generalization which means almost all the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “all the people of Israel who were there” (See: Metonymy and Hyperbole)

1 Kings 12:19

Here “house” is a metonym that represents family or descendants. Alternate translation: “the kings descended from David” (See: Metonymy)

“ever since that time.” This refers to the time that the writer was actually writing this.

1 Kings 12:20

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

“All Israel” here is a generalization that means the capable men of Israel who represent the rest of the people by a synecdoche. Alternate translation: “when all the leaders of Israel heard” (See: Synecdoche and Hyperbole)

“Israel” implicitly means the northern ten tribes that rebelled against Rehoboam. Alternate translation: “king over all of the 10 tribes of Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “David’s descendants”

1 Kings 12:21

Here “house” is a metonym that represents a tribe or descendants. And, here “tribe” refers specifically to the soldiers from those tribes. Alternate translation: “all the soldiers from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin” (See: Metonymy)

“one hundred eighty thousand chosen men” (See: Numbers)

Here “house” represents the kingdom made up of the 10 northern tribes of Israel. Alternate translation: “the kingdom of Israel” or “the people of the northern tribes of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 12:22

This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. Alternate translation: “God spoke this message … and he said” or “God spoke these words … and he said” (See: Idiom)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

The expression “man of God” is a respectful way of referring to a prophet of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “the man who belongs to God” or “the prophet of God”

1 Kings 12:23

Here “house” is a metonym that represents a tribe or descendants. Alternate translation: “all the people from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 12:24

The words “brothers” and “people of Israel” are a doublet that refer to the men of the ten northern tribes and emphasize the family relationship between them and the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. (See: Doublet)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because I have made this thing happen” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 12:26

“Heart” here is a metonym for a person’s inner consciousness, thoughts, motivation, or feelings. Alternate translation: “thought to himself” (See: Metonymy)

Here “house” is a metonym representing family or descendants. Alternate translation: “the kings descended from David” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 12:27

The words “these people” refer to the people of the northern ten tribes of Israel.

“Heart” here is a metonym for the people’s allegiance and affection. Alternate translation: “the allegiance of these people” (See: Metonymy)

These phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize Jeroboam’s fear that the people would turn again to Rehoboam as king. (See: Parallelism)

1 Kings 12:28

“You” here is a metonym for the ancestors of the people. Alternate translation: “brought your ancestors up” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 12:31

The workers who did this at Jeroboam’s commands are represented by the metonym of the name of Jeroboam himself. Alternate translation: “Jeroboam’s workers made houses on high places” (See: Metonymy)

The implied information is that these were houses of worship. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “houses of worship on high places” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “appointed men to be priests”

1 Kings 12:32

This is the eighth month of the Hebrew calendar. The fifteenth day is near the beginning of November on Western calendars. Alternate translation: “on the fifteenth day of the eighth month” (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

“Went up” here is an idiom for going to a sacred place to worship since these altars were located on high places. Alternate translation: “offered sacrifices on the altar” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 12:33

“Went up” here is an idiom for going to a sacred place to worship since these altars were located on high places. Alternate translation: “offered sacrifices on the altar” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “in the month that he had determined”

1 Kings 13

1 Kings 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter has two parts: The young prophet’s warning to Jeroboam (1-10) and the old prophet’s deception (11-34). (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Special concepts in this chapter

Obeying God

People should do what God tells them to do and not what other people tell them is God’s will for them. The story of the young prophet and the old prophet is an example of this. (See:reward, prize, deserve and will of God)

1 Kings 13:1

The implied information is that Yahweh sent the man of God to Bethel. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh sent a man of God from Judah to Bethel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

This is another title for a prophet. Alternate translation: “A prophet”

Alternate translation: “came from Judah”

Alternate translation: “the message of Yahweh” or “Yahweh’s message”

1 Kings 13:2

Here “He” refers to the man of God.

This means he prophesied toward the altar in a loud and condemning voice. Alternate translation: “prophesied loudly toward the altar” (See: Idiom)

The prophet spoke to the altar as if it were a person who could hear him. He said this twice for emphasis. (See: Apostrophe and Personification)

Here the “family of David” refers to the descendants of David. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a descendant of David will have a son named Josiah” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Here “they” refers to Josiah and the people with him.

1 Kings 13:3

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will split the altar apart and the ashes on it will fall to the ground” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 13:4

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh dried up the hand with which he had reached out against the man” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “withered” or “became paralyzed”

1 Kings 13:5

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh also split the altar apart” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as the man of God had described by the word of Yahweh as a sign” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “the message of Yahweh” or “Yahweh’s message”

1 Kings 13:6

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word favor, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “Plead that Yahweh your God may favor me” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh may restore my hand” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh restored the king’s hand and made it as it was before” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 13:7

The word “yourself” is a reflexive pronoun. Alternate translation: “Come home with me and eat some food” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

1 Kings 13:8

Alternate translation: “half of your house”

1 Kings 13:9

Alternate translation: “Do not eat bread, drink water, or return by the way that you came”

1 Kings 13:10

Alternate translation: “went a different way”

1 Kings 13:12

The implied information is that the sons also told their father which way the man of God went. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 13:13

This means to place a seat on the back of an animal so a person can ride on it.

1 Kings 13:14

This refers to the prophet who lived in Bethel.

Alternate translation: “the old prophet said to the man of God”

Alternate translation: “The man of God answered”

1 Kings 13:16

Alternate translation: “go into your house”

Alternate translation: “in Bethel”

1 Kings 13:17

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh commanded me by his word” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “the message of Yahweh” or “Yahweh’s message”

1 Kings 13:18

Alternate translation: “an angel delivered to me a message from Yahweh”

Alternate translation: “the message of Yahweh” or “Yahweh’s message”

1 Kings 13:20

The implied information is that they were still eating and drinking at the table. Alternate translation: “As they were eating and drinking at the table” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The idiom “the word of Yahweh came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to the prophet” or “Yahweh spoke this message to the prophet” (See: Idiom)

Here the word “him” refers to the man of God.

1 Kings 13:21

The idiom “the word of Yahweh came to” in the previous verse is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “came from Judah. He said, ‘Yahweh” or “came from Judah: ‘Yahweh” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “the prophet spoke loudly to the man of God”

Alternate translation: “Because you have not obeyed the word of Yahweh”

1 Kings 13:23

This means he placed a seat on the back of the donkey so the man of God could ride on it. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 13:13.

1 Kings 13:24

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “left his body on the road” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “his dead body”

1 Kings 13:25

Here “it” refers to what they had seen on the road. Alternate translation: “they came and told about what they had seen”

1 Kings 13:28

Alternate translation: “the dead body of the man of God”

Alternate translation: “lying in the road”

1 Kings 13:29

Alternate translation: “lifted up”

Alternate translation: “the dead body”

1 Kings 13:30

Here the word “they” refers to the prophet and his sons.

The word “Woe” here is an expression of great sorrow.

1 Kings 13:31

Here the word “he” refers to the old prophet and the word “him” refers to the man of God.

Here “my bones” represents his entire body. Alternate translation: “Lay my dead body beside his bones” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 13:32

The implied information is that these were houses of worship. Alternate translation: “houses of worship on the high places” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 13:34

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Jeroboam’s family sinned by doing this thing” (See: Active or Passive)

This phrase refers to Jeroboam’s setting up shrines and appointing priests.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because of this God destroyed and exterminated Jeroboam’s family” (See: Active or Passive)

These mean nearly the same thing. Alternate translation: “to be completely destroyed” (See: Doublet)

1 Kings 14

1 Kings 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter has two stories. One is the death of Jeroboam’s son (1-18). The other is the reign of Rehoboam (20-31).

Special concepts in this chapter

The death of Jeroboam’s son

God knows the truth; it is useless to try to fool God’s prophet. Jeroboam’s son became sick; so the king sent his wife, disguised as a common woman, to the prophet. The prophet was blind, but when Jeroboam’s wife arrived he told her, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam.” He also told her that her son would die and that all of Jeroboam’s family would be killed, because he had caused Israel to worship the golden calves. (See: true, truth and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Rehoboam’s reign

When Solomon obeyed God, God made him very rich. When the people of Judah began to worship the fertility goddess, Ashtoreth, and to do many evil things, they had to give all of their wealth to the king of Egypt to persuade him not to attack Jerusalem. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant)

1 Kings 14:2

Alternate translation: “change how you appear to others”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will recognize you” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 14:5

Here the word “Look” means “pay attention.”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word advice, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “coming to ask you to advise her” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The words “such and such” mean that Yahweh told Ahijah what to say. Alternate translation: “Speak in this way to her” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 14:6

This question shows that Ahijah knew she was disguised. Alternate translation: “Stop pretending to be someone else; I know who you are.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh told me to give you bad news” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 14:7

Alternate translation: “I exalted you”

1 Kings 14:8

God forcefully removed most of the kingdom like a person tears a piece of cloth. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “obeyed me”

Here the “heart” refers to a person’s will and desire. Alternate translation: “with all his will” or “with complete commitment” (See: Metonymy)

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “what I judged to be right” or “what I considered to be right” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 14:9

Jeroboam has disrespected Yahweh like a person throws away something that is not wanted. Alternate translation: “completely rejected me” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 14:10

“pay attention.” This word is added to indicate that what follows is important.

These two phrases are very similar in meaning and are repeated for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Yahweh speaks of destroying Jeroboam’s family and preventing him from having any descendants as if he were cutting them off as one would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “destroy every one of your male children in Israel” (See: Metaphor)

This simile compares the removal of every descendant of Jeroboam with the complete burning up of dung that was mixed with straw, dried, and burned for fuel. (See: Simile)

1 Kings 14:11

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Dogs will eat anyone who belongs to your family and who dies in the city” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the birds of the heavens will eat anyone who dies in the field” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 14:12

The word “feet” here is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “when you enter the city” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 14:13

This is a generalization that means the people of the northern kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “The Israelite people” (See: Hyperbole)

Alternate translation: “be buried in a grave”

The word “house” here is a metonym for “family.” Alternate translation: “in all of Jeroboam’s family” (See: Metonymy)

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “did Yahweh, the God of Israel, find anything he judged to be good” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

1 Kings 14:14

The writer speaks of the new king of Israel destroying Jeroboam’s family and preventing him from having any descendants like one would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “destroy the descendants of Jeroboam” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 14:15

The writer here uses a simile to express how Yahweh will bring judgment on the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will attack the people of Israel as a reed is shaken in the water” (See: Simile)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “like a river of water shakes a reed” (See: Active or Passive)

Yahweh compares Israel with a plant that he will tear out of the ground by its roots. Alternate translation: “he will remove the people of Israel from this good land” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “disperse them”

1 Kings 14:17

This is the name of the city where king Jeroboam lived. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 14:18

This is a generalization that means the people of Israel buried him and mourned for him. Alternate translation: “A great number of the people of Israel were present when people buried him, and the people of Israel mourned for him” (See: Hyperbole)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “just as Yahweh told them” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “by the message of Yahweh” or “in Yahweh’s message”

1 Kings 14:19

Alternate translation: “look” or “see for yourself”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you can find them written in” or “someone has written about them in” (See: Active or Passive)

This refers to a book that no longer exists.

1 Kings 14:20

“22 years” (See: Numbers)

Jeroboam dying is spoken of as if he had fallen asleep. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 2:10. Alternate translation: “died” (See: Metaphor and Euphemism)

1 Kings 14:21

“41 years old…17 years” (See: Numbers)

Here “put his name” is a metonym for “dwell” and refers to the temple where Yahweh was to be worshiped. Alternate translation: “in which to dwell” or “in which to be worshiped” (See: Metonymy)

Here the word “His” refers to Rehoboam.

This is a woman’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 14:22

Here “Judah” represents the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “The people of Judah did” (See: Metonymy)

The “sight” of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 11:6. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considered to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word jealousy, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “they made him jealous” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “their ancestors”

1 Kings 14:23

The word “they” here refers to the people of Judah.

The words “for themselves” are a metonym for what they will do with the high places. Alternate translation: “built for their own use” (See: Metonymy and Reflexive Pronouns)

This is likely to be an exaggeration that indicates there were many places like these for false worship all over the country. Alternate translation: “on the high hills and under the green trees” (See: Hyperbole)

1 Kings 14:24

“religious prostitutes” or “male prostitutes.” This probably refers to male prostitutes who were associated with idol worship.

Here the word “nations” represents the people in those nations. Alternate translation: “the same disgusting things that the people did, whom” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 14:25

This refers to the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign as king. Alternate translation: “in the fifth year that Rehoboam was king” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“in year 5” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

“Shishak king of Egypt” represents himself along with the Egyptian army. Alternate translation: “Shishak king of Egypt, and his army with him, came up against Jerusalem” (See: Synecdoche)

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 11:40. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is an idiom that means marched against or attacked. Alternate translation: “came to attack” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 14:26

This is a generalization that indicates every valuable thing that could be found was taken away. Alternate translation: “He took away many valuable things” (See: Hyperbole)

The word “He” represents Shishak and the soldiers who were with him. Alternate translation: “Shishak and his army took” (See: Synecdoche)

Here “Solomon” refers to the craftsmen who worked for Solomon to make the shields. Alternate translation: “that Solomon had his workers make” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 14:27

Here “King Rehoboam” represents the persons who worked for him to make the shields. Alternate translation: “King Rehoboam’s workers made shields” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “in place of the shields of gold”

Here “hands” represents care or responsibility. Alternate translation: “made them the responsibility of the commanders” (See: Metonymy)

Here “doors” represents the entrance. Alternate translation: “who guarded the entrance to the king’s house” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 14:28

Alternate translation: “the guards would carry the shields of bronze”

1 Kings 14:29

This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah.” or “you can read about them in the book of the events of the kings of Judah.” (See: Active or Passive and Rhetorical Question)

This refers to a book that no longer exists.

1 Kings 14:30

Alternate translation: “There was continuing war” or “There were constant battles”

The names of the kings represent themselves and their armies. Alternate translation: “the armies of Rehoboam and Jeroboam fought in battle again and again” or “Rehoboam and his people and Jeroboam and his people engaged in battle continually” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 14:31

Rehoboam dying is spoken of as if he had fallen asleep. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 2:10. Alternate translation: “died” (See: Metaphor and Euphemism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people buried him” (See: Active or Passive)

This is the name of a woman. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 14:21. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “Abijah the son of Rehoboam”

The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Rehoboam” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 15

1 Kings 15 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Judah had some bad kings and some good kings. All of the kings in Israel continued to worship the golden calves, so they were all considered to be bad. Judah and Israel continually fought each other.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“But the shrines were not taken away.”

At the shrines, the people worshiped Yahweh. But later, during Hezekiah’s reign, it was decided that all sacrifices must be made only at the temple. (See: temple, house, house of God)

1 Kings 15:1

This refers to the eighteenth year of Jeroboam’s reign. Alternate translation: “After Jeroboam had been the king of Israel for almost eighteen years” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“In year 18” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 15:3

Walking represents living, and walking in sins represents committing those sins. Alternate translation: “Abijah continued to practice all the sins” (See: Metaphor)

Since these verses refer to several kings, it may help to include the name of Abijah’s father. This information can be made clear. AT “that his father, Rehoboam, had committed before Abijah’s time” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This phrase represents the time that he was king. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “before Abijah was king” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The heart represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “Abijah was not devoted … as David” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 15:4

The word “lamp” here represents a descendant who would be king as David was. Alternate translation: “gave David a descendant to rule in Jerusalem” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “by raising up Abijah’s son after him” or “by giving Abijah a son”

1 Kings 15:5

The eyes here represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh judges to be right” or “what Yahweh considers to be right” (See:Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “the whole time that David lived” or “throughout David’s whole life”

Turning away from a command represents disobeying it. Alternate translation: “David did not disobey anything that God commanded him” (See: Metaphor)

This is a general way to refer to the situation with Uriah. It can be stated more clearly what this matter was. Alternate translation: “except for what he did to Uriah the Hittite” or “except when he caused Uriah the Hittite to be killed” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 15:6

These kings represent themselves and their armies. Rehoboam was Abijah’s father. Alternate translation: “between the armies of Rehoboam and Jeroboam” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “the whole time that Abijah lived”

1 Kings 15:7

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Abijah is in this other book. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 14:29. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This can stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone has written about this in the book of the events of the kings of Judah.” (See: Active or Passive)

The names “Abijah” and “Jeroboam” represent the kings and their armies. Alternate translation: “between the armies of Abijah and Jeroboam” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 15:8

In this euphemism, sleeping represents dying. Alternate translation: “Abijah died as his ancestors had” or “Like his ancestors, Abaijah died” (See: Metaphor and Euphemism)

The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Abijah” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 15:9

This refers to the twentieth year of Jeroboam’s reign. Alternate translation: “After Jeroboam had been the king of Israel for almost twenty years” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“In year 20” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 15:10

“41 years” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 15:11

The eyes here represent seeing, and seeing represents judgment. Yahweh saw and approved of Asa’s actions. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh judges to be right” or “what Yahweh considers to be right” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 15:12

This probably refers to prostitutes who were associated with idol worship and who were all men. Alternate translation: “religious prostitutes” or “the prostitutes who worked for idols” or “male prostitutes”

1 Kings 15:13

Since Asa was king, he may have told his officials to cut down the figure. Alternate translation: “Asa caused the disgusting figure to be cut down” or “Asa made them cut down the disgusting figure” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 15:14

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But Asa did not command the people to take away the high places” (See: Active or Passive)

The heart represents the person. Alternate translation: “Asa was completely devoted” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “the whole time that he lived” or “throughout his whole life”

1 Kings 15:16

This refers to the entire time they reigned as kings. Alternate translation: “the whole time that they reigned over Judah and Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 15:17

Alternate translation: “attacked Judah”

It is implied that the army of Baasha first captured Ramah. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “captured and fortified Ramah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 15:18

Putting things in their hands represents giving those things to them. It is implied that they would do with it what he wanted them to do. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “He entrusted it to his servants” (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This means he spoke by means of his servants. Asa told his servants what to say to Ben Hadad and they did. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Asa told his servants to say to Ben Hadad” or “Through his servants, Asa said to Ben Hadad” (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 15:19

A covenant being between two people represents those two people having a covenant with each other. Alternate translation: “Let us have a covenant with each other” or “Let us make a peace treaty” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “As proof that I want a treaty with you, I”

Breaking a covenant represents canceling it and not doing what one has promised to do. Alternate translation: “Cancel your covenant with Baasha king of Israel” or “Do not be loyal to Baasha king of Israel as you promised in your covenant with him” (See: Metaphor)

Asa wanted Ben Hadad to attack Israel. Ben Hadad could only do that if he broke his covenant with the king of Israel. The meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Break your covenant with Baasha king of Israel, and attack Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 15:21

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

King Baasha did this by telling his workers to do this. Alternate translation: “he had his workers stop building up Ramah” (See: Metonymy)

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.

1 Kings 15:22

This can also be stated positively. Alternate translation: “Every one had to obey King Asa’s proclamation”

1 Kings 15:23

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Abijah is in this other book. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 14:29. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah” (See: Rhetorical Question)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone has written about this in the book of the events of the kings of Judah.” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 15:24

Sleeping here is a euphemism which represents dying. Alternate translation: “Asa died as his ancestors had” (See: Metaphor and Euphemism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they buried him with his ancestors” (See: Active or Passive)

The word “father” here refers to an ancestor. Alternate translation: “King David, his ancestor”

1 Kings 15:25

The rest of chapter 15 and 16 is about the kings of Israel. These events happened while King Asa of Judah was still alive.

This refers to the second year of Asa’s reign. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “when Asa had been king of Judah for almost two years” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “Nadab reigned over Israel two years”

1 Kings 15:26

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

Walking here represents behaving. Alternate translation: “did the same things that his father had done” (See: Metaphor)

Walking in his own sin represents sinning in ways that were different from the ways that his father had sinned. Alternate translation: “he sinned in his own ways” (See: Metaphor)

Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate translation: “and by sinning, he influenced Israel to sin” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 15:27

Alternate translation: “secretly plotted to kill King Nadab”

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

“The phrase “all Israel” is a generalization that represents the many soldiers of Israel. Alternate translation: “Nadab and the many soldiers of Israel” or “Nadab and the army of Israel” (See: Synecdoche and Hyperbole)

Alternate translation: “were surrounding Gibbethon, so that the people of Gibbethon would surrender to them”

1 Kings 15:28

The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Nadab” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 15:29

These two sentences mean the same thing and are combined to emphasize his descendents were all killed. (See: Parallelism)

Jeroboam was King Nadab’s father.

Breathing represents being alive. Alternate translation: “He left none of Jeroboam’s descendants living” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “Jeroboam’s royal line”

In 1 Kings 14:10 and 1 Kings 14:11 Yahweh spoke through his prophet Ahijah and told Jeroboam that he would destroy his family.

Alternate translation: “Ahijah, who was from Shiloh”

1 Kings 15:30

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word sins, you could express the same idea with the verb “sin.” Alternate translation: “because Jeroboam sinned and led Israel to sin in the same ways” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do something. Alternate translation: “by which he influenced Israel to sin” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 15:31

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Nadab is in this other book. See how you translated a similar phrase concerning Judah in 1 Kings 14:29. This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone has written about this in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 15:32

This refers to the whole period of time that they reign as kings. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 15:16 Alternate translation: “the whole time that they reigned over Judah and Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 15:33

Starting in 1 Kings 15:27, the author told about how Baasha became king. Here the author begins to tell about what Baasha did as king of Israel.

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.

1 Kings 15:34

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

Walking here represents behaving. Alternate translation: “did the same things that Jeroboam had done” (See: Metaphor)

Possible meanings are that his and he refer to: (1) Baasha or (2) Jeroboam.

Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate translation: “and by sinning, he influenced Israel to sin” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 16

1 Kings 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Incorrect worship

The prophet Jehu warned Baasha, king of Israel, that God would destroy his family for worshiping the idols. But Baasha did not change his ways; so Zimri murdered Baasha’s son and all his relatives. Then Omri killed Zimri. Omri’s son Ahab brought in the rain god Baal and his wife, the fertility goddess Ashtoreth, as the official religion of Israel. This was very evil. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry and evil, wicked, unpleasant)

1 Kings 16:1

This idiom means God spoke. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke his message” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 16:2

This is God’s message that Jehu was to give to Baasha. The word “you” refers to Baasha.

“I raised you out of the dust.” Being in the dust on the ground represents not being important. Exalting someone represents making him important. Alternate translation: “I raised you from a very unimportant position” or “when you had no power or influence over people, I made you important” (See: Metaphor)

Walking represents behaving. Jeroboam and Baasha both sinned. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “you have done the same things that Jeroboam did” or “you have sinned as Jeroboam sinned” (See: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 16:3

Yahweh continues telling Baasha what he will do to him.

Yahweh is speaking to Baasha, and the phrase “his family” refers to Baasha’s family. This can be translated using the words “you” and “your.” Alternate translation: “Listen, Baasha. I will completely sweep away you and your family” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Sweeping away represents destroying. Alternate translation: “I will completely destroy” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 16:5

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Baasha is in this other book. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 15:31. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone has written about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 16:6

Sleeping is a euphemism that represents dying. Alternate translation: “Baasha died as his ancestors had” or “Like his ancestors, Baasha died” (See: Metaphorand Euphemism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people buried him” (See: Active or Passive)

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.

The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Baasha” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 16:7

This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words” (See: Idiom)

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment. Alternate translation: “all the things that Baasha that are evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “all the things that Baaha did that Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word anger, you could express the same idea with the adjective “angry.” Alternate translation: “so as to make Yahweh very angry” or “that made God very angry” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here Basha is represented by his “hands.” This speaks of all of his actions as his “work.” Alternate translation: “by the things Baasha had done” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 16:8

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.

1 Kings 16:9

Alternate translation: “Elah’s servant Zimri”

The word “chariots” here represents the soldiers who drove the chariots. Alternate translation: “captain of half his chariot drivers” (See: Metonymy)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “drinking so much wine that he was getting drunk” or “getting drunk” (See: Idiom)

Being over the household represents being in charge of the things in King Elah’s house. Alternate translation: “who was in charge of the things in the Elah’s house” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 16:10

Alternate translation: “attacked and killed Elah”

The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Elah” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 16:11

This means that he killed all the men and boys. Alternate translation: “He did not leave even one male alive”

1 Kings 16:12

Alternate translation: “the message of Yahweh” or “Yahweh’s message”

Speaking “by” a prophet represents telling a prophet to speak and the prophet speaking. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh told Jehu the prophet to speak against Baasha” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 16:13

Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate translation: “they had influenced Israel to sin” (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “Israel” refers to the ten northern tribes of Israel. Baasha and Elah had been their king.

God became angry with the people because they worshiped idols. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “they made Yahweh, the God of Israel, angry because they worshiped idols” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here the word “Israel” refers to all of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob.

1 Kings 16:14

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Elah is in this other book. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 15:31. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone has written about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 16:15

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.

The word “army” refers to the army of the kingdom of Israel.

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 15:27.

1 Kings 16:16

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The soldiers who camped there heard someone say” (See: Active or Passive)

Both times this phrase is used, it represents the army of Israel. Here the word “all” is a generalization meaning “most.” Alternate translation: “all the army of Israel” or “most of the soldiers in the army of Israel” or “the army of Israel” (See: Synecdoche and Hyperbole)

1 Kings 16:18

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that Omri and the army had taken the city” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 16:19

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

Here walking represents behaving. Alternate translation: “doing the same things that Jeroboam had done” (See: Metaphor)

Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate translation: “so as to influence Israel to sin” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 16:20

This treason refers to Zimri’s plot to kill Elah, the king of Israel. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “how he plotted against King Elah” or “how he killed the king of Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Zimri is in this other book. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. See how you translated a similar phrase concerning Judah in 1 Kings 14:29. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone has written about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 16:21

Here “followed” represents supporting or wanting to make him king. Alternate translation: “supported Tibni son of Ginath, to make him king, and half supported Omri” or “wanted to make Tibni son of Ginath king, and half wanted to make Omri king” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 16:22

Alternate translation: “overpowered the people who followed Tibni”

1 Kings 16:23

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.

1 Kings 16:24

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: “about 66 kilograms of silver” (See: Biblical Weight)

The word “He” refers to Omri. He commanded people to build the city. Alternate translation: “Omri had his people build a city” or “Omri commanded and his workers built a city” (See: Metonymy)

This is an idiom that means “to honor Shemer” or “so that people would remember Shemer.” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 16:25

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 16:26

Walking represents behaving. Alternate translation: “did all the same things that Jeroboam son of Nebat did” (See: Metaphor)

Possible meanings are that his and he refer to: (1) Baasha or (2) Jeroboam.

Possible meanings are walking in his sins represents: (1) sinning as Jeroboam sinned. Alternate translation: “he sinned as Jeroboam sinned” or (2) or sinning habitually. Alternate translation: “he sinned habitually” (See: Metaphor)

Leading people to sin represents influencing them to sin. Alternate translation: “his sins, by which he influenced Israel to sin” or “and by sinning like this, he influenced people to sin.

God became angry with the people because they worshiped idols. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Kings 16:13. Alternate translation: “to make Yahweh, the God of Israel, angry because they worshiped worthless idols” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The word “worthless” here reminds people that idols are worthless because they cannot do anything. Alternate translation: “their idols, which are worthless” or “their idols, which are useless” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

Here the word “Israel” refers to all of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob.

1 Kings 16:27

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Omri is in this other book. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 15:31. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone has written about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 16:28

The euphemism “sleeping” here represents dying. Alternate translation: “Omri died as his ancestors had” or “Like his ancestors, Omri died” (See: Metaphor and Euphemism)

The phrase “in his place” is a metaphor meaning “instead of him.” Alternate translation: “became king instead of Omri” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 16:30

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 16:31

This implies that Ahab wanted to commit worse sins. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “It was as if Ahab thought that walking in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat was not enough” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is an idiom. The phrase “to Ahab” means that Ahab considered or thought something. Alternate translation: “Ahab considered it a trivial thing” or “Ahab thought that it was not enough” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “an insignificant thing” or “not enough”

Walking in Jeroboam’s sins represents sinning as Jeroboam had sinned. Alternate translation: “to sin as Jeroboam son of Nebat had sinned” (See: Metaphor)

These two phrases mean the same thing. The phrase “bowed down to him” describes the posture that people used in worship. (See: Parallelism)

1 Kings 16:33

Here the word “Israel” refers to the nation of Israel, which consisted of twelve tribes.

Here the word “Israel” refers to the kingdom of Israel, which consisted of ten tribes.

1 Kings 16:34

The consequence of building the city is spoken of as if it were a cost that Hiel paid. Alternate translation: “and the consequence of his sin was that Abiram, his firstborn son, died” (See: Metaphor)

Dying is spoken of as if he lost his life. Alternate translation: “Segub, his youngest son, died” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “while Hiel was building the gates of the city”

Alternate translation: “according to the word of Yahweh”

Alternate translation: “the message of Yahweh” or “Yahweh’s message”

Speaking “by” someone represents both telling someone to speak and the person doing it. Alternate translation: “which Yahweh caused Joshua son of Nun to speak” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 17

1 Kings 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the beginning of the story of Elijah. (1 Kings 17 – 2 Kings 2)

Special concepts in this chapter

Baal worship

Ahab had introduced the worship of Baal, the god people thought brought rain, to Israel. Because of this, God caused a drought. Elijah told Ahab that it would not rain or dew until he, Elijah, said so. Elijah had to hide so Ahab would not kill him for bringing the drought. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)

1 Kings 17:1

This is the name of a people group from Tishbe. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a town in the region of Gilead. (See: How to Translate Names)

This phrase is an oath to emphasize that what he will say is true.

This is an idiom that means “to serve.” Alternate translation: “whom I serve” (See: Idiom)

drops of water that form on the plants during the night

1 Kings 17:2

This idiom means God spoke. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke his message” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 17:3

This is the name of a very small stream. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 17:4

This phrase is used to introduce how Yahweh will take care of Elijah during the drought. Alternate translation: “There”

large, black birds (See: Translate Unknowns)

1 Kings 17:5

Here “the word” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “as Yahweh commanded” (See: Metonymy)

This is the name of a very small stream. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 17:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

1 Kings 17:7

Alternate translation: “in that area” or “in that country”

1 Kings 17:8

This idiom means God spoke. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke his message” (See: Idiom)

Here the word “him” refers to Elijah.

1 Kings 17:9

This is a town. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: I”

1 Kings 17:12

This phrase is an oath to emphasize that what she will say is true.

Alternate translation: “only a little bit of meal”

“flour.” This what is used to make bread.

Alternate translation: “Let me tell you what I am doing: I”

This may refer to two sticks or to only a few sticks. (See: Numbers)

It is implied that they will die because they do not have anymore food. Alternate translation: “that we may eat. Afterwards, we will starve to death” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 17:13

It is implicit that there would be enough flour and oil to make more bread. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 17:14

This is an idiom that means Yahweh causes it to rain. Alternate translation: “Yahweh causes rain to fall” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 17:15

In the original language it says, “And she and he and her household ate for many days.” It is unclear who “he” is. This could mean: (1) Elijah, the widow, and her son ate for many days or (2) the widow, her son, and everyone living in her house ate for many days or (3) Elijah, the widow, and everyone living in her house ate for many days.

Possible meanings for household are: (1) this refers only to the widow’s son or (2) this refers to other people who live in her house but are not named in the story or (3) this refers to her son and others living in her house.

1 Kings 17:16

Here “word” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “just as Yahweh had said” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 17:17

Alternate translation: “the son of the woman who owned the house”

This is a polite way of saying the boy died. Alternate translation: “he stopped breathing” or “he died” (See: Euphemism)

1 Kings 17:18

The phrase “man of God” is another title for a prophet.

This means sins in general not a specific sin. Alternate translation: “of my sins” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

1 Kings 17:19

Here “he” refers to Elijah.

Here “his” refers to Elijah.

1 Kings 17:20

This could mean: (1) Elijah is truly asking a question. Alternate translation: “why would you cause the widow with whom I am staying to suffer even more by killing her son” or (2) Elijah uses a question to express how sad he is. Alternate translation: “surely, you would not cause the widow with whom I am staying to suffer even more by killing her son” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Causing the widow to suffer is spoken of as if “disaster” were an object that is placed on the widow. (See: Metaphor)

Here “also” means in addition to the disaster that the drought has caused.

1 Kings 17:21

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “lay on top of the child” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 17:22

Here “voice” represents what Elijah prayed. Alternate translation: “Yahweh answered Elijah’s prayer” (See: Metonymy)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “the child came back to life” or “the child lived again” (See: Parallelism)

1 Kings 17:23

Here “his” refers to Elijah.

The word “See” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

1 Kings 17:24

“the message of Yahweh in your mouth is true.” The word “mouth” represents what Elijah said. Alternate translation: “the message that you spoke from Yahweh is true” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 18

1 Kings 18 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Elijah continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Baal

God proved himself to all the people of Israel. Elijah went to meet Ahab. He told Ahab to bring the 450 prophets of Baal and all the people to Mount Carmel. Then he proposed an experiment, which was carried out. The prophets of Baal took one bull, killed them, cut them up, and placed them on wood on an altar without lighting the fire. The prophets of Baal danced and prayed to Baal all morning and half the afternoon. After they were exhausted, Elijah built his altar and drenched it with water. Then he prayed. God answered his prayer with fire that burned up the sacrifice, the altar and the water. Then Elijah told the people to seize the prophets of Baal and kill them. After that, Elijah prayed for rain, and it rained very hard. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Humor

Elijah insults the false god Baal. He states, “Perhaps he is thinking, or is relieving himself, or he is traveling on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.” Baal was too busy in the bathroom to answer the prophets. “Relieving himself” is a euphemism. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry and Euphemism)

1 Kings 18:1

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke his word” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “cause rain to fall on the land”

1 Kings 18:2

The word “now” is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the writer tells background information about how the famine had affected Samaria. (See: Background Information)

1 Kings 18:3

The word “Now” is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the writer tells about a new person in the story.

1 Kings 18:4

“100 prophets and hid them in groups of 50” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 18:5

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: “prevent the horses and mules from dying” (See: Parallelism)

1 Kings 18:6

The phrase “by himself” emphasizes that Ahab and Obadiah went in separate directions, not necessarily that no one was with Ahab. Alternate translation: “Ahab lead a team in one direction and Obadiah lead a team in the other direction” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 18:7

Here the word “master” is used as a term of respect.

1 Kings 18:8

Here the word “master” refers to Ahab.

Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: Elijah”

1 Kings 18:9

Obadiah asks this question to emphasize the danger to himself because of King Ahab’s anger at Elijah. Alternate translation: “I have not wronged you … for him to kill me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

“Hand” is metonymy for power and control. Alternate translation: “deliver your servant to Ahab” (See: Metonymy)

Obadiah refers to himself as Elijah’s servant in order to honor Elijah.

1 Kings 18:10

This is an oath used to emphasize that what he is saying is true.

Here “no nation or kingdom” is an exaggeration that means that men have traveled very far and gone to many places to find Elijah. This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “my master has sent men to nations and kingdoms near and far” (See: Hyperbole and Double Negatives)

1 Kings 18:11

This phrase is used to emphasize the danger in what Elijah is telling Obadiah to do.

1 Kings 18:13

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Surely you have been told about what I did … with bread and water!” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the word “master” is a term of respect used to refer to Elijah.

“100 of Yahweh’s prophets in groups of 50” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 18:14

See how you translated these words in 1 Kings 18:11.

Here “master” refers to King Ahab.

1 Kings 18:15

This is an oath to emphasize that what he will say is true.

To “stand before” is an idiom for being in someone’s presence and ready to serve him. Alternate translation: “whom I serve” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 18:16

Alternate translation: “Obadiah told Ahab what Elijah had told him to say”

1 Kings 18:17

Ahab asks the question for emphasis to be certain about Elijah’s identity. Alternate translation: “So here you are. You are the troublemaker of Israel!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Kings 18:19

This is a generalization to refer to the leaders and people who represent the ten tribes of the northern kingdom. (See: Hyperbole and Metonymy)

“four hundred and fifty prophets” (See: Numbers)

“400 prophets” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 18:20

“Word” represents Ahab’s message and is also a metonym for the messenger who delivered the message. This is a common statement used with the meaning understood. Alternate translation: “sent a message to … and gathered” or “sent a messenger to summon … to gather” (See: Synecdoche and Metonymy and Idiom)

1 Kings 18:21

Elijah asks this question to urge the people to make a decision. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have been indecisive for long enough.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “did not say anything” or “were silent”

1 Kings 18:22

The word “I” is repeated for emphasis.

“four hundred and fifty men” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 18:24

“Name” is metonymy for the reputation and honor of someone and “calling on” him represents an appeal. Alternate translation: “call to your god … call to Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “all the people said, ‘This is a good thing to do.’”

1 Kings 18:25

Alternate translation: “make it ready to be sacrificed”

Here the word “you” is plural. (See: Forms of You)

1 Kings 18:26

Alternate translation: “The prophets of Baal took the bull”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the bull that someone gave them” (See: Active or Passive)

These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that there was no one to respond to the prayers of the false prophets. The word “voice” represents someone speaking. Alternate translation: “But Baal did not say or do anything” (See: Parallelism and Synecdoche)

1 Kings 18:27

Alternate translation: “Maybe he is thinking” or “It could be that he is thinking”

This euphemism is a more pleasant way to express a harsh statement. Elijah uses understatement to insult Baal with sarcasm. Alternate translation: “in the bathroom” (See: Euphemism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must awaken him” or “you must wake him up” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 18:29

“they continued their wild behavior.” Prophets often acted in ways that seemed unusual or even crazy. In this case they were calling on Baal while dancing, shouting loudly, and cutting themselves with knives.

Alternate translation: “to offer the evening sacrifice”

These phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that no one responded to the prayers of the false prophets. Alternate translation: “but Baal did not say or do anything or even pay attention” (See: Parallelism and Metonymy)

See how you translated this in 1 Kings 18:26.

1 Kings 18:31

“12 stones” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 18:32

“Name” here is a metonym for honor and reputation. This could mean: (1) “to honor Yahweh” or (2) “with the authority of Yahweh.” (See: Metonymy)

a small waterway to hold water

A seah is a unit of volume equal to about 7.7 liters. Alternate translation: “about 15 liters of seeds” (See: Biblical Volume)

1 Kings 18:33

“On the altar” where he placed the wood is assumed in this sentence. Alternate translation: “He put the wood for a fire on the altar” (See: Ellipsis)

“4 jars” (See: Numbers)

A jar is a container for water.

1 Kings 18:35

See how you translated this in 1 Kings 18:30.

1 Kings 18:36

This phrase is used here to reference a significant and meaningful time of the day in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Here “Israel” is referring to Jacob. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel (Genesis 32:28), and God named the nation of Jacob’s descendants “Israel.”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “make these people know today” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 18:37

This phrase is repeated to emphasize the appeal of Elijah to Yahweh.

The people’s “heart” is a metonym for the affection and loyalty of the people. Alternate translation: “caused them to be loyal to you again” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 18:38

Alternate translation: “the fire of Yahweh came down”

The fire is compared to a thirsty person drinking water. (See: Personification)

1 Kings 18:39

This phrase is repeated for emphasis.

1 Kings 18:41

Alternate translation: “it sounds like it is going to rain a lot”

1 Kings 18:42

This describes a posture used for praying.

1 Kings 18:43

The word “seven” can be rendered as the numeral “7.” Alternate translation: “7 times” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 18:44

From a long distance, the cloud could be covered from sight by a man’s hand.

1 Kings 18:45

This phrase is used here to mark where a new step in the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

1 Kings 18:46

Here the word “hand” is a metonym for strength. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave his power to Elijah” (See: Metonymy)

Elijah wrapped his long robe around his waist so that his legs would be free for running.

1 Kings 19

1 Kings 19 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Elijah continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

The queen was angry that Elijah had killed her prophets of Baal. She promised to kill Elijah. Elijah fled south into the desert south of Judah. He traveled on to Mount Horeb also known as Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. God asked him why he was there. He said he had come to Mount Horeb because Israel had deserted God, killed his prophets, and wanted to kill him. God sent him home to make Hazael the king of Aram, Jehu the king of Israel, and Elisha as the prophet in his place. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and promise, promised)

1 Kings 19:2

This is a comparison used as an emphatic oath. “May the gods kill me and do even more bad things”

Alternate translation: “if I do not kill you like you killed those prophets”

1 Kings 19:3

Alternate translation: “he stood up”

1 Kings 19:4

The word “himself” is used to emphasize that he was alone. Alternate translation: “he walked by himself for a day” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

A “broom tree” is a plant that grows in the desert. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Alternate translation: “He prayed that he would die”

Alternate translation: “These troubles are too much for me, Yahweh”

1 Kings 19:6

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “bread that someone had cooked on hot stones” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “a container of water”

1 Kings 19:7

Alternate translation: “will be too difficult for you.”

1 Kings 19:8

“that food gave him energy to travel for 40 days and 40 nights” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 19:9

Here the word “there” refers to Mount Horeb. A cave is an opening in a mountainside that leads to a natural room or rooms underground.

The idiom “The word of Yahweh came to,” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to him. He said, ‘What” or “Yahweh spoke this message to him: ‘What” (See: Idiom)

Yahweh asks this question to rebuke Elijah and to remind him of his duty. Alternate translation: “This is not where you should be, Elijah.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Kings 19:10

Here the word “I” is repeated for emphasis.

1 Kings 19:11

“Before me” here is an idiom for standing in front of someone. Alternate translation: “on the mountain in my presence” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 19:13

“he covered his face with his cloak” A cloak is a long robe, a piece of clothing that covers the whole body.

Alternate translation: “Then he heard a voice”

See how you translated this text in 1 Kings 19:9.

1 Kings 19:14

See how you translated this text in 1 Kings 19:10.

Here the word “I” is repeated for emphasis.

1 Kings 19:16

Alternate translation: “prophet instead of you”

1 Kings 19:17

This phrase is used to introduce what will happen when Elijah does what Yahweh has told him to do. “What will happen is”

“Sword” is metonymy for killing as in battle. Alternate translation: “whomever Hazael does not kill with the sword” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 19:18

Here the words “I” and “myself” refer to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I will save from death” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

“7,000 people” (See: Numbers)

“Bending down” and “kissing” are metonymies for actions people did to worship idols. They are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: “who have not bowed down and kissed Baal” or “who have not worshiped Baal” (See: Metonymy and Parallelism)

1 Kings 19:19

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

“12 yoke of oxen” (See: Numbers)

The word “himself” indicates that Elisha was plowing with the last yoke, while other men were plowing with the other eleven yokes. (See: Reflexive Pronouns and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 19:20

The word “he” refers to Elisha.

1 Kings 19:21

Elisha gave the cooked meat to the people of his city. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 20

1 Kings 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is a story of two battles between Aram and Israel.

Special concepts in this chapter

Battle

God had chosen to defeat Ben Hadad, king of Aram. So when he attacked Samaria with a huge army, the tiny army of Israel defeated him. The people of Aram said that Yahweh was the god of the hills, but they could defeat Israel on the plains. So they came again but Israel defeated them again. Then Ben Hadad offered a peace plan and Ahab accepted. But God had wanted him to kill Ben Hadad and was angry at Ahab for making peace with him.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Simile

There were so few Israel soldiers that they were “like two little flocks of goats.” (See: Simile)

1 Kings 20:1

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

“32 lesser kings” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “kings ruling smaller groups of people”

1 Kings 20:4

This is an idiom to express agreement. Alternate translation: “I agree with you” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 20:6

Alternate translation: “tomorrow at the same time of day that it is now”

Here the “eyes” represent the whole person and emphasize them looking at something and desiring it. Alternate translation: “whatever pleases them” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 20:7

“The land” represents all the people living there. Alternate translation: “of the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

“Take note” here is an idiom to observe carefully. Alternate translation: “pay close attention to” (See: Idiom)

This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “I have agreed to his demands” (See: Double Negatives)

1 Kings 20:10

This is an oath with great emphasis. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 19:2.

Ben Hadad is threatening that his army will totally destroy everything in Samaria. (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 20:11

This is an expression to give advice. “Putting on armor” is metonymy for getting prepared for battle. “Tell Ben Hadad, ‘Do not boast as if you have already won a battle that you have not yet fought.’” (See: Proverbs and Metonymy)

1 Kings 20:13

The word “behold” alerts us to the sudden appearance of a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.

Yahweh asks this question to emphasize the size and strength of Ben Hadad’s army. Alternate translation: “Look at this great army.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The word “Look” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

Here the word “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “give you victory over that army” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 20:14

Ahab leaves out the words ‘will you do this’ Alternate translation: “By whom will you do this?” (See: Ellipsis)

1 Kings 20:15

Alternate translation: “Ahab assembled the young officers”

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

“7,000” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 20:16

Here the word “They” refers to the Israelite army.

See how you translated this in 1 Kings 20:1.

1 Kings 20:17

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “Scouts that Ben Hadad had sent out informed him” (See: Active or Passive)

A “scout” is a soldier sent to gather information about the enemy.

1 Kings 20:18

It is understood that Ben Hadad is speaking to his soldiers. Alternate translation: “Ben Hadad said to his soldiers” (See: Ellipsis)

Here “they” and “them” refer to the Israelite army.

1 Kings 20:19

Alternate translation: “The young Israelite officers … the Israelite army followed”

1 Kings 20:20

“Israel” is synecdoche for all the soldiers of the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “the men of the army of Israel pursued them” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 20:21

“The king” is synecdoche for the king and all the soldiers serving under him. Alternate translation: “The king of Israel and his soldiers went out and attacked” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 20:22

“Yourself” represents by metonymy the army of the king. Alternate translation: “strengthen your forces” (See: Metonymy)

These two words mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: “determine” (See: Doublet)

This could mean: (1) “in the springtime of next year” or (2) “at this time next year.”

1 Kings 20:23

The words “us” and “we” refer to the servants, the king, and the army all together. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

1 Kings 20:24

Alternate translation: “You must remove the thirty-two kings who are leading your troops”

1 Kings 20:26

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

“Israel” represents the army of Israel. Alternate translation: “to fight against the army of Israel” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 20:27

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Israelite army also gathered together, and the commanders gave the arms that they needed for the battle” (See: Active or Passive)

This simile compares the Israelite army to two little flocks of goats. Alternate translation: “The Israelite army appeared to be small and weak like two flocks of goats” (See: Simile)

1 Kings 20:28

This is another title for a prophet. Alternate translation: “a prophet”

Here the word “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “give you victory over this great army” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 20:29

“7 days” (See: Numbers)

“one hundred thousand” (See: Numbers)

A “footman” is a soldier who marches on foot.

1 Kings 20:30

The expression “the rest” assumes the words “of the Aramean soldiers.” Alternate translation: “The rest of the Aramean soldiers” (See: Ellipsis)

This is the name of a town. (See: How to Translate Names)

“27,000” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 20:31

This emphasizes what they will say. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention to what we are about to tell you”

This was a sign of surrender.

1 Kings 20:32

Ahab asks this question to express surprise. Alternate translation: “I am surprised that he is still alive!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

“My brother” here is a metaphor for somebody who is a good friend. Alternate translation: “He is like a brother to me” or “He is like family” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 20:33

The word “Now” does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

“Sign” is metonymy for an action that gives a meaning. Alternate translation: “for any action from Ahab that would show them that Ahab wanted to be merciful” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 20:35

Alternate translation: “a member of the group of prophets”

Alternate translation: “the message of Yahweh” or “Yahweh’s message”

1 Kings 20:36

“The voice” is metonymy for what Yahweh commanded. Alternate translation: “you have not obeyed Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 20:39

The prophet refers to himself in the third person as a sign of respect to the king.

“Heat of the battle” here is an idiom to express the most intense and fierce fighting. Alternate translation: “to where the battle was most intense” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “you will die in his place”

A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “33 kilograms of silver” (See: Biblical Weight)

1 Kings 20:40

This is an idiom to represent being very busy and preoccupied. Alternate translation: “doing other things” or “doing this and that” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 20:42

Here the word “hand” is metonymy for power. Alternate translation: “released” or “spared the life of” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “you will die in his place, and your people will die in the place of his people”

1 Kings 21

1 Kings 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Elijah continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

God hates oppression but is forgiving to people who are sorry for their sins. Ahab wanted Naboth’s vineyard to make into a garden for his palace, but Naboth refused to sell it. So the queen, Ahab’s wife, told the civic leaders of Naboth’s town to falsely accuse him and execute him. Elijah told Ahab that he would be killed in Naboth’s vineyard and all his family destroyed. Ahab repented and showed he was very sorry for what he did, so God said it would not happen to Ahab himself but to his son. (See: oppress, oppressed, oppression, oppressor, dominate, forgive, forgiven, forgiveness, pardon, pardoned and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and repent, repentance)

1 Kings 21:1

This phrase marks the beginning of a new part of the story and indicates that these events happened later, not that Naboth owned the vineyard later. If your language has a way marking the beginning of a new part of a story, you could consider using it here. Alternate translation: “Now this is what happened later” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

This is the name of a man from Jezreel. (See: How to Translate Names)

“Samaria” was the capital city of the kingdom of Israel and here represents the entire nation. Alternate translation: “king of Israel” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 21:3

This phrase is an oath that emphasizes that what follows will not happen. Alternate translation: “Because Yahweh forbids it, I will never give” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The land that his ancestors received as a permanent possession is spoken of as if it were an inheritance. Alternate translation: “give to you the land that my ancestors received as an inheritance” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 21:5

Here “heart” refers to the entire person and his emotions. Alternate translation: “Why are you so sad” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 21:7

Jezebel uses this negative rhetorical question to rebuke Ahab. It can be translated as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “You still rule the kingdom of Israel!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here “heart” refers to the entire person and his emotions. Alternate translation: “be happy” or “cheer up” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 21:8

This could mean: (1) she wrote Ahab’s name on the letters. Alternate translation: “wrote letters and signed them with Ahab’s name” or (2) the word “name” is a metonym for authority. Alternate translation: “wrote letters on behalf of Ahab” (See: Metonymy)

The word “wealthy” refers to wealthy people. Alternate translation: “the wealthy people who sat with Naboth” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

1 Kings 21:9

Having Naboth sit in a place of honor is spoken of as if it were having him sit above the rest of the people who were present. Alternate translation: “have Naboth sit in a place of honor among the people” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 21:10

Alternate translation: “have them accuse him”

1 Kings 21:11

The word “wealthy” refers to wealthy people. Alternate translation: “the wealthy people who lived in Naboth’s city” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as she had written in the letters” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 21:12

Having Naboth sit in a place of honor is spoken of as if it were having him sit above the rest of the people who were present. See how you translated this idea in 1 Kings 21:9. Alternate translation: “had Naboth sit in a place of honor among the people” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 21:13

Alternate translation: “sat in front of Naboth”

Here the word “they” refers to the people of the city.

1 Kings 21:14

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “We have stoned Naboth and he is dead” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 21:15

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the people had stoned Naboth and he was dead” (See: Active or Passive)

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize Jezebel’s statement. Alternate translation: “Naboth is dead!” (See: Doublet)

1 Kings 21:17

This idiom means that Yahweh spoke or has sent a message. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 21:19

Yahweh asks this question to scold Ahab. Alternate translation: “You have killed Naboth and stolen his vineyard!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This is repeated for emphasis.

1 Kings 21:20

Ahab uses this question to express anger toward Elijah. That Elijah “found” Ahab likely refers to Elijah discovering Ahab’s actions, not to finding his physical location. Alternate translation: “You have found me, my enemy!” or “You have discovered what I have done, my enemy!” (See: Rhetorical Question and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

A person being committed to doing what is evil is spoken of as if that person had sold himself to evil. Alternate translation: “you have dedicated yourself to doing what is evil” (See: Metaphor)

The phrase, “in the sight of” refers to someone’s opinion. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 11:6. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 21:21

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Yahweh speaks of destroying Ahab’s family and preventing him from having any decedents as if he were consuming these people like a fire would consume them, and cutting them off as one would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “destroy every one of your male children in Israel, whether slave or free” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 21:22

Yahweh will destroy Ahab’s family like he destroyed the families of Jeroboam and Baasha.

1 Kings 21:24

Alternate translation: “Anyone who belongs to Ahab’s family”

1 Kings 21:25

A person being committed to doing what is evil is spoken of as if that person had sold himself to evil. See how you translated this idea in 1 Kings 21:20. Alternate translation: “who dedicated himself to doing what was evil” (See: Metaphor)

The phrase, “in the sight of” refers to someone’s opinion. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 11:6. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 21:26

Here “Israel” refers to all twelve tribes of Israel and not just to the northern kingdom. Alternate translation: “removed from the presence of the people of Israel” or “drove out of the land before the people of Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 21:28

This idiom means that Yahweh spoke or has sent a message. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:11. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 21:29

God uses this question to show Elijah that Ahab’s sorrow is genuine. Alternate translation: “I have seen how Ahab humbles himself before me.” or “Look at how Ahab humbles himself before me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “during his lifetime … during his son’s lifetime”

1 Kings 22

1 Kings 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the end of the story of Ahab and a continuation of the story of Elijah as he had predicted Ahab’s death and the dogs licking his blood.

Special concepts in this chapter

When God has decided a person will die, then they cannot avoid death. Ahab persuaded Jehoshaphat, king of Judah to help him in a battle against the army of Aram. Ahab’s false prophets all told him to go because he would be successful. But a randomly shot arrow hit him and he bled to death. They washed his chariot at the pool and the dogs licked up his blood, just as Elijah had said they would. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“However, the shrines were still not taken away. The people were still sacrificing and burning incense at the shrines.”

At the shrines, the people worshiped Yahweh. But later, during Hezekiah’s reign it was decided that all sacrifices must be made only at the temple. (See: temple, house, house of God)

1 Kings 22:1

“3 years” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 22:2

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

1 Kings 22:3

Ahab asks this question to emphasize that they should have already recaptured Ramoth Gilead. Alternate translation: “Ramoth Gilead is ours, but we have done nothing yet to take it from the hand of the king of Aram.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here the word “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “to take it from the control of the king of Aram” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 22:4

Jehoshaphat tells Ahab that he, his people, and his horses belong to Ahab, meaning that Ahab can command them as he pleases. Alternate translation: “I, my soldiers, and my horses are yours to use in any way you want” (See: Idiom)

1 Kings 22:6

“400 men” (See: Numbers)

Here the word “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “for the Lord will allow the king to capture Ramoth Gilead” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 22:8

Jehoshaphat refers to Ahab in the third person to show respect for him. Alternate translation: “You should not say that” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

1 Kings 22:11

Alternate translation: “made iron horns for himself”

The prophet’s actions are a symbolic metaphor that illustrates the way that Ahab would defeat the Arameans. Ahab’s army will win with great strength, as a bull attacks another animal. (See: Symbolic Action and Metaphor)

Destroying an enemy army is spoken of as if it were consuming them. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until you consume them” or “until you destroy them” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

1 Kings 22:12

Here the word “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “allowed the king to capture it” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 22:13

Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

The prophets all saying the same thing is spoken of as if they all spoke with the same mouth. Alternate translation: “the prophets all declare the same good things to the king” (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “them” refers to “the words of the prophets.” Alternate translation: “let what you say agree with what they have said” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 22:15

The word “we” refers to Ahab, Jehoshaphat, and their armies but not to Micaiah. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Here the word “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “will allow the king to capture it” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 22:16

Ahab asks this question out of frustration to rebuke Micaiah. Alternate translation: “Many times I have required … in the name of Yahweh.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here the word “name” refers to authority. Alternate translation: “as the representative of Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 22:17

Here “all Israel” refers to the army of Israel. Alternate translation: “I saw the entire army of Israel” (See: Synecdoche)

The people of the army are compared to sheep that have no one to lead them because their shepherd, the king, has died. (See: Simile)

Yahweh speaks of the king as if he were a shepherd. Just like a shepherd is responsible to care for and protect his sheep, the king is responsible to lead and protect his people. Alternate translation: “These people no longer have a leader” (See: Metaphor)

1 Kings 22:18

Ahab asks this question to emphasize that he had spoken the truth about Micaiah. Alternate translation: “I told you … but only disaster!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Kings 22:20

Ahab dying in battle is spoken of as if he will fall. Alternate translation: “die at Ramoth Gilead” (See: Metaphor and Euphemism)

“One … and another” refers to two or more angels in the heavenly host who were responding to Yahweh’s question in the previous verse.

1 Kings 22:22

Here the word “spirit” refers to the attitudes of the prophets and the words “the mouth” represents what they will say. Alternate translation: “cause all his prophets to speak lies” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 22:23

Alternate translation: “pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important”

Here the word “spirit” refers to the attitudes of the prophets and the words “the mouth” represents what they will say. Alternate translation: “has caused all of your prophets to speak lies” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 22:24

Zedekiah asks this sarcastic question to insult and rebuke Micaiah. Alternate translation: “Do not think that Yahweh’s Spirit left me to speak to you!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

1 Kings 22:25

Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

“you will know the answer to your question.” If Zedekiah’s rhetorical question is translated as a statement, this phrase may be translated to supply implicit information. Alternate translation: “you will know that the Spirit of Yahweh has spoken to me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

1 Kings 22:28

This describes something that would not happen. Yahweh had already told Micaiah that the king would not return safely. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

1 Kings 22:29

Here the kings represent themselves accompanied by their armies. Alternate translation: “Ahab, the king of Israel, and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah led their armies up” (See: Synecdoche)

1 Kings 22:30

This means to change the usual appearance so as not to be identified.

1 Kings 22:31

“32 captains” (See: Numbers)

By mentioning both “unimportant” and “important soldiers,” the king meant all soldiers. Alternate translation: “Do not attack any of the soldiers” (See: Merism)

1 Kings 22:32

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

1 Kings 22:34

This could mean: (1) he took aim to shoot a soldier without knowing that it was Ahab or (2) he drew his bow to shoot without any specific target in mind.

1 Kings 22:35

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone held the king up in his chariot” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 22:36

Here “a cry” represents the soldiers who were shouting. Alternate translation: “soldiers began to shout” (See: Metonymy)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

1 Kings 22:37

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “his soldiers brought his body to Samaria” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “people buried him”

1 Kings 22:38

Here “the word of Yahweh” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “just as Yahweh had declared” (See: Metonymy)

1 Kings 22:39

This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 15:31. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.” or “you can read them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel.” (See: Active or Passive and Rhetorical Question)

1 Kings 22:40

Ahab dying is spoken of as if he had fallen asleep. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 2:10. Alternate translation: “died” (See: Metaphor and Euphemism)

1 Kings 22:42

“35 years old” (See: Numbers)

“25 years” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 22:43

A person’s behavior is spoken of as if that person walked along a path. Alternate translation: “He did the same things that Asa, his father, had done” (See: Metaphor)

Here “eyes” represents seeing and Yahweh’s opinion is spoken of as if he were able to see something. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh considered to be right” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he did not take away the high places” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 22:45

This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 14:29. Alternate translation: “they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah.” or “you can read them in the book of the events of the kings of Judah.” (See: Active or Passive and Rhetorical Question)

1 Kings 22:48

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the ships wrecked” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 22:50

Jehoshaphat dying is spoken of as if he had fallen asleep. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 2:10. Alternate translation: “died” (See: Metaphor and Euphemism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people buried him” (See: Active or Passive)

1 Kings 22:51

“he reigned 2 years” (See: Numbers)

1 Kings 22:52

Yahweh’s opinion regarding something is spoken of as if Yahweh were seeing that thing. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh considered to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

A person’s behavior is spoken of as if that person were walking along a path. Alternate translation: “did the same things that his father, mother, and Jeroboam son of Nebat had done” (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “Israel” refers to the ten northern tribes that made up the kingdom of Israel.

1 Kings 22:53

The words “served” and “worshiped” mean basically the same thing. (See: Doublet)

Here the word “Israel” refers to all of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob.