1 Kings 12:13
1 Kings 12:13 in Multiple Translations
And the king answered the people harshly. He rejected the advice of the elders
And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men’s counsel that they gave him;
And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him,
And the king gave them a rough answer, giving no attention to the suggestion of the old men;
The king answered the people sharply. Dismissing the advice of the elders,
And the king answered the people sharpely, and left the old mens counsell that they gaue him,
And the king answereth the people sharply, and forsaketh the counsel of the elders which they counselled him,
The king answered the people roughly, and abandoned the counsel of the old men which they had given him,
And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him;
And the king answered the people roughly, leaving the counsel of the old men, which they had given him,
The king ignored the advice of the older men and spoke harshly to the Israeli leaders.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 12:13
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 12:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֧עַן
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
אֶת
הָ/עָ֖ם
קָשָׁ֑ה
וַֽ/יַּעֲזֹ֛ב
אֶת
עֲצַ֥ת
הַ/זְּקֵנִ֖ים
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
יְעָצֻֽ/הוּ
וַ/יַּ֧עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
קָשָׁ֑ה
qâsheh
H7186
severe
Adj
וַֽ/יַּעֲזֹ֛ב
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עֲצַ֥ת
ʻêtsâh
H6098
counsel
N-fs
הַ/זְּקֵנִ֖ים
zâqên
H2205
old
Art | Adj
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יְעָצֻֽ/הוּ
yâʻats
H3289
to advise
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 12:13
וַ/יַּ֧עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
קָשָׁ֑ה
qâsheh
H7186
"severe"
Adj
This word describes something or someone as severe or cruel, like the harsh treatment of the Israelites by their enemies in Judges.
Definition: 1) hard, cruel, severe, obstinate 1a) hard, difficult 1b) severe 1c) fierce, intense, vehement 1d) stubborn, stiff of neck, stiff-necked 1e) rigorous (of battle)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: churlish, cruel, grievous, hard((-hearted), thing), heavy, [phrase] impudent, obstinate, prevailed, rough(-ly), sore, sorrowful, stiff(necked), stubborn, [phrase] in trouble. See also: Genesis 42:7; 2 Samuel 2:17; Psalms 60:5.
וַֽ/יַּעֲזֹ֛ב
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עֲצַ֥ת
ʻêtsâh
H6098
"counsel"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.
Definition: counsel, advice, purpose
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. See also: Deuteronomy 32:28; Psalms 107:11; Psalms 1:1.
הַ/זְּקֵנִ֖ים
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יְעָצֻֽ/הוּ
yâʻats
H3289
"to advise"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to advise or counsel someone, like giving guidance or planning something. It is used in the Bible to describe people seeking advice or working together to make a plan. The KJV translates it as advise or counsel.
Definition: 1) to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to advise, counsel, give counsel, consult 1a2) counsellor (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate, counsel together 1c) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. See also: Exodus 18:19; Job 26:3; Psalms 16:7.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 12:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Rebellion against Rehoboam
11Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’”
12After three days, Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, since the king had said, “Come back to me on the third day.”
13And the king answered the people harshly. He rejected the advice of the elders
14and spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, “Whereas my father made your yoke heavy, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.” 15So the king did not listen to the people, and indeed this turn of events was from the LORD, to fulfill the word He had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 3:17 | But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. |
| 2 | Proverbs 13:20 | He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 10:12 | The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. |
| 4 | Proverbs 10:32 | The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse. |
| 5 | Proverbs 10:11 | The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. |
| 6 | Proverbs 18:23 | The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly. |
| 7 | Genesis 16:6 | “Here,” said Abram, “your servant is in your hands. Do whatever you want with her.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she fled from her. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 20:10 | Then David asked Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?” |
| 9 | Exodus 5:2 | But Pharaoh replied, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.” |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 25:10–11 | But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters. Why should I take my bread and water and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give them to these men whose origin I do not know?” |
1 Kings 12:13 Summary
In 1 Kings 12:13, King Rehoboam made a big mistake by answering the people harshly and rejecting the advice of the elders. This decision was influenced by his own pride and a desire to exert his authority over the people, rather than seeking to serve and care for them, as encouraged in Matthew 20:26-28. By rejecting the elders' advice, King Rehoboam demonstrated a lack of humility and a failure to prioritize the needs of his people, as warned against in 1 Peter 5:2-3. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking wise counsel and listening to others, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:14.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King Rehoboam answer the people harshly in 1 Kings 12:13?
King Rehoboam answered the people harshly because he rejected the advice of the elders and instead listened to the young men who advised him to rule with an even harsher hand, as seen in 1 Kings 12:14. This decision was influenced by his own pride and a desire to exert his authority over the people, similar to the warnings given in Proverbs 16:18.
What was the significance of the elders' advice in 1 Kings 12:13?
The elders' advice was significant because it represented a wise and experienced perspective on how to maintain unity and stability in the kingdom, as seen in the example of King Solomon's early reign in 1 Kings 3:9-12. By rejecting their advice, King Rehoboam was rejecting a potentially peaceful and prosperous path forward.
How does 1 Kings 12:13 relate to the larger story of the kingdom of Israel?
1 Kings 12:13 marks a turning point in the story of the kingdom of Israel, as King Rehoboam's harsh response to the people's requests ultimately leads to the division of the kingdom, as prophesied in 1 Kings 11:31-39. This event sets the stage for the rest of the book of 1 Kings, which chronicles the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah.
What can we learn from King Rehoboam's mistake in 1 Kings 12:13?
We can learn the importance of seeking wise counsel and listening to the advice of experienced and godly individuals, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:14 and Proverbs 24:6. By rejecting the advice of the elders, King Rehoboam demonstrated the dangers of pride and a lack of humility in leadership, as warned against in 1 Peter 5:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have rejected wise counsel, and what were the consequences?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and a willingness to listen to others, as encouraged in James 1:19-20?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to seek wise counsel and advice from others, and how can I do that in a way that honors God?
- How can I balance the need for strong leadership with the importance of listening to and serving others, as seen in the example of Jesus in Mark 10:42-45?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 12:13
And the king answered the people roughly,.... In a blustering manner, gave them hard words and severe menaces, being worked up to such a spirit by his young counsellors: and forsook the old men's
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 12:13
So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:13
1 Kings 12:13 And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men’ s counsel that they gave him;Ver. 13. And the king answered the people roughly.] But to his great loss; for he lost those ten tribes with a churlish breath, whom he would, and might not, recover with blood: being so much more wilful than his father, as less wise; all head and no heart.
Sermons on 1 Kings 12:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Tongue by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the feeling of being left behind and the horror it brings. He relates this to the concept of failing in the school of God and having to go b |
|
7) Wisdom for Sisters (Kannada) by Annie Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking divine wisdom for our earthly lives, distinguishing between knowledge and wisdom. It highlights the need for obedience to God's wor |
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Acquiring a Heart of Wisdom by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of acquiring wisdom in our lives, drawing insights from Psalms 90 and the life of Jesus. It highlights the need to submit to imperfect authori |
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(Luke) 01a - Introduction Cont. by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Gospel of Luke and its portrayal of Jesus reaching out to the needy, humble, and broken. The sermon highlights the impact of a movie based |
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Tongue Taming by David P. Murray | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the power and impact of our words. He uses various illustrations to emphasize how something small, like a bit in a horse's mouth or a rudder |
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Who Is Wise? by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment. He urges his listeners to make straight paths for their feet and not to stray from the right path. |
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Maintain the Connection - Part 4 by Hans Peter Royer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how to determine if a message is from God. They emphasize that the content of a word from God will always align with the general revelation fo |