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1 Kings 11:6

1 Kings 11:6 in Multiple Translations

So Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD; unlike his father David, he did not follow the LORD completely.

And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.

And Solomon did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, and went not fully after Jehovah, as did David his father.

And Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord, not walking in the Lord's ways with all his heart as David his father did.

This was how Solomon did evil in the Lord's sight, and was not completely dedicated to the Lord as his father David was.

So Salomon wrought wickednesse in the sight of the Lord, but continued not to follow the Lord, as did Dauid his father.

and Solomon doth the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah, and hath not been fully after Jehovah, like David his father.

Solomon did that which was evil in the LORD’s sight, and didn’t go fully after the LORD, as David his father did.

And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.

And Solomon did that which was net pleasing before the Lord, and did not fully follow the Lord, as David his father.

That’s how Solomon did things that Yahweh said were evil. He did not conduct his life like his father David had done; he did not conduct his life as Yahweh wanted him to.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 11:6

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Kings 11:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּ֧עַשׂ שְׁלֹמֹ֛ה הָ/רַ֖ע בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וְ/לֹ֥א מִלֵּ֛א אַחֲרֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה כְּ/דָוִ֥ד אָבִֽי/ו
וַ/יַּ֧עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שְׁלֹמֹ֛ה Shᵉlômôh H8010 Solomon N-proper
הָ/רַ֖ע raʻ H7451 bad Art | Adj
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd
יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
מִלֵּ֛א mâlêʼ H4390 to fill V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אַחֲרֵ֥י ʼachar H310 after Prep
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
כְּ/דָוִ֥ד Dâvid H1732 David Prep | N-proper
אָבִֽי/ו ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 11:6

וַ/יַּ֧עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
שְׁלֹמֹ֛ה Shᵉlômôh H8010 "Solomon" N-proper
Shelomoh, or Solomon, was a king of Judah and successor of his father David, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:14 and known for his wisdom.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.5.14; son of: David (H1732) and Bathsheba (H1339); brother of: Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727) and Nathan (H5416); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); married to daughter_of_Pharaoh (H6547P) and Naamah (H5279A); father of: Taphath (H2955), Basemath (H1315) and Rehoboam (H7346); also called Jedidiah at 2Sa.12.25; § Solomon = "peace" son of David by Bathsheba and 3rd king of Israel; author of Proverbs and Song of Songs
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: Solomon. See also: 2 Samuel 5:14; 1 Kings 9:25; 2 Chronicles 7:8.
הָ/רַ֖ע raʻ H7451 "bad" Art | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
מִלֵּ֛א mâlêʼ H4390 "to fill" V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
אַחֲרֵ֥י ʼachar H310 "after" Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כְּ/דָוִ֥ד Dâvid H1732 "David" Prep | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
אָבִֽי/ו ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 11:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Numbers 14:24 But because My servant Caleb has a different spirit and has followed Me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he has entered, and his descendants will inherit it.
2 Joshua 14:8 Although my brothers who went with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear, I remained loyal to the LORD my God.
3 Joshua 14:14 Therefore Hebron belongs to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite as an inheritance to this day, because he wholly followed the LORD, the God of Israel.

1 Kings 11:6 Summary

This verse tells us that Solomon, the king of Israel, did something that was very disappointing to God. He started following other gods and did not devote himself completely to the LORD, unlike his father David. This happened because Solomon's wives influenced him to worship their gods, and he did not stay faithful to the one true God (as seen in Deuteronomy 6:15). We can learn from Solomon's mistake by making sure to prioritize our relationship with God and being careful not to let other things or people turn our hearts away from Him (as warned in Matthew 6:24).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD?

This means that Solomon's actions were displeasing to God, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 12:31, where the Israelites were warned against imitating the detestable practices of the nations around them. By following other gods, Solomon was rejecting the one true God of Israel.

How could Solomon, a king who was once so close to God, turn away from Him?

Solomon's turn away from God was a result of the influence of his foreign wives, as seen in 1 Kings 11:4, and his own failure to remain faithful to the LORD, as warned against in 1 Corinthians 10:12. This serves as a reminder that even the strongest among us can fall if we are not careful to guard our hearts.

What does it mean that Solomon did not follow the LORD completely, unlike his father David?

This means that while David was not perfect, he had a wholehearted devotion to the LORD, as seen in Acts 13:22, whereas Solomon's devotion was divided between the LORD and other gods. This partial devotion ultimately led to Solomon's downfall.

Is this verse saying that Solomon was never saved or that he lost his salvation?

This verse is not necessarily addressing the question of Solomon's salvation, but rather his obedience and devotion to the LORD. However, it does highlight the importance of persevering in faith, as warned in Hebrews 10:26-27, and the danger of turning away from God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I may be allowing other 'gods' to influence my life and turn my heart away from the LORD?
  2. How can I, like David, cultivate a wholehearted devotion to the LORD, and what are some potential distractions or temptations that I need to be aware of?
  3. In what ways can I prioritize my relationship with the LORD and guard my heart against the influences of the world, as commanded in Proverbs 4:23?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I may be compromising my faith or values, and how can I take steps to correct this?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 11:6

And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord,.... As idolatry is, nothing more provoking to him: and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father; for though he did not relinquish the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 11:6

And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 11:6

i. e. Did not worship God wholly and solely, but joined idols with him.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 11:6

1 Kings 11:6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as [did] David his father.Ver. 6. And Solomon did evil.] Howbeit that evil one touched him not, sc., with a deadly touch: he was not transformed into sin’ s image. And went not fully after the Lord.] Heb., Fulfilled not after the Lord. Some render it, He persevered not in following the Lord, and therehence infer his utter apostasy. Bellarmine reckoneth him among reprobates; and he is commonly pictured by the Papists half in heaven and half in hell. But Hilary holdeth him a saint, and numbereth him with Moses and Peter, who sinned indeed, but repented and received mercy. In Ps. cxxvi.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 11:6

(1-8) The defection of Solomon is distinctly traced to his polygamy, contracting numerous marriages with “strange women.” Polygamy is also attributed to David (see 2 Samuel 3:2-5; 2 Samuel 15:16), marking perhaps the characteristic temperament of voluptuousness, which seduced him into his great sin; but it was carried out by Solomon on a scale corresponding to the magnificence of his kingdom, and probably had in his case the political object of alliance with neighbouring or tributary kings. We find it inherited by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:18-21), and it probably became in different degrees the practice of succeeding kings. Hitherto, while polygamy, as everywhere in the East, had to some degree existed in Israel from patriarchal times, yet it must have been checked by the marriage regulations of the Law. Nor had there yet been the royal magnificence and wealth, under which alone it attains to full development. We have some traces of it in the households of some of the Judges: Gideon (Judges 8:30), Jair (Judges 10:4), Ibzan and Abdon (Judges 12:9; Judges 12:14). Now, however, it became, in spite of the prohibition of the Law (Deuteronomy 17:17), a recognised element of royal self-indulgence—such as is described in Ecclesiastes 2:7-8, and is perhaps traceable even through the beauty of the Song of Solomon. In itself, even without any incidental consequences, it must necessarily be a demoralising power, as sinning against the primeval ordinance of God, and robbing natural relations of their true purity and sacredness. But in actual fact it sinned still more by involving forbidden marriages with idolatrous races, with the often-predicted effect of declension into idolatry.

Sermons on 1 Kings 11:6

SermonDescription
Welcome Detweiler Caleb by Welcome Detweiler In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the example of Caleb from the Bible who is commended for his wholehearted devotion to God. The speaker challenges the audience to examine the
Stephen Kaung The Spirit of Caleb by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of possessing what God has promised to us. He encourages both young and old believers to enter into and possess the blessings
Gareth Evans Give Me This Mountain by Gareth Evans In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Caleb from the Bible. Caleb, at the age of 85, declares that he feels as strong as he did 40 years ago and believes he can still
Denny Kenaston 25. Fighting Battles for the Next Generation by Denny Kenaston This sermon emphasizes the importance of fighting battles for the next generation, drawing inspiration from the story of Caleb in Numbers. It highlights the need for first and seco
Don Courville Climbing Mountains by Don Courville In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Caleb from the Bible and his determination to conquer the mountain that God had promised him. The preacher highlights six reaso
Don Courville On Eagles' Wings Pt 468 by Don Courville In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of conquering mountains in our lives. He mentions that God will give us mountains, which represent obstacles or challenges, but we
A.B. Simpson Have Thou Authority Over Ten Cities by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes that true success in our Christian walk is measured by our faithfulness rather than outward achievements. He draws parallels between the faithfulness of Cal

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